One Last Stand

Author: Susan May Warren
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Alaska Air One Rescue #4
Pages: 336
Release Date: October 8, 2024
Publisher: Revell

As a member of the Air One Rescue team, pilot London Brooks has built a new life--one far away from her clandestine past as an operative tasked to take down a branch of Russian terrorists. She has no desire to reenter that world or endure the grief of losing everyone she loved, including her fiancé. But the past won't stay past. When she finds herself falsely accused, her reputation tarnished, and her life in danger, she has no choice but to plunge back into the treacherous world she left behind. Even if she must surrender everything--and everyone--she loves in her new life.

Shep Watson will never forget the day he saved London Brooks from the avalanche that nearly killed her. He knows there is more to her story, but he's intent on keeping her secrets. Just when it seems she's finally ready to let him into her heart, her past comes knocking. But he can't bear to lose her again, which means, somehow, he'll have to enter her world, keep up with her, and figure out a way to bring her home. But when the danger comes home to Alaska, what will it cost the Air One Rescue team?

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Reviewer: Amy Smelser

If you are looking for high-intensity suspense and action, a swoony love story, and a team that acts more like a family that has your back no matter what, then this is a read for you. In fact, pick up this whole series.

I hate to even admit this, but I only read the first book in this series. It was good too, but I need to read the other two as well. This story is fine as a standalone, I was filled in on a lot of what took place. However, just for the whole picture and experience, I need to go back. What I liked about this series is that it did touch on other characters I have met through author Warren's other works. Just a name drop here and there, like saying hi to old friends.

Entering this book, I knew that Shep Watson was in a low place. His love, London Brooks, is supposedly dead. He was the one who pulled her out of the submerged car. He has his doubts though, especially since he knows her background. But he can't just make her appear. 

Well, we get more of London/Laney's background story in this read, as everything she loves and lives for is on the line. Her life is complicated. Her relationship with Shep is complicated. And their past, well new details emerge about that. Will it affect their future if they survive? Well, that is the question.

I enjoyed the camaraderie of the team and how they cared and loved one another like family. They were not new to danger so helping London and Shep was a no-brainer. There were a few other side stories that also got tied up as well. This was a fun read that kept me up way too late.
 
I was provided a copy of this novel from Revell Publishing through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Raechel Helwig

Another adventure-filled book from Susan May Warren!

After the ending of the previous book in this Alaska Air One Rescue series, I was interested to find out where Shep and London's story would continue, and it was a journey for sure.
Shep and London had to work through a lot of trust issues together, but I really did enjoy seeing how they grew and changed throughout the book.

"One Last Stand" is fast-paced, and the plot is intriguing. Once again, I did notice a fair bit of repetitive writing - a lot of similar situations/reactions, and repetitive sayings and expressions that I've noticed in the last few SMW books. But I still enjoyed the story, and it kept my attention. 

I also very much appreciate the faith strand. It was a good inclusion to the plot, and I am always encouraged to see faith more prominently shown in fiction than just a passing use of "the character prayed" etc.

I also liked the setting - a lot of the story took place in another country which was fun and added character to the story.
If you're interested in Christian Romantic Suspense fiction, I recommend checking out this series.

This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed were entirely my own.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

This is one of the best romantic suspense books I’ve read this year. There’s more than enough action for every adrenaline junkie out there with some heartfelt romance added in to round out the story.

Not only do I get to see Shep and London navigate her supposed death and return, as well as learn her unique background, I also get to see more of Moose and Tillie’s story.

Shep is a rescuer at heart and when London travels to a small European country, he follows right into the midst of danger and intrigue. Nothing and no one is quite what it seems and when London is kidnapped, he’s all in.

Each of them must find their place of trust and reliance on God in the face of pain and doubts about themselves. There’s plenty of personal conflict and tension to roil the emotions and kept me reading long into the night. 

This is a wonderful book.

I was given a copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley and Interviews and Reviews. This is my honest opinion of the book.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“London, I’m still on a mission. I’ll find you,” Shep considers in Susan May Warren’s novel, One Last Stand.

The fourth book in the Alaska Air One Rescue series, this three-hundred-and-thirty-page paperback, targets those who like a Christian contemporary romance about being on a rescue team while learning about honesty and truth. Focusing on suspense, topics of espionage, fighting, injuries, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes a note to the reader, the author’s biography, and advertisements.

In this final book in the series, rescue team member Shep knows he is in love with London, but there is a part of her past that she has always kept hidden. When the worst possible thing happens to the girl of his dreams, he is broken and unable to move on. But the past comes back to haunt both of them as they are forced to go to Montelena, a rich country in Europe, to face their demons while staying one step ahead of Russian terrorists.

This is more of an international spy novel than a romance, as it involves team members who are loyal to each other when trying to avert a worldwide crisis. I enjoyed the rawness and emotionalism both Shep and London shared and how they overcame their fears and insecurities when they learned the truth. The castle and mountain sceneries were written descriptively, while there was a James Bondish cat-and-mouse feel to the tale.

Some may not like a story that includes Bible verses, but they are limited as Shep tries to process his actions. Like the previous book in the series, there are too many characters, including those from other stories. I found some parts unrealistic and confusing regarding timing and storytelling, especially the ending.

Although there are prayers to God and quoted Bible verses, the author, once again, missed the perfect opportunity to give the eternal plan of salvation instead of quoting verses. I prefer all pronouns of the Almighty capitalized for reverence. A list of characters would be helpful, especially since a few are from other series.

If you are into a contemporary Christian suspense romance series involving rescue teams, this final book may or may not be its last stand that could still be the mission.

Thanks to Revell and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

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