Fraser (The Minnesota Marshalls: Book 1)

Thanks for starting this new branch of the family. Really great story line about how to define your life and actions through Jesus. Good lead characters who needed to rely more on The Lord for strength to get the job done.

Oh my word, I have no idea how to even begin with this book. Fraser by Susan May Warren has blown me away! This book IS. SO. GOOD!!! I must admit that I am extremely behind in Warren’s backlog. I feel a little overwhelmed by how fast Warren is able to release stories. But I saw Fraser and said to myself, “You will read this series.” So, here I am, done with book 1. And what a ride. This book is engaging from page one. Very early on there is a moment on a hanging gondola — yeah, I was TERRIFIED. And the intensity just kept ratcheting up from that point forward. The characters are fantastic. At first, I was quite confused with all the name dropping and cameos — it made me feel a bit lost because I haven’t read too many of Warren’s books lately, so I didn’t know who people were or the events they were referencing. But once the story got to just Pippa and Fraser, Imani and Creed, it was smooth sailing and I had no problem with following the plot. Fraser is my absolute favorite character in this story and my heart hurt for him big time. What a hero! To be a true Alpha male and then to suddenly be sidelined with no sort of grand purpose must be excruciating. I love the message Warren weaves in regards to Fraser and his identity. So many of us get wrapped up in our identities that we make them our whole lives. Maybe, without being aware of it, we even turn these identities into idols. Fraser struggles with being sidelined because he loved being the Alpha, the man in control, the man who could always do. I mean who doesn’t dream of being super capable at something and then being loved for it? But once Fraser can’t do, he flails because what’s his purpose? And that is totally expected, but it’s in the not-capable moments where he realizes that he has become reliant on self and not on God. WHOA! I had to stop for a minute and really think about all the hats I wear. Do I make idols of my identities? Do I rely on my abilities and not on God? I love, love, love that this absolutely excellent story had me self-reflecting and turning to God.

There is actually so much more to be said about Fraser. I can’t do this book justice in just this one review. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve done anything in this review. But I do highly, highly recommend this well-written and intense Romantic Suspense. If you haven’t yet read it, do yourself a solid and purchase a copy today. You will be very happy you did!

I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Susan May Warren, on February 14, 2023, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I love Susan’s books and now I can listen while I get things done. Awesome narrator for a great story.

I told myself I was going to enjoy this first book in what has become my most anticipated series of 2023, nice and slow. You know, savor it like the mature, disciplined woman I am. As you can imagine that did not happen. I inhaled this book and loved every minute of the journey. It was everything I love about Susan May Warren’s romantic suspense.

Oh, and the journey Susan takes her readers on with this one! I turned pages well into the night. Fraser is such an excellent character—a leader, a man who lives on principle, always putting himself in harm’s way for the people he loves. I’m always going to love a protective hero. His inner struggle, and the truth Susan wove through his story was profound. Many highlights saved in my Kindle on this one. Bold, biblical truth that was refreshing to see.

Pippa had such depth and was a joy to get to know. Much like Fraser, she was principled, loyal and courageous. I love, LOVE the tie in with her origin (no spoilers here).

Fraser and Pippa’s banter was something to behold. There’s even a meet-cute…okay maybe not cute, per say, but it’s, ahem, electric IYKYK. I love the way they worked together, trusted one another.

I loved the other two POV’s told in this story, which is difficult to discuss without spoilers, but getting a little look into those two lives and brains makes me all the more excited for the continuation of this series. I can only imagine (and have haha) where we will go next in book two with Jonas.

Readers can expect heart-pounding action, suspense, twists and turns, the perfect romance, biblical truth, characters you will love and root for until the last page and appearances from many past characters. Fraser was an explosive beginning to the Minnesota Marshalls and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

What I like more than strong navy seal heroes, is strong navy seal heroes who is vulnerable and not perfect, but still driven to protect those they care for. Fraser is just that!

I enjoyed this action packed, adventurous journey with Fraser and Pippa. Both Fraser and Pippa dealt with insecurities which was emphasized in this story.

As always, the author delivered action, adventure and suspense, but also brings back the physical challenges to the emotional and spiritual challenges of the characters as well, and delivers strong Godly wisdom based on scripture, which not only empowers her characters, but also her readers.

“The truth I know is that God isn’t a fairy tale. And that He doesn’t make mistakes. And that my feelings, or fears, don’t change the fact of His love for me.”

And if you are someone who enjoys more the romance side of romantic suspense, there is a lot of kisses in this story.

If you are new to this author, the character and plot line does continue from prior series, however, I do not think you will be lost. But there is a great backlist of books to read 😊.

Faith is what holds us together. It’s our foundation when the world is shattering around us. It’s the belief in a bigger picture. A bigger reason. It’s the hope that we have when we realize we are not enough.

This story ended with a cliffhanger question, and I am eager to read book two, Jonas, which is available soon.