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: 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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