Ned (The Minnesota Marshalls: Book 3)

It's a nice change in the romance market to read a novel starring two characters who were already in love and grow through an adventure together. Warren returns to her Russian roots in this novel and it's fun to see. As always, fantastic plotting that keeps you on the edge of your seat and on a mission to finish as soon as possible.

I loved every minute of this intense and engaging read. Ned by Susan May Warren is crazy stressful and quite the wild ride. But that is to be expected from a Warren novel. Ned’s character is excellently relatable. I really felt (and shared) his constant worries, fears, and frustrations. Like his big brother Fraser, Ned has a capability issue. He is SO able that he forgets that he needs God — and sometimes others — in his life. I’ve never been that capable before, so I don’t really understand Ned’s inability to let go and let God, but I 100% relate to his need for a guaranteed plan. If I could have every single day’s plan ahead of time that would be fantastic. But then I wouldn’t know what it means to trust — and that is Ned’s lesson, too. To actually survive, Ned has to get out of his own way and trust the One who is bigger and more capable than him. I very much enjoyed seeing Ned and Fraser interact as brothers and as rugged, tough military men. I appreciate how Fraser has his younger brother’s back, but he is also not afraid to get in Ned’s face (kindly and compassionately, of course) when Ned needs a reminder of his actual place in the grand scheme of things. Shae is also wonderfully written. I loved her character in Troubled Waters, so it was a real treat getting to see her story continue in this book. Even though her circumstances are super scary and intense, she is realistically strong and brave throughout it all. She knows her limitations, but she also knows how to pull from her inner-strength when the need arises. Shae’s portion of the story definitely had me sitting on the edge of my seat, but I never felt hopeless for her, and that is because of Judah. For me, the real star of the show is Judah Lion’s character. He is absolutely wonderful. I hope that Warren writes his story because I am so ready to read that. What I enjoyed the most about his character is that his eye never strays from the prize…Jesus. No matter how bad things get, no matter how hurt he is, Judah’s faith and trust in God never wavers. There is such a strong and sure peace about his character that when he is on scene I felt at peace, like everything was going to be just fine…even in a Russian gulag. It’s a testament to Warren’s superb writing that a fictional character could bring me, the reader, this feeling of peace just by his presence. So cool! Last, but certainly not least, there is Iris and Hud. The chemistry between two is palpable, and the danger they are in is terrifying. I LOVED every single second of their storyline and cannot wait for Iris to release.

Ned is a must-read Romantic Suspense that I highly recommend. This is a story — a whole series — you do not want to miss! If you enjoy well-written nail-biting stories that leave you wanting more, then purchase yourself a copy of Ned today. You’ll be super happy you did!

I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from the author on May 20, 2023, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Awesome as always

As expected this book was a wild ride jammed packed with intense situations that kept me flying through the pages as fast as I could read.

.

There was suspense, romance, and faith all woven together with just the right dose of humor to break up the intense life and death stakes that Ned and Shae found themselves in. 

.

Susan May Warren gave us just enough  closer and clarity in Ned and Shae' story to leave you sati6and at the same time left enough hanging unfinished to make you eager to hear what they are going to be up to next. I love how we get some good page time with the characters in the next book to absolutely love them. Their banter and forced proximity had me hooked.  I can't wait for Iris' book. Not just because of the situation she left her in at the end of Ned, but because I ADORE the characters and I want to see more of them.

.

And while this book is just how I like my RS, with plenty of action and romance broken up with some lighter moments, it had some really great character growth moments and  a faith thread that spoke to me.

I think that we will all go through times we wonder if God has forgotten us in the chaos of life these days.

I really appreciated the reminder of how He is present even in out darkest times.

We saw the earlier time of Ned and Shaes journey years ago and this glimpse into who they have grown to be is so special. 

.

Like I said.  This book is the whole package.

If you are new to the game start with Fraser.

I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts are completely my own and honest.

This heart-stopping, thrilling adventure had me enthralled! From the moment I started reading, it felt like my heart was in my throat, like I was right there along side Ned and Shae as they attempted to make their way back to one another. I knew this was going to be an intense adventure, but, frankly, that would be putting it lightly.

Every time I picked this novel up to keep reading, I was drawn in. Before I knew it, it was three chapters and two hours later. I held my breath throughout the whole book, hoping that this time, Ned and Shae were safe...only to have the other shoe drop a couple pages later. When I reached the final chapter, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.

And while I got my happy ending for this novel, I know this storyline is far from over. This all being said, I really enjoyed getting to know Shae and Ned better. I haven't made it to their original story in the Montana Rescue series yet, so, I really loved the way Susan gave you a recap of their backstory while leaving me still really wanting to finish that series to find out more.

Once again, Susan also delivered on the faith journey. I loved the correlation between Shae's experience in Russia and the verse highlighted throughout the story (no spoilers, I promise!) It was such a neat way of bringing Shae hope in the middle of her battles. Also, can I just say, Judah?! Ugh, loved him so much! (Again, I'm doing my best to stay away from spoiling anything.)

And then there was the introduction of Iris. Let's just say that I am looking forward to another action packed novel full of near death experiences, faith and saving the world. Yeah, we'll say that and leave it.