I have a soft spot for military veterans who ride Harley Davidsons ... my heart roars with Rolling Thunder (when vets ride to the Vietnam Memorial on Memorial Day). Naturally I jumped at the opportunity to spotlight Julie Ann Walker, creator of the Black Knights Inc.!
Kim: We love travel at SOS Aloha - can you share your favorite sight, smell, and sound of Chicago?
Julie: Fellow travel lovers, eh? Oh, the stories I could tell you. Like the one about my recent trip to Serbia - yes, you read that correctly; I actually took a vacation to Serbia - where the local taxi driver drove us three and a half hours cross country to Croatia... during which time my hubby and I were certain we were about to have our organs harvested. But I digress. (I have the tendency to do that!) You wanted to hear about Chicago, right? The Windy City, the City of Broad Shoulders, the Second City - I don't like that last one since it makes us all sound cut rate and we certainly are not. Because Chicago is, in my niece's vernacular, da bomb! And my favorite sight can only be found atop the John Hancock building. There's this cool bar on the 95th floor with 360 degree views of the city. It is, in a word, spectacular. From the cerulean blue of Lake Michigan to the gleaming black monolith of the Sears Tower (it changed its name to Willis Tower a couple of years ago, but true Chicagoans will never refer to it as such) it is a feast for the eyes. And did I mention they serve a mean mojito up there?
As for smells, there's one that absolutely screams Chi-Town. That's Garrett's popcorn. You can smell the place from down the street and the line to get in the door is usually wrapped around the block. They serve something called "The Chicago Mix" which is a combination of their signature cheddar popcorn thrown in with their oh-so-delicious caramel popcorn. Now, before you scoff - or throw up a little in your mouth - let me just assure you that this particular concoction is pure, unadulterated ambrosia. I know; I was skeptical the first time I tried it. But now I'm a convert. My hips can attest to this...
And sounds? Well that has to be the happy, percussive boom of fireworks over Navy Pier. Every Wednesday and Saturday night, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, "The Pier" puts on a fireworks display to do any Fourth of July extravaganza proud. The thunder of the pyrotechnics echoes through the buildings like nothing else. I love that sound, because not only is it like a holiday twice a week, but it reminds me that it's summertime. The best time of the year in Chicago.
And, in case you couldn't tell, I'm absolutely in love with this tough-as-nails city. Which is why I thought it was the perfect locale for my tough-as-nails romantic suspense series. Come visit!
As for smells, there's one that absolutely screams Chi-Town. That's Garrett's popcorn. You can smell the place from down the street and the line to get in the door is usually wrapped around the block. They serve something called "The Chicago Mix" which is a combination of their signature cheddar popcorn thrown in with their oh-so-delicious caramel popcorn. Now, before you scoff - or throw up a little in your mouth - let me just assure you that this particular concoction is pure, unadulterated ambrosia. I know; I was skeptical the first time I tried it. But now I'm a convert. My hips can attest to this...
And sounds? Well that has to be the happy, percussive boom of fireworks over Navy Pier. Every Wednesday and Saturday night, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, "The Pier" puts on a fireworks display to do any Fourth of July extravaganza proud. The thunder of the pyrotechnics echoes through the buildings like nothing else. I love that sound, because not only is it like a holiday twice a week, but it reminds me that it's summertime. The best time of the year in Chicago.
And, in case you couldn't tell, I'm absolutely in love with this tough-as-nails city. Which is why I thought it was the perfect locale for my tough-as-nails romantic suspense series. Come visit!
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| Michelle Pfeiffer portrays ex Marine LouAnn Johnson who became at teacher in DANGEROUS MINDS. |
Kim: I salute you for teaching math! I attended college on a math scholarship from the Air Force. What was the greatest challenge and reward of working with young brilliant minds?
Julie: Oh, my gosh. The greatest challenge? Sometimes they were smarter than I was! No, seriously, my students were an absolute dream. Teaching advanced mathematics, I always told everyone I lived in Teaching Utopia. The kids came to class everyday eager to learn. An educator can't ask for more than that. As for the greatest reward, I'd have to say it was simply getting the opportunity to play a small part in the development of those phenomenal men and woman. I've kept up with a few of them via Facebook and they've exceeded all my expectations.
Julie: Oh, my gosh. The greatest challenge? Sometimes they were smarter than I was! No, seriously, my students were an absolute dream. Teaching advanced mathematics, I always told everyone I lived in Teaching Utopia. The kids came to class everyday eager to learn. An educator can't ask for more than that. As for the greatest reward, I'd have to say it was simply getting the opportunity to play a small part in the development of those phenomenal men and woman. I've kept up with a few of them via Facebook and they've exceeded all my expectations.
Kim: What inspired HELL ON WHEELS?
Julie: Okay, confession time here. I've always kind of had a thing for a man on a motorcycle. Something about the rebelliousness of it, the freedom of the open road and the outlaw mentality of hoping on the back of a half ton of hand-rolled steel and just... riding. *sigh* And I volunteer for the USO where I have the humble pleasure of meeting some of our nation's real life heroes. So one day I thought to myself... what if? What if there was a way to combine the two... the motorcycle man and the military man? And from that simple question, that simple what if, my series, Black Knights Inc., was born.
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| TOP GUN |
Kim: What's next for Julie Ann Walker?
Julie: I'm currently working on the fourth book in the Black Knights Inc. series. It's the story of super-sexy black-ops agent, Richard "Rock" Babineaux and Vanessa Cordero, the spunky communications specialist who just won't take "no" for an answer. It starts off in the steamy jungles of Costa Rica, but inevitably ends up back in the Windy City where a motorcycle chase is a foregone conclusion. Vroom! Vroom!
HELL ON WHEELS BY JULIE ANN WALKER – IN STORES AUGUST 2012
Black Knights Inc.—Behind the facade of their tricked–out motorcycle shop is an elite special ops team assigned the jobs too hot for anyone else to handle.
Hold On Tight...
Ex–Marine Nate "Ghost" Weller is an expert at keeping his cool—and his distance—which makes him one hell of a sniper. It's also how he keeps his feelings for Ali Morgan in check. Sweet, sexy Ali has always revved his engine, but she's his best friend's baby sister...and totally off limits.
Rough Road Ahead
Ali's never seen anything sexier than Nate Weller straddling his custom Harley—or the flash of danger in his eyes when she tells him she's in trouble. First something happened to her brother, and now she's become the target of a nasty international organization. With Nate, her life is in the most capable hands possible—but her heart is another story altogether.
HELL ON WHEELS BY JULIE ANN WALKER – IN STORES AUGUST 2012
Black Knights Inc.—Behind the facade of their tricked–out motorcycle shop is an elite special ops team assigned the jobs too hot for anyone else to handle.
Hold On Tight...
Ex–Marine Nate "Ghost" Weller is an expert at keeping his cool—and his distance—which makes him one hell of a sniper. It's also how he keeps his feelings for Ali Morgan in check. Sweet, sexy Ali has always revved his engine, but she's his best friend's baby sister...and totally off limits.
Rough Road Ahead
Ali's never seen anything sexier than Nate Weller straddling his custom Harley—or the flash of danger in his eyes when she tells him she's in trouble. First something happened to her brother, and now she's become the target of a nasty international organization. With Nate, her life is in the most capable hands possible—but her heart is another story altogether.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Deep in the heart of the Windy City, three things can be found at Julie Ann Walker’s fingertips: a keyboard, a carafe of coffee, and a sleepy yellow Labrador retriever. They, along with her ever-patient husband, keep her grounded as her imagination flies high. Look for the next two books in her fast-paced series: In Rides Trouble (September 2012) and Rev It Up (October 2012). For more information, please visit www.julieannwalker.com, follow her on Twitter @JAWalkerAuthor and Facebook www.facebook.com/jawalkerauthor.
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| EASY RIDER |
Mahalo, Julie, for rolling over to us today at SOS Aloha! I posted my review of HELL ON WHEELS on Amazon at this link and Goodreads at this link. Sourcebooks is giving away a print copy of HELL ON WHEELS. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about two wheel riding - have you tried it?
2. This giveaway is open to US residents ... but I'll giveaway a "Hawaii on Wheels" souvenir to one international reader.
3. Comments are open through Saturday, August 11, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 12.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
Not only have I tried it, I used to own my own "bike". It was the late 60's and I had been married several years. My (then) hubby had just graduated from college and money was tight. My job was several miles (walk) from where we were living. My hubby bought a small motorcyle for me to ride to and from work. It was quite an experience. The real fun was on the week-ends though when we would go pleasure riding.
ReplyDeleteMy husband had a bike up to a couple of years ago. I've never driven one but rode on the back of his.
ReplyDeletePlease do not enter me in today's drawing. I read this book and I loved it!!!!
I can't wait to read In Rides Trouble.
Oh, I'm so happy you enjoyed HELL ON WHEELS! Boss and Becky's story is just around the corner. *fist pump*
DeleteI haven't tried it. That's just not me!
ReplyDeleteBut you'd still like to READ about tough, motorcycle riding government agents, right? Right? *nudge, nudge* LOL!
DeleteI made a spelling error and it was not good. We used to ride motorcycles all the time but when my husband became a state trooper, we stopped. He saw some terrible accidents.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny you should mention accidents. There was some discussion, during the editing process, to possibly remove the helmets on my riders because, you know, it's sexier that way. O.o I put my foot down. I said, "My guys might be dangerous and wild, but they're not stupid!" ;-)
DeleteNo, I have not. But ever since seeing the movie Larry Crowne, I've thought it might be fun to have a scooter to drive around town on.
ReplyDeleteI can attest that scooters are a blast! If you have the opportunity to take a scooter tour somewhere (anywhere!) don't pass it up!
Deletei havent ride it
ReplyDeleteMy only 2 wheels driving is riding a bicycle (the kids type and not the Harley type!) But yes, there is something cool about a bike and leather jacket...
ReplyDeleteI ride a bike - that's bicycle - every day when the weather is nice. It's good exercise! ;-)
Deletethanks for a great post and congrats to Julie on the new release(s) :)
ReplyDeleteMy BF used to ride a motorcycle. I rode w/ him once and that was all I needed to know that I don't like it!
Thanks for the congrats! I'm having a blast!
DeleteI've tried it and it's scary as HELL! :-)
ReplyDeleteHa! I see what you did there; play on words with the title and such. Nice. ;-)
DeleteWow. I sure tried it. Thirty years ago. I wanted a moped so badly, but my parents ... These days, I own a bicycle. And I'm very proud of myself for having ridden it to school with the kids all of last year. Yay. I felt so European :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie Ann Walker, for supporting Kim and SOS ALOHA. And, yes, I'm totally dying to read this series :-)
Nadja
Now THAT'S what I like to hear! The "dying to read this series" part, that is. LOL!
DeleteMy husband had a scooter when he lived in Africa and later on I did ride with him on a borrowed motorcycle a few times but I'm afraid they scared me lol. And, yes, reading about them is as exciting as I want it to be lol.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's one of the things I love about writing romantic suspense, things that would absolutely scare the bejeezus out of me, my heroines sail through with no trouble. Oh, to be as brave as my fictional characters....
DeleteI've road on the back of a few :-) It's very relaxing and freeing-- if you ride with someone you trust!
ReplyDeleteAnd that's the key. It you're not the one in the driver's seat, you gotta have complete faith in the person who is. And if he happens to be handsome and delicious? All the better!
DeleteI actually enjoyed my one and only motorcycle ride but would be afraid to ride the crazy L.A. freeways on one...and motorcyclists tend to worry me as they weave in and out of traffic. Looking forward to reading your book!
ReplyDeleteMy dad had a motorcycle for years and used to take us on rides. I was always uncomfortable doing it because there wasn't anything to keep us inside it. I remember one time he took my mom and she fell off the back of it. Luckily, he was driving up a moutain very slowly. The only problem was that a rattlesnake was close to being run over by them at the time.
ReplyDeletekscathy@yahoo.com
Dumped the bike and burned my leg on the exhaust----I rode no more.
ReplyDeleteI have never been on a motorcycle. I guess it just hasn't been on my priority list, but they are super hot! LOL!!! Kudos to you for not letting people talk you out of your guys wearing helmets. I personally think the helmets are hot! They add to the mystery of the rider ;) Plus, it's just smart to wear one. I love the new series! Awesome job!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried it yet, but I do hope I get to experience what riding on a motorcycle feels like.
ReplyDeleteBeing the only daughter of a biker - Yup! I grew up around Harley's, and well you can call me a bike snob. LOL. It is always great when my dad took me home from school on his Harley! But then I was in gradeschool then. I WANTED him to do so in High school but too far.
ReplyDeleteBut him picking me up at work (at the times I worked at McDonald's) made up for that. He got a kick out of seeing my fellow work-mates flock to the window to watch me hop on the back and ride off!
To feel the vibrations of the harley between your legs (and not being dirty about it..) Oh how I miss it. My father had a 69 Sportster
Raonaid at gmail dot com
No, I haven't.
ReplyDeleteI have not ridden a motorcycle, but would really like to ride one someday.
ReplyDeleteNo I have not , would like to, hot book, whoo
ReplyDeleteKimh
You would not catch me on a bike. Too dangerous by far.
ReplyDeleteI love motorcycles. I have never ridden by myself, but have been giving rides. I live being able to hang onto a gorgeous man and feel free riding down the road.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
Christinebails@yahoo.com
I've ridden with someone else - way back when I was a whole lot younger!! Loved it. I can't wait to read these books, they look great.
ReplyDeletemlawson17 at hotmail dot com
I liked math! It wasn't my favorite subject but learning all these math concepts do come in handy at times.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried wheel-riding. I'm too scared :(
I have never ridden a motorcycle but it looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I have to catch up in this series. In the early 70's my sister who is petite was dating a sailor. He left his bike at our house when they shipped out for another tour. Well, she got the bright idea to try and ride it with me on the back. :) We lived in a rural area of Florida at the time and me being the 16 year old younger sister went along with it. Just watching her try to push this huge Harley was worth it. We finally got it on the dirt road and took off. lol A mile down or so she lost control and rode right up the front steps to a house and crashed into the porch door. Thank God no one was out there. But that sort of kept our little prank from being a secret as my Father drove down the road and saw the commotion and came over. Seeing us he quietly said to get in the car and figure out how soon we could pay for the repairs and enjoy our being grounded until further notice. I still have a faint scar on my leg from that event and I've never ridden a bike again. Or my sister. :)
ReplyDeleteCarol L.
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
The only two wheel riding I've done is on a bicycle as I've never been on a motorcycle before...
ReplyDelete