Member Reviews
This was such a unique and fast paced novel. I loved the concept, the country music and realty show element, and was dying in suspense to know how it was all going to play out. Would they find love?, recover the missing bachelorette group?, it kept me on edge until the very last page,
One Last shot is one of my favorite things – the beginning of a new series from one of my go to authors. Oh. My. Stars. I have ‘quite’ a lot of Susan May Warren books and this might just be her best so far.
One Last Shot tells the story of under fire country star Oaken Fox who goes on a reality adventure show only end up training to be part of a rescue squad. The last thing EMT Boo Kingston wanted was to hand hold a celebrity but her boss had other ideas so Boo determines to ignore Oaken’s obvious charm.
And romance readers everywhere know there’s no way Boo will be successful. Not. A. Chance. Readers are in for a real treat with Oaken and Boo, and the cast of secondary characters that surround them. We know we’ll get to know them all in the rest of the series (hurrah). Another really great aspect is the glimpses into previous story worlds, thinking particularly of Sky King Ranch and Montana Rescue. But you aren’t missing out if you haven’t read them (well you are missing great reads, but this story will still make sense).
As with every other Susan May Warren novel, there are plenty of twists and turns. The action barely lets up and is interspersed with exquisite description of the landscape. At one point I felt like I was in the helicopter with the team. What a treat. But I think my favorite thing is the spiritual depth that accompanies this story, like her others. Warren often focuses on second chances, and that’s true here, but there’s a strong focus on forgiveness here too. Once scene reduced me to tears with its beauty. So I have no problem giving this one five stars and the highest recommendation.
One Last Shot grabbed my attention and now I’m antsy for the rest of the series. Type faster, please, Mrs Warren.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley, the enthusiasm is all my own.
What a great start to a new series! Susan May Warren never disappoints. This was a thrill ride from start to finish!
I was instantly intrigued by Oaken. He’s a country singer with a tarnished reputation who goes on a reality show to try to repair his image. Things took an unexpected turn, and I’ve gotta say, I was very impressed with the way he handled things. He was resilient, brave, never backed down from a challenge, and also had a great sense of humor. Boo was hard to read at first. She was tough, strong, serious, and great at her job. One of the best EMTs around. But she had major trust issues after experiencing a heartbreaking betrayal. I enjoyed getting to know her better, and I ended up liking her a lot.
It was great seeing some old favorite characters from some of Warren’s other books. But don’t worry if this is your first book of hers. It stands alone perfectly fine! I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a thrilling and adventurous faith-filled romance. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
When Oaken's country music career goes sour after a fight with a fan, his agent suggests he go on a survival show with Mike Grizz - earning $50K for charity if he makes it through 50 hours. But everything goes sideways when Mike's parachute fails, leaving him badly injured in the middle of the wilderness - and with his means of communication destroyed in the fall. Boo is horrified when a man appears out of the blizzard while she's driving, but when she discovers that he's hiked out to get help, Air One springs into action and rescues Mike. Unfortunately, with the show he was meant to be on down the drain, Oaken is now at a loss - until a new show is proposed, learning to be a rescuer with Air One. And Boo is definitely an incentive to stay. But they've each got baggage, and plenty of it. Unless they can rescue each other, their one last shot will fail... And - was Mike's accident an accident at all, or something more sinister?
Realistically, experience suggests that you can't go wrong with this author, and this book certainly delivers. A stunning and touching, very hard to put down read, with plenty of action but also lots of time for character development. I loved watching Oaken and Boo come to terms with their respective pasts and finally start to work towards a future, and though it naturally isn't an easy journey, it was well worth reading. There are plenty of inspiring lessons, interesting rescues, other characters to get to know, and a satisfying ending - pleasantly coming full circle to tie off the loose end of the initial accident. And the message out of Boo's past trying to make things right was a beautiful touch too. All in all, a great read and an exciting start to what's shaping up to be an intriguing new series. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
The reader doesn't really find out what the title means until the end. That was different, but nice. The story is well thought out and goes at a steady pace. I appreciated the fact that the author didn't over play the situation that makes you want to shout, "Just talk to one another!" The characters are likable and relatable. I enjoyed learning a little bit more about rescue work, especially in Alaska. The comradery exhibited in Air One Rescue made you want to be a member of it.
Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced book for an honest review.
“‘What you have, Oaken, is a vision problem. You see things through the lens of your own perspective, your own goals and hopes and fears. But when you open your eyes to God’s view, you might see that the story is a lot different than you think.'”
I can always count on Susan May Warren to provide a satisfying, fulfilling, God-centered love story. In the mountains of Alaska, she succeeds brilliantly with One Last Shot. I couldn’t keep the grin from my lips when familiar faces from her Sky King Ranch series returned, if only in minor roles. Warren’s newest work is excellent, featuring believable characters, impactful lessons, and a heartfelt love story. She once again proves why she’s my favorite author of the Christian romantic suspense genre. Her books not only give me all the “warm and fuzzies” known to romance novels; they teach me and remind me how good my God is.
In One Last Shot by Susan May Warren, Boo Kingston could have won the reality show Survivor Quest, but she trusted the wrong ally. Some say “Any publicity is good publicity,” but Boo would vehemently disagree. The nickname “Boo Hoo” follows her in the public eye, so she goes dark. Alaska seems like a good place to hide, and she’s able to use her skills as a medic with Air One Rescue. But Boo doesn’t hang out with her teammates outside of work; she lets no one too close. She wants no recognition, no attention. Boo just wants to live her life without social media breathing over her shoulder…when she carries it as a heavy burden on her back.
Oaken Fox made a mistake, and now he’s trying to restore his reputation. A survival show for a $50,000 donation seemed like a good start. A tragic accident changes things, and he suddenly finds himself training as a celebrity guest with Air One Rescue. Boo draws the short straw and becomes his main trainer, trying her best to stay away from the cameras and producers and off the screen.
Throughout the story, the book’s supporting characters provide valuable lessons to Oaken and Boo, all of which are founded on Christian principles. If I had read a physical version of One Last Shot by Susan May Warren, highlights would’ve filled the pages. I adored this book. It isn’t one I’d necessarily recommend to my non-Christian friends—as they might consider it “preachy”—but for me? Warren’s newest novel wrote words on my heart I didn’t even know it needed.
Every time I read a book from Susan May Warren I end up turned inside out emotionally, and One Last Shot was no different! From the exciting rescues to the sweet romance to the message of hope and healing, I've been on a whirlwind of all the feels.
I love everyone on the Air One Rescue team and am eager to spend more time getting to know the back stories for each and every member. Lots of drama definitely awaits!
My only wish for this one had to do with a thread that wasn't as tightly woven into the fabric of the story. It felt a little off, and I only wish it had started out earlier in the story to give it time to breathe and develop.
I'm excited to see where this new series is going!
In One Last Shot, by Susan May Warren, Boo Kingston did not join Air One Rescue to save a celebrity. However, that is exactly what she ends up being involved in!
This is another high action tale from Susan May Warren that you will not soon forget!
"One Last Shot" is a Christian romantic suspense. Boo pays too much attention to the negative things that people say about her on social media. She hopes that avoiding media attention will keep her emotionally safe, but she can't hide from how she feels about what happened. She's afraid that men that act like they care about her might just be using her. Oaken has to care about what his fans think of him if he wants to keep his fame, but he feels like he took over his talented sister's place after her death and maybe doesn't even deserve his fame. He also feels like God doesn't like him and is constantly making things go wrong around him. When he agrees to star in a reality show about SARs, Boo is tasked to be his main trainer and has to face the spotlight again. Her teammates help Oaken to see that God isn't against him, and Oaken helps her see the truth about what happened in her past and that he's trustworthy.
The main characters were engaging and came across as real people. I cared about what happened to them. Oaken and Boo got to know each other as they worked together and built each other up. There was plenty of suspense from the physical dangers of search and rescue as well as the emotional trials that they faced. The one thing that didn't make sense to me was how people spoke multiple times about sending the chute to the police (and I thought they finally had), yet at the end it was still just sitting around like no one even tried to put it somewhere secure.
The Christian theme was how God can use things in our lives to get our attention. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.
One Last Shot is a very well written romantic suspense. Great plot and character development. A real edge of your seat book. Another winner by this author. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
Susan May Warren’s books just keep getting better and better. One Last Shot, the first book in the new Alaska Air One Rescue is a prime example of that very fact. This marvelous Christian story has little to do with celebrity status, though a rising country music star is one of the main characters. It is all about finding God’s plan for life. Moose’s statement to Oaken “There’s the story we create, and the story we’re created for. Maybe that’s what this adventure is all about,” resounded so strongly to me. Wise words indeed.
This high-octane, emotionally intense, action romance story is one thrilling read but also one with Christian values and ideals. I loved the characters becoming invested in the outcome of their story. The supporting characters were just as likable so I am looking forward to reading more of the Alaska Air One Rescue members’ lives in future books.
New series that is captivating from the beginning, in the setting of Alaska.
A series full of adventure, action, in a good plot, Recommend this book.
Given arc by Net Galley and Revell for my voluntary review
As usual Susan delivers yet another book that starts out so successful and continues to the very last page.. I cannot wait to see what the next book in this series is gonna be like.
Susan May Warren excels when it comes to contemporary romance filled with fast paced action. Her latest, One Last Shot, was packed with momentum. Mystery, danger, dynamic characters, and heart rendering romance covered each and every page. And to tie it all together, Warren expertly wove in the theme of redemption, a message we all need to hear.
This is a new series I know I will delight in. One Last Shot is a quick read brimming with hope and truth, yet perfectly rounded out with romantic and intriguing tension. I cannot wait to read more!
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Oaken Fox has one last shot at redeeming his career. His manager has arranged for him to join an air rescue group in Alaska for a series of real live TV. He's not thrilled with the idea.
Boo Kingston is an EMT with Air Rescue and she has been assigned with teaching Oaken the ropes. She wants nothing to do with him or the TV show. But if she wants to keep her job she'll have to go along with it.
Right off the bat there is an almost fatal accident. After several other incidents, it becomes apparent that the accidents are not really accidents at all.
Oaken and Boo both have to overcome some very serious issues in this story. Boo was shamed on national TV and Oaken feels responsible for his sisters death. This was a very good story and I recommend it.
I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
One Last Shot by Susan May Warren is a new series starter and I loved it! All the thrills Warren is known for are not to be missed in this book. Oaken is a country singer in need of some redemption. Boo is an EMT who is looking for a fresh start. Neither plans on finding the other, but when they do, there is instant attraction. Their separate histories come to light through shared rescue experiences and they both learn that love is more potent than either of them believed. I really liked meeting a new crew with Air One Rescue in Alaska. The rescue scenes are realistic and gripping. There are more stories to be told and catching glimpses of everyone’s story to come just made it all the more enjoyable. I cannot wait for more adventures with this series!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
One Last Shot
by Susan May Warren
Pub Date 05 Mar 2024 | Archive Date 13 Apr 2024
Revell
Mystery & Thrillers| Romance
Revell and Netgalley provided me with a copy of One Last Shot for review:
A country music star joins survivalist Mike Grizz's new adventure show in the Alaskan wilderness to boost his popularity. When tragedy strikes and Air One Rescue must save them, Oaken wants to quit. Unfortunately, his producer wants to sign him up with Air One Rescue as a recruit and make a reality show about him.
EMT Boo Kingston did not join Air One Rescue to train celebrities. Since she's new to the team, she'll train Oaken, keep him alive, and not pay attention to his charm for a moment.
Then five women go missing during a bachelorette weekend gone wrong at a resort. Now, Air One and the rescue team will have to use all their skills and manpower--including Oaken--to find them before a blizzard hits. Can they work together before disaster strikes?
I give One Last Shot five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Country music star, Oaken Fox desperately needs to redeem himself to fans after an incident where he punched someone in the crowd. This led him to join a reality show in Alaska. He jumped from a plane with the star of the show, Mike Grizz. Unfortunately, something went wrong with Mike's parachute and he sustained terribly injuries. They are in the wilderness and it is freezing cold. Oaken carried him and left him in somewhat protection from the elements and walked in hope of finding help.
The 'help' that stopped was Boo Kingston. Boo is an EMT with Air One Rescue. The team managed to find Mike, but he is in bad shape. This cut the filming short, and Oaken's manager decides that he should get trained by Air One and go on rescues with them while being filmed.
Boo is not happy by this at all. She has no time for spoiled, entitled celebrities. Just so happens, she is the one elected to train Oaken. Boo has her own baggage and certainly doesn't want to appear on camera for any reality show.
This story is packed with action, suspense and eventually love. However, I did have issues with some of the things relating to God. I do realize not everyone interprets Scripture the same, but this one really got me. "He wants to set us free, and he'll keep running after us, in every storm, trying to get our attention." God is not some wimpy sniveling God who runs after people, chasing them down while begging them to turn to Him. Romans 9:15 says, "“I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” Romans 9:18 says, "Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden.
This just isn't someone who 'keeps running after us, in every storm, trying to get our attention.' I was disappointed to see things of that nature in the story. Other than that, it was an edge of your seat story with great characters.
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Revell through Netgalley. I was not obligated to leave a positive review.
This is a review for “The Last Shot” by Susan May Warren. What a great book! Maybe my favorite by this author. I have read most of her books and enjoyed them all, so I might have said that before.
I loved the characters. Boo is one tough lady and works with the Alaskan Air One Rescue. There she meets Oaken, a country music singer and song writer, and Boo is assigned to train him for a reality show. They both are burdened with disastrous events in their past that is all over social media. Great storyline full of rescues, romance brewing, and bravery. Enjoyed the Air One crew and looking forward to reading the series.
I was given a complementary copy of this book by Net Galley but the opinions are my own.
I love that Warren books are so interconnected with other books and series. It's fun seeing connections while enjoying a whole new series. This may be one of my favorite Warren books. It was a great read. I enjoyed the interactions between Boo and Oaken. I liked the Rescue One team dynamics. I liked the scenes in the restaurant over midnight chicken and can't wait to see that storyline unfold.
The book was full of action and danger. It is interesting seeing into the life of a rescue team in a very dangerous land. It was fun, too, seeing the unfolding of a reality tv series.
Both Oaken and Boo have a lot of issues or baggage they carry. Thankfully, there are wise people around them who know when to question and pry and share wisdom with them. One of my favorites was this: "When you row a boat, you're in charge of everything -- the work, the direction, going against the waves...You gotta learn to sail bud. The sailor rigs the sails and puts them up, has to know how to use them, but he depends on God for the wind. You show up for your part, but God is in charge of the power, and the direction of the wind" (location 1928).
I appreciated this lesson on social media as well. "Your people couldn't care less what MysticWinds382 thinks about you...don't let random, anonymous people tell you who you are or what you're worth" (location 2026). This is especially relevant today.
I would highly recommend this book. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.