4.5 stars! And the only reason is because I wish there was more of Jake and Aria's update on their relationship. I figure in her next book we will see a glimpse of it since we saw a glimpse of Jenny and Orion, but still, I need and want more! This was a beautifully written story about a insecure woman and a damaged hero. Jake is one of those men you swoon over, even though he's a little damaged. and Aria, man if I went through what she has gone through in her life, I probably wouldn't be alive. She had some crazy experiences! I loved that this book was set in a completely different setting than the first book. I loved the suspense although, the "fate' of all the people Jake was saving and how they were all connected seemed a little cliche. But, again, a great story that I really enjoyed. I will Definitley be reading the other books in this series as I need/want to find out what happens.

The Heart of a Hero
by Susan May Warren
Book 2 in the Global Search and Rescue series
Rating: 5/5

So I definitely lost some sleep over this amazing ride! I love how Susan May Warren keeps outdoing herself. This is the second book in the series and I highly recommend reading the first but it's not necessary to enjoy this thrilling adventure. While her first book dealt with blizzards in Alaska, this one deals with hurricanes in Key West. We continue getting to know the main characters after she introduced them in the first book, The Way of the Brave.

"Funny that when skies were clear, he was the storm. But in the middle of the storm...He was the calm."

As a former sniper and Navy SEAL, Jake Silver was born to help people, and being a part of Jones Inc rescue team was only the next logical step. After helping save Dr. Aria Sinclair and her friends in Alaska, Jake knows that he and Aria have formed a connection that he can't get away from. He shared things about his past with her that no one else knows, and she shared things with him that only made him want to protect her more. Too bad she doesn't seem to want anything to do with him. Why does she seem to be running away from a relationship with him?

While Aria can admit that she and Jake have a connection after the traumatic events in Alaska, she is not that girl in real life. On vacation was different. She could be more adventurous like her twin sister, Kia, used to be, but when she returns back home, she has to be back to skilled pediatric heart surgeon with everything under control. There's no room in her life for Jake and the risk he has on her heart. After a difficult patient loss, Aria's boss sends her to a medical conference for some R and R. However, things get cut short when she finds herself stuck in Key West when category 4 Hurricane Lucy hits. A misdirected text also brings Jake to her rescue but can she find it in her heart to give their relationship a chance? Can these two heroes find a way to heal from their pasts and find their true identities?

The author has such an authentic way of incorporating her faith into her stories and I love how she is not afraid to deal with hard issues regarding PTSD and all that entails. Her writing always feels so genuine and well-researched. Her characters have their strengths and weaknesses that seem to only draw the readers into their world. The action and suspense force the reader to keep going until they reach the end.

Warning: The author also has a substory with characters from her next book who are part of the rescue team, but that story arc ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.

All in all, I couldn't put the book down and I highly recommend reading this action-packed suspense thriller with romance and a message about forgiving yourself. I also recommend reading the first book in the series before to get the full effect.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

The Heart of a Hero is a complex love story with lots of good suspense. The storyline gets a bit intense as I wondered what else could happen. The characters are strong and well written. Even the secondary characters are full of life and complexity. Great read.

**I received a copy of The Heart of a Hero from Revell and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions were not solicited in any way.**

The Heart of a Hero by Susan May Warren is the second book in her Global Search and Rescue series. I didn't read the first book I still was able to read this addition without any problems. I do agree with one reviewer that it's advisable to to read these in order. This book has non stop action from start to finish so hang on for a wild ride of a story.

Dr. Aria Sinclair is recovering from her accident in Denali and after losing a young patient her supervisor tells her that he's sending her to Key West to attend a conference. She knows refusing is not a option for not going and neither is attending a Fourth of July picnic. What she doesn't know is that Jake Silver's parents are having the celebration. He was the former Navy SEAL who was part of the rescue team for her friends. Little do they know that a Cat 5 Hurricane is coming (Remember Hurricane Irma devastated them in 2018). They will take shelter in the hospital with several local residents plus worry about escaped prisoners coming into the hospital because of it's pharmacy.

Jake Silver is still dealing with guilt from a final mission as a SEAL and the rescue of Aria and her friends in Denali. He's also debating on reenlisting back into the Navy as he needs to feel worthwhile again. His team leader Hamilton leaves him in charge of his daughter while searching out clues of his ex wife's whereabouts. (This is why you need to read the first book) He's also fighting feelings that he has for Aria. He'll use all of his SEAL skills to keep Aria and all of the survivors who are sheltering at the hospital before the Global search team will be able to rescue all of them.

Susan May Warren has delivered another adventure romance that definitely packs a punch. Heart of a Hero delivers danger at every turn of the page, leaving the reader in a constant state of anticipation. While Ham focuses on confronting his past, Aria and Jake face down a hurricane and it’s aftermath. This quick paced novel is filled with twists, turns, and the unexpected. I find myself as usual wishing that there wasn’t quite so many heroic rescues or near death circumstances. For me the overload of danger and action takes this story to a bit of an unrealistic place, however that is my person taste. I think most readers welcome the danger at every turn plot that Susan May Warren provides. I always appreciate the clear and up front faith element that Susan May Warren adds to her novels. I personally enjoyed this book a bit more than the first novel in the series and am curious to see how the next book wraps it all up.

This is the second book in the Global Search and Rescue series. This time around we get to read about Jake's story. And take us to scenic Key West during a hurricane that threatens to destroy everything and everyone.

Jake and Aria's story is all about second chances, redemption, and healing from past hurts and mistakes. And a hurricane to bring them back together to face their troubles head-on. Finding faith along the way. We also get to meet up with some of the other character from the first book again in this one. The banter throughout makes this a worthwhile read right alongside the danger, action-packed adventure, and a feisty dash of romance.

The Heart of a Hero was a wild ride from the beginning! I enjoyed getting to know both main characters, Jake and Aria, as well as learning more about Ham and his family. (I'm dying to read his book!) There's no shortage of action, suspense, and drama, not to mention romantic tension. I have to admit I grew frustrated with the Characters when they would go off on a romantic tangent or tiff in the middle of a life threatening situation. Just didn't always seem very realistic to me. Warren's writing style is as engaging as ever, and that combined with the nail biting suspense keeps you reading late into the night! (At least, it did me.) Just when I thought things were going well and our characters were going to be all right, something else happens and I'm on the edge of my seat again! If there's one thing Warren knows how to do well, it's suspense. I also loved the cast of supporting characters with their individual storylines that tugged at your heart but didn't distract from the main story.

All in all, if you're looking for a romantic and suspenseful wild ride, definitely check out this series!

FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

This is a new release from @susanmaywarren! Aria and Jake’s story is filled with danger and excitement that takes place from Minnesota to the Florida Keys and back. The characters they meet along the way help them to discover the truth of who they are as they learn to reject the lies they believed for far too long. You don’t want to miss this second book in the Global Search and Rescue series. The Heart of Hero is worth staying up late to finish! #globalSAR
#theheartofahero #revell #netgalley #jakeandaria

Susan May Warren picks up the Global Search and Rescue series with Jake as our leading man. I was excited to see the story revolve around him because I wanted to know more about him since I read book 1. His tale is tragic but is victory is heart melting...not just in getting the girl, but overcoming his past demons.
Ms. Warren sets the book up perfectly for book 3 which I'm assuming will be all about Ham.
This had a great ending!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

This is book two in the Global Search and Rescue Series. It is somewhat of a stand alone book, however you miss a lot of history that adds so much meaning to this book. Therefore I would suggest reading book one, The way of the Brave, first. I honestly liked this one better than book one but part of that may be because I am a Floridian and part of this book takes place in Florida.

I fell in love with Jake Silver in book one and this one you just see how special he is. Aria and Jake have an electrifying relationship yet both must learn a few things before moving forward. Jake, a former Seal, is always doing what comes natural for him, even if it risk his own life. This novel is full of action, drama, romance and so much more. I'm glad we reconnected with characters from book one and can't wait to read book three, where we learn more about Ham.

I have mixed feelings about this novel. On the positive side, it has great suspense and good emotional and character revelation and development. I have never been in a hurricane and found Warren's account of one and the aftermath very engaging. Also, there is an excellent gospel message included.

On the negative side is that this book is the second in a series and does not stand well on it's own. Much of the character relationship development in this story is based on experiences from the previous novel which I have not read. That made reading this one not as rewarding as I'd liked. The plot follows three people from sort of first person universal viewpoints. I felt Ham's story was an intrusion into the main story of Aria and Jake. I would rather Warren had followed Ham's life in another novel. There are different locations involved since Ham is in Europe and Aria and Jake are in Florida. I felt the jumps to Ham's story really broke into the flow of Jake's story. And then there were flash backs for the characters. And they were not in chronological order which I found confusing. We read of Ham asking Signe to marry in a flash back well after having read flash backs of experiences later in their lives.

One of my pet peeves is when authors use several points of view, not identifying immediately when such a change occurs in the text. Warren does this, for example at Loc. 3133. The previous section was following Jake's life. The next section starts with a male pronoun but it is not until the third paragraph that we find out the male is now Ham.

I am also opposed to the concept of a cowboy being surrounded with all hope lost and the cavalry miraculously coming over the hill for an amazing rescue. Such a technique provides a less than satisfying end to suspense.

Potential readers need to read the first novel in this series to fully appreciate this one.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

This action-packed second novel to the Global Search and Rescue series will keep the reader engaged from page one to the end. The story follows Jake and Aria, former SEAL and a pediatric heart specialist. The book is full of romantic tension – reasons Jake and Aria keep giving each other, and telling themselves, why they can’t be together.
Their story picks up where book one left off, though readers don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this story. Lots of backstory is sprinkled throughout the pages satisfying the readers curiosity as to what happened prior to this book.
Both characters have deep internal issues, demons they face and survivor’s guilt that is decades old. There are similarities to their childhood tragedies that give each a deep understanding of the other person, but it is also the thing that keeps them apart.
The technical aspects of the book are detailed. It shows the author has done extensive research, but the descriptions are not overbearing, rather organic to the story.
A category 5 hurricane adds fuel to the elements that are set against our hero and heroine, thereby requiring Jake to go into SEAL mode for a good chunk of the story. It serves as the catalyst for the troubles and danger that are tossed their way while stuck in the Florida Keys and introduces a slew of characters that point Aria and Jake in the right direction when it comes to faith, family and love.
I quite enjoyed the pace of the story and the action, however I did eventually grow weary of Jake always rescuing Aria and she stitching him up. Even though the situations were logical, it got to be a bit much in the last quarter of the book, for me any way.
This is hard core romantic suspense as the characters spend the majority of the time trying to avoid the inevitable of “us”, but there’s plenty of action and suspenseful situations to satisfy a suspense fan’s appetite.
I received an ecopy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Romance, contemporary, clean; Christian faith; suspense
Jake and Aria's story was a gorgeous, thrill and suspense-filled read, with lots of moments between them. Jake's concerns and hesitations to be good enough, and worthy of Aria, Aria's past, and her worry about her heart, and Jake's feelings, her past with her twin, it all swirled together emotionally, and as they found each other again and again, it was so beautiful to read and watch. SMW is a master of suspense and action. The tropical storm, the events and side characters in the hospital and ship, all woven together masterfully and with lots of action, moments of kindness and caring, and of course, Jake saving the day multiple times. His courage, quick thinking and strength, and diving into the moment were fantastically real, heartfelt, courageous and smart. Aria's physician's knowledge, her work trying to patch together their group, and anyone they found, along with realizing her strength, and finding her true 'heart', was again beautifully written. Another wonderfully faith, action, and romance filled read by SMW. Perfect read for me!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

Anytime I see the name Susan May Warren on the cover of a book, I know I’m in for a treat. She writes some of THE BEST heroes, and Jake is no exception to that. She also writes some pretty intense, riveting, hold your breathe scenes. Yeah, The Heart of a Hero had that too. Several in fact. Each new series I read from Warren are my new favorite. Once again, this series is no exception.

Jake is the kind of guy every girl is dreaming about. He follows his heart, fights for what he wants, and isn’t afraid to take risks to save the woman he loves (even though he won’t admit he loves her just yet!). Watching his character make rash decisions and then just go forward full steam ahead was thrilling. Hurricane coming? Well that’s no problem for our hero. Hospital might collapse? Nothing to worry about. Jake really is knight in shining armour that comes to save the day, and he seemingly appears out of nowhere!

Of course no book by Warren would be complete without romance. Jake and Aria were a little different though. They had this past that they needed to sort through, one that I think a lot of people would be able to connect with. I actually like that Warren took the approach that she did with their back story. I think that young readers can learn from it!

The bottom line is this is a story, well series, that you do not want to miss. I highly recommend starting with book one before diving into this one. You won’t be sorry, trust me! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and publisher in partnership with JustRead Publicity Tours. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

This exhilarating new story features former Navy SEAL, Jake Silver, and pediatric heart surgeon, Dr. Aria Sinclair, characters we met and fell in love with in The Way of the Brave, book one. Of the characters in this series, I loved Jake and Aria the most, their personalities drawing me in with a magnetic pull. We left them in quite the predicament in book one and this story picks up right where that one left off. As Jake and Aria battle through their shortcomings, emotions and a Cat 5 hurricane in the Florida Keys, they lean on each other and overcome another adventure of a lifetime.

The Heart of a Hero is exactly what I hoped for, and more. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of the Florida Keys and the nautical aspect Warren gives this story. She delights readers with twists and turns, surprises and moments that leave readers breathless. As always with her stories, I wasn’t able to put this book down. I found it more favorable than the first book in the series and I appreciated the story line and characters.

In my opinion, Warren is a master at mixing adventure, suspense, romance and faith into her books, as was the case with this story. The way she brings a scene to life with passion and heroism is truly a craft she’s honed well, leaving readers breathless and wanting more.

The undeniable connection between the two main characters had me rooting for them from the beginning. I love how they lean on each other when things get tough and I respected the way they each struggled, and eventually allowed, God’s grace into their lives, erasing their burdens and connecting them on an even deeper level. This story is not only exhilarating and riveting, it’s deep and passionate as well. It is very well written, it reads easily and I liked the insight into the characters hearts’ and minds. It also lays the ground work for the next story, enticing readers to come discover Hamilton Jones’ story in the upcoming book, The Price of Valor.

Heart of a Hero is book 2 in the Global Search and Rescue series. This story mostly focuses on Aria and Jakes hurricane adventure, but we also get a side story involving Ham.

This book can be read as a stand alone but I would highly recommend reading the books in order to get a better feel of the characters and plot development.

I loved the adventure, romance, and just the overall story and characters. I read this book as fast as I could because I was drawn in and didnt want to stop reading. I liked how Mimi and others tried to help heal Jake from his SEAL wounds and give him encouragement and peace.

Very well written, awesome adventure, likeable characters. I really loved it and cant wait for book 3!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was really a good read, and it kept my interest all they way through the book. This was the first book that I have read by the author and I was so pleased to have read it. This type of story is a nice and relaxing read and specially during confinement. It takes you into the world of the main characters Jake Silver a former Seal and the Dr. Aria Sinclair. The story takes us through adventure, mystery and a bit of romance and keeps the readers interest going all the time.
This book also makes you feel as if you are there as it all happens. It is a story of faith , to believe in oneself, take chances and do the best ever possible. Risk your life for those you care about, no certainties and not be afraid to live your life. This story was well written and could very well have been a true story.
I can definitely recommend this book! I loved this book.

I wish to thank the author Susan May Warren and the publisher for letting me read and review this book it's been a pleasure.
Thank you, Charlotte Nilsson

4.5 Stars
The second book in Global Search and Rescue, The Heart of a Hero is a fabulous romantic suspense. Edge of you seat moments with engaging characters and a compelling storyline. This one is definitely worth the reads and I look forward to reading more.

I could not wait to get my hands on this book! I first met Jake and Aria in The Way of the Brave and was dying to get to spend more time with them. Jake is all types of swoon-worthy hero, and he doesn’t even know it. In this book, The Heart of a Hero I got to meet Jake’s family and learn a lot more about what made him the man he is. His life has been far from easy and he’s often harder on himself than he should be. He loves with all he’s got, is quick to jump to action, and is loyal to the core. The perfect candidate for an elite rescue team.

This book had me laughing, crying and biting my nails. Warren had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t get enough and didn’t want to stop reading for anything. I could picture myself in the keys right alongside Jake and Aria fighting against hurricane winds. Warren has a way with words and quite often takes my breath away. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Romantic Suspense. I can’t wait to see what Warren does next, and hope that she won’t make me wait too long! I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This second book in the Global Search and Rescue series picks up where the first one leaves off, with a continuation of Jake and Aria's new and undefined relationship, the appearance of Ham's secret daughter, and the search for answers to his wife's mysterious disappearance. It would definitely help to read The Way of the Brave first, to get to know Jake and Aria since their story begins there as a subplot. While the first book left me feeling frigid from the snowy mountain setting, The Heart of a Hero took us to tropical Florida, but no less dangerous with a hurricane devastating the area. Aria is dealing with her regrets from the mountain climbing trip and her continued attraction to Jake, who seems all wrong for her (but of course he's just what she needs). Jake is drawn to Aria and her compassionate way of drawing out his deeper feelings that he's struggling with. They each have issues with their past that involve siblings, and I loved that even though they are both uncertain and vulnerable with their feelings for each other, they still provide support and encouragement for each other as they work through their emotions. Others that they have rescued also provide inspiration with the themes of forgiveness and being enough, and Mimi was a favorite. The chapters from Ham's perspective were more difficult for me because they dealt with past missions and flashbacks from his early relationship with Signe, but I always felt like I didn't quite understand what was going on. He was a source of spiritual strength for his friends in the first book, but in this one he seemed more lost. I'm looking forward to his story being featured in the next book. Overall, this book provides the author's trademark adventure, romance, and inspiration with complex characters that you can't help but root for.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)