Iris (The Minnesota Marshalls: Book 4)

A new release by Warren always moves to the top of my TBR. I know I can count on her to deliver a fantastic plot with engaging characters and action. Iris and Hud are super fun!

Iris by Susan May Warren is another excellent Romantic Suspense story. I wasn’t sure anything could top the stress I experienced while reading Ned — I mean, can anything be more scary than being a pretty female trapped inside a disgusting Russian gulag? Iris upped the ante in the stress department by playing into the whodunnit factor. There’s a bomb, lots of shooting, poisoning, and murder, and Iris and Hud do all they can to figure out the who and the why. Of course the mystery is not completely solved by the end of this story, but that’s OK as we readers have one more installment to go before all the pieces are put to order. Regardless, I enjoyed the mystery aspect the most in this story. I like how Hud took it to heart that Iris’s brother’s left Iris’s care in his hands. He is loyal and fierce and protective, and he does a great job putting things together. Iris balks at Hud’s constant care, but I found it super sweet and swoony. I think a protective streak in a man is an underrated quality in today’s society. Iris is amazing. She is capable, strong, and athletic. She is really good at stepping back and seeing all the details, but only if they relate to football. She is also super stubborn and prideful. In fact, it’s not the assassin out to get her that’s Iris’s number one problem, but her refusal to ask for help when she desperately and clearly needs it. Iris does not ever want to appear weak that she is no longer able to see when she is having moments of weakness. I like how Hud steps in, much to Iris’s chagrin, and forces her to accept help. It saves her life more than once. As far as the chemistry between Iris and Hud, it is electric from the first page. I really Iris and Hud as a couple, and cheered for them the whole time. As with all Warren novels, Iris is filled with timely themes. The topic of partners winning resonated with me the most. There is a moment when Sibba (mc from Jonas) sees Iris and Hud playing a game of Dutch Blitz. She notices that Hud lets Iris win. When she mentions this to Iris, Iris is petulant — “He did not let me win!” Sibba surrenders and states, “Just saying that [Hud] wore this silly smile, and when you won, he did too” (loc. 2941). Yes! This is exactly how true, good partnerships should work. Support for one another should be so strong that when one of you wins, you both feel like you have won.

Iris is another excellent Romantic Suspense that I highly recommend. If you enjoy stories that leave you on the edge of your seat, that follow endearing and relatable characters, and that are filled with timely themes then grab a copy of Iris ASAP. You won’t be disappointed that you did!

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

I absolutely LOVED this Montana Marshalls novel!

Iris and Hudson. (I can't call him Hud, I'm sorry, all through the novel I kept replacing it in my head. I just couldn't do it!)

Anyway, Iris and Hudson were a wonderful addition to the overachieving, world saving Marshall family. I loved their dynamic, their bickering and I especially loved how they were not trained to save the world...but they both wanted to anyway.

And the Avengers theme continues! I love the quips and the comparisons and comparing Hudson to Thor made him fly up the levels of attractiveness in my brain! I hadn't really know what I was picturing at first, but as soon as that image game up, I was set!

As ever in Susan's novels, this one kept me flying through chapters, not wanting to stop. I made it halfway through before I had to just sit down and finish the rest in a single sitting! Her ability to mix adventure, danger, romance, family and God...it's magical. She truly has a gift!

Speaking of God, the faith element is always one of my favorite parts to Susan's novels. The themes of trust, love and surrender to God's plan. I never get tired of being reminded, in such a beautifully written way, that God has the ultimate plan. All I have to do is trust and be willing to go along for the ride.

All in all, another beautifully written novel, Susan! I cannot wait for Creed, but I also am not ready to say goodbye to this series yet!

SMW weaves an incredible suspenseful story intertwined with the perfect amount of romance, a riveting plot, and strong faith. I don't think I've ever read a book of hers that didn't keep me up way past my bedtime!

"But the fact is, and I learned this from your mom"--he put a hand on her arm--"you need to trust God for the now. Just right here, the earth beneath your feet. And then know that He'll be in the next step when you get there."

Iris is the fourth book in the Minnesota Marshalls series, and although we've already gotten to know Iris and Hudson a little bit in the series, we finally get a book primarily about the two of them. Iris loves her career as a European League of (American) Football official--so she still isn't sure why she ever agreed to become a courier for the CIA. And now she's on the run...with the last person she wants to be stuck with; Hudson Bly the arrogant and very-annoying football player. Hudson knows his days as a football star are numbered. Too many hard hits have left him with a traumatic brain injury and another accident could end not only his career, but his life. So signing up to help his country seemed like the logical next step. Until his new side-job landed him in the middle of an international man-hunt with the woman who wrecked his life--and doesn't even seem to remember doing it. Despite his feelings about Iris, he can't just let her be killed, right? And as they work together to stay alive, they just might find love along the way.

As much as I love SMW's military heroes, I have to say I loved that Hudson is just a regular (or mostly) guy without any hardcore special-ops training. He may not always know exactly what he's doing, but nothing could stop him from protecting the people he cares about. And Iris. She's gritty and strong, but hides her soft side from the world: the side that is terrified of losing the ones she loves. I enjoyed seeing so much of the entire Marshall family in this novel and getting a glimpse into their tight-knit family and the struggles that have brought them closer together. They never hesitate to drop everything and rush to the rescue when someone is in trouble. Also, both Garrett and Jenny had so much wisdom to share and I appreciated the godly advice they brought along the way. Everything about this novel was fantastic and I can't see where it takes us next! Although we got some more loose ends tied up in Iris and solved a few problems, we're left with just enough to keep us on edge and guessing what happens in Creed's story. It's a good thing SMW releases her books relatively close together, because I for one can't wait much longer to see how it all ends!

If romantic suspense is your thing, you'll want to grab a copy of Iris (and the previous books) asap!

*As a member of the launch team, I received a complimentary copy of Iris through the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

Book 4 of the Minnesota Marshalls, Iris, by the talented Susan May Warren. Wow. Just wow.
It takes a special ability to be able to make the fourth book in a series stellar, but Warren is a master storyteller, and she does a great job. You will not be disappointed, especially if you're already a Marshall family fan.
Iris is in trouble. Not surprising as she is a Marshall. She has attempted to do the right thing and found that it's exactly the opposite. Now she's venturing across Europe in hopes of staying alive. Hudson Bly, wide receiver turned self-proclaimed bodyguard, is sticking close to Iris, and trying to keep her alive. Well, he did promise her BROTHERS he'd get her home safe. What was he thinking?
Iris and Hud's story is fun. I enjoy all the family interaction and trouble the Marhsalls inevitably get in to. I have so many quotes from this book I want to share.
Well done to the author and publisher. What a great adventure!
Thank you for the opportunity to share in this story's legacy through reading and reviewing! All opinions are my own.