Member Reviews
4.5 stars
“There’s the story we create and the story we’re created for. Maybe that’s what this adventure is all about.”
Nobody writes adventure romance quite like Susan May Warren, and One Last Shot is a perfect example. In this kick-off to what promises to be an intensely compelling series, the characters battle external elements, internal angst, reality show drama, social media opinions, time, and occasionally even each other as they race to rescue people who are missing, stranded, and/or injured in Alaska’s harsh and beautiful landscape. Including, at times, their own team. I devoured this book, unable to put it down, riveted to the page, and hardly daring to breathe in places. The author excels at immersing readers into her stories, and I really did feel like I was right there in the middle of all of it with the Air One Rescue Team.
Boo Kingston is a rookie EMT with Air One Rescue and, while she loves the work and enjoys the team, her complex backstory means she’s still holding them at arms length. Trust doesn’t come easy for her anymore, not after the humiliation that had her running as far from home – and social media – as possible. (Speaking of her family… can I hope for a series that features them, pretty please?? I am intrigued by her siblings and want to know their stories too!) I loved Boo’s personality and her inner strength (she’s pretty amazing) – but I also loved her weaknesses because it’s in her vulnerability that the author crafts a beautifully tender rescue. Not just the kind of rescue that her team does best or that Oaken’s feelings for her can offer but the ultimate rescue brought about by a God who will go to any lengths to show her that He is trustworthy and that she is beloved.
“God is not content leaving us in our lies. He wants to set us free, and he’ll keep running after us, in every storm, trying to get our attention.”
And oh goodness does Susan May Warren know how to write a hero! Oaken Fox is layered and engaging, and SWOONY and, while he may have temporarily joined the Air One Rescue team to appease the reality TV producers and salvage his image, it’s soon clear that he belongs there. And not just with Boo, though the delightful chemistry they have is responsible for the majority of my grins while reading One Last Shot (and once they get to kissing – whew!!!!!), but also with Moose and Axel and Shep and London. His survival adventure tests everything he thought he knew about himself and his career and his family and God, and I loved how the author directed Oaken’s spiritual journey throughout this novel.
“You can blame God and go it alone. Or you can trust that God loves you and that he’ll carry you through the storm.”
Bottom Line: One Last Shot by Susan May Warren takes readers on an intense adventure that only Alaska can deliver, keeping me on the edge of my seat and thoroughly entertained. Parachutes that fail, vans that land in rushing rivers, bridal parties that go missing in a blizzard… each heart-racing new rescue had me glued to the page, and the author’s stellar storytelling made me feel like I was on that chopper, in the midst of the danger, too. While most of the suspense in this novel is adventure-related, there are a couple of possible murderers on the loose that raise those stakes – and our pulses – even further. The faith message in One Last Shot is so beautifully done, the plot riveting, the characters layered and engaging. I loved my introduction to the Alaska Air One Rescue team, and I look forward to spending more time with them over the course of this series. It was also fun to see characters from the author’s Sky King Ranch and Wild Montana Rescue series again.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
This book only continues to illustrate why Susan May Warren is basically an auto-buy author for me! She is truly a master of her craft, and new as well as veteran SMW readers will not be disappointed with this newest release. There's action, adventure, romance, and all the theological punches I've come to expect with her books. (Both excellent and convicting, heh!)
Readers of her other series will recognize familiar names/characters here as well, but it's not necessary to have read the other series first--just pick this up and enjoy!
I'm definitely looking forward to future installments in the series. My only disappointment with this book is that it's over!
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is a great read!
There are many interesting faucets to this story. You get a deep-dive look into rescue in Alaska. The weather is dangerous and emergency personnel are kept busy. There is also a look into celebrities.
The main characters have been deeply wounded and have to heal before they can move on.
The story line is well written and you won't want to put this book down!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Alaska Air One Rescue book #1
Oaken Fox, a country music star, wants to boost his fan base and joins survivalist Mike Grizz’s new adventure show in the Alaskan wilderness. It didn’t take long for tragedy to strike and have Air One Rescue on site, the experience was enough for Oaken call it quits but his producer has other plans for him...On the other side, Rookie EMT Boo Kingston is there to keep Oaken safe and is assigned to his training and safety.........and the story goes on when five women goes missing and Air One team uses all the skills to find them, Oaken needs to step up and be part of the team.
No lack of action in this one. If you like search and rescue activities in a mountainous environment you will be very happy with this story. We learn about ascender, carabiners, tension, knots and the many techniques used for a safe rescue. The narrative is very active I felt I was there with each step the characters took. The tension in vivid and intriguing in some ways, we never know what will happen next. Sure way to keep us turning the pages and interesting in the drama. Yes drama there is attraction between Boo and Oaken, tragedy: people getting lot or hurt, threatening others, you name it, you will find it here. What I like the best is the camaraderie played out between characters. They mess with each other and will go to no ends to help.
“One Last Shot” is all about ones last chance to start all over again, putting the past behind, forget and forgive and to look forward to a new beginning. Boo and Oaken’s characters show us how this is possible...
r Oaken Fox joins survivalist Mike adventure show in the Alaskan wilderness but something goes wrong and oaken has to get help for them both. boo is an emt and find oaken in the middle of the road. this is a page turning story to the end. it is well written and it show how what we watch is not always the way it it. if you like mystery you will want to read the book i was given a copy of the book by net galley but this is an honest review.
A thrilling book from beginning to end. I loved all the characters that are a part of the AIR ONE rescue team. This story is about Boo. She has had a rough relationship with the media and is in Alaska serving with the Air One Rescue team and laying low. Until she runs into Oaken Fox, country singer and also a social media outcast. I don't want to ruin any plot lines. I will just say that this is a redemption story, a love story and a bit of a mystery all sewn into one book. I loved it. I am looking forward to the rest of the characters getting their stories told.
Susan May Warren never fails to deliver a great story that is full of faith, romance, adventure and suspense... and One Last Shot is a great example of that!
This was the first book in a new series, and oh what a start it was! In this series, we meet country music star Oaken Fox as he's trying to restore his reputation and career with a reality TV appearance. Plans change when tragedy strikes, and he finds himself training with Air One Rescue with EMT Boo Kingston. She's had her fair share of experience with reality TV and wants no part of it. The two connect, but due to events in their past have a lot to work through to make it all work.
There is a LOT going on in this story. Being the first in the series, of course we're getting to know several new characters, but on top of that we have two characters with complicated pasts, a reality TV show and all the complications that can bring, an Alaskan blizzard, multiple tragedies and yes, even a murder. Like I said, it's a LOT going on... and yet, it all comes together wonderfully in a story that I couldn't get enough of. I was at the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next...while also really loving how the romance between Oaken and Boo balanced perfectly with the suspense. This book gives a bit of a preview about some things to come, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book to see what happens next.
If you love Christian romantic suspense and epic adventures, you'll definitely want to start this series! If you're already a fan of Susan May Warren, you'll appreciate a few familiar characters popping up throughout... but you can definitely enjoy this one if it's the first of her books too.
**Complimentary copy received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
This book weaves a great story of romance and danger with life lessons about the power of forgiveness and trust, and some of the pitfalls of social media.
Boo is hiding out in Alaska, working with a rescue squad, and keeping her head down. She doesn’t need friends, and she certainly doesn’t need the attention a country music star brings to the team. She’s surprised by his humble desire to learn and be a part of team. Maybe it won’t be as bad as she thinks.
Oaken is in Alaska to redeem his career on reality television. When things go awry and he’s rescued by a beautiful woman he has no idea the adventure it will lead to. He soon finds himself uniquely suited for the Alaska lifestyle and tempted to stick around and see what makes Boo tick.
I love the way faith is woven throughout the story, in the messy way life is with its doubts and hopes. The characters, faced real issues and obstacles to overcome but they were still people I wanted to connect with. Wonderfully written, this is a book I’ll read again.
If I had one thing that was an issue for me it was Boo’s name. It was distracting and I didn’t like I it.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revel through Interviews & Reviews. This is my honest opinion.
As usual an amazing read! A refreshing storyline filled with action, emotions, love and forgiveness. A musician and a SAR hero realize they are hiding from the world in Alaska, but find each other and a better relationship with God. What I enjoy about Warren’s book, I probably say for every review, is she weaves God into her character’s stories in a natural way. There is so much to take away from this story and it’s easy to get lost in the storytelling, I come away refreshed and charged ready to conquer what’s next. I enjoyed an advanced copy and give this review voluntarily.
So, funny thing here, before I actually picked up this book and started reading, I thought Boo was the hero and Oaken was the heroine! I was in for a surprise and pretty immediately discarded my former ideas of a prissy celebrity heroine out of her depth as a floundering damsel in distress.
This was an intense book. Wilderness survival and SAR. Reality TV and pasts coming back to haunt you. Social media and real life bullies.
This book had a heavy theme on rescue. Both the SAR element and the faith element. About God using you and putting you in places and through storms to get you back into His story.
Warren has quickly become a one click author for me. Her harrowing romantic suspense is just perfect. But it’s that strong faith element that is consistently edifying my faith that feeds my soul.
I cannot wait to see where else this Alaskan series takes us.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
One Last Shot is another example of why Susan May Warren is one of my all-time favorite authors. This book was so hard put down with never ending suspense, action, and edgy scenes. Oaken Fox is a country music singer/songwriter who is in Alaska to film a reality show to improve his image and social media ratings after he had an encounter with a fan. Boo Kingston works as an EMS with Air One Rescue and is assigned to train and work with Oaken. She has a bad rap with social media after a being a survival reality show. contestant. Both have baggage they should not be carrying.
We met the Air One Rescue team members in Alaska, who are all likable people, heroes really. Moose, head of the group, is an anchor to the group and a great witness and inspiration to Oaken, as is his brother, Axel. Boo's roommate London is there for her when she needs some help. Boo and Oaken need to let go of their hurts, guilts, and conflicts and allow God to direct their lives. SMW knows how to make the most of all that is going on and bring things into perspective from a spiritual viewpoint and show how freeing it is. Loved this book! This new series is looking to be an exciting and memorable one. beginning with Oaken and Boo's story. But expect some dangerous and heart stopping missions, suspenseful moments, and tragic events with faith lessons, and romance.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
This is a beautifully written, heartfelt story of a group of two women and several men who work for Air One, in Alaska, whose job is to provide emergency rescues and care to victims of many types of accidents that occur in the rough terrain of Alaska. They are heroes and take many risks themselves to save others. Mike Grizz films wild adventures with celebrities and has planned with Oken Fox, a country music superstar to survive in the wilds of Alaska for 50 hours, documented on film. A chopper with a local rescue team will be dropping them off in a rugged, mountainous area, where a blizzard is expected. Mike and Oken are instructed to pull the rip cord as soon as they jump out of the chopper. They look good as they float down to land, and the chopper flies away. Mike, however, unexpectedly falls from the sky right in front of Oken. He sustains some serious injuries and is unconscious. When Oken goes for help, Boo, one of the Air One rescuers’ picks him up. Mike is taken to the hospital and Oken is absorbed into the team of Air One, with a new angle on the reality show. His involvement with them is now being taped. Boo had an unfortunate experience with another reality show and refuses to be in any of the taping. The rescuers of Air One are Godly men and women, while Oken feels he and God aren’t on the best of terms. Oken fits in well and they all have bonded and work well together. His new friends have given him much to think about when it comes to his relationship with God. This is a fast-paced story with lots of action, as well as some romance mixed in. I’m glad there will be a follow-up book that I eagerly look forward to.
One Last Shot is a great novel that shows us the beauty of Alaska's wilderness. Plus the dangers of it. Oaken learned some hard life lessons and Boo learned to trust again. I enjoyed this book so much.
I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Wow, this book will take you on a journey of forgiveness and redemption. Boo is trying to escape from a bad ending to a relationship that was very public but does she stumble right into another bad relationship with another celebrity.
She is trying to do good and Oaken appears to want to redeem himself from his past as well but will they live to seek redemption?
“There's the story we create, and the story we’re created for”. That hit me right there. Are we willing to step out of our own way to realize God’s story for us?
An action packed romance with so many threads that all have to get woven together. It took me a few chapters to get things straight between the survival team, the families and Oaken and his own baggage and past. Once I was in, though, boy as I in. This is a great read, with suspense, betrayal, possible murder and of course love. The damage of social media, being let down and lost love plays a huge role in this book, and this is a great read drawing on the current environment and possible backlash. The warmth and blooming between Boo and Oaken takes time and is set against Ana amazing backdrop of snowy and hard Alaska. A must read.
Action packed romantic suspense. Interesting back stories on the main characters. It kept me turning the pages. I am eager to read the next adventure of Alaska Air One Rescue. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
I've really enjoyed this story very much.
Warren's books are always very exciting from the beginning and go out with a bang.
Fast action and quite a few twists and turns that I never saw coming.
This book made me shiver sometimes at some of the scenes
Warren describes Alaska so well that I thought I was actually there with Boo.
I love Boo's name. It really suits her.
Yes, God is with us even in darkness. We only need to seek Him and ask.
Faith, Hope, and Love are the theme of this book. Along with all the action taking place too.
There’s the story we create, and the story we’re created for. Maybe that’s what this adventure is all about.
“There’s nothing wrong with letting someone into your life, Boo. Trusting them. You don’t always have to hold your emotions so tight to your chest.:
Trust is a mighty hard thing for sure and certain!
Trust is the main theme of this book.
I loved every minute of this heart stopping story.
Everyone has a story. For some, it's harder to open up than others.
I loved Oaken's story. My heart went out to him. I thought him and Boo made a great team.
The cover of this book is gorgeous!
In my opinion, it fits the story well
5 stars for a well written story and for adding all the ingredients to keep me interested.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
"God's love is perfect, even in the dark times."
Boo Kingston rescues people but she can't rescue herself. She desires to stay to herself so no one can ever hurt her again. She exists to do her job.
Oaken Fox is a successful country music singer songwriter who just wants to be away from everyone. He believes that whoever gets near to him is bound to be hurt. And it happens again confirming his belief.
What an excellent start to a new and exciting series written by Susan May Warren. Set in the wilds of Alaska the story has a wonderful cast of characters. The two main characters, Boo and Oaken are drawn together with Air Rescue One as their meeting place. It could Boo's saving grace and Oaken's hope for redemption. They need to get past anger, fear, pain and deep regret. While they are battling their own problems, someone else is in danger of losing their life.
I received the advanced reader's copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. It's a five-star adventure and wild ride in my opinion. I can hardly wait for the next story in this promising series.
One Last Shot just may be my favorite Susan May Warren book to date! I enjoyed this story from start to finish. The romance, action, mystery, and faith message were all so well done.
I really enjoyed everything about this story! The romance between Oaken and Boo was perfect! I loved their chemistry. The action had me holding my breath and turning the pages as fast as I could. I enjoyed the mystery and was totally surprised at who the villain was. The faith thread was prominent throughout and felt natural to the story.
This story is full of action, romance and faith that will keep you turning the pages long into the night. You don’t want to miss it. The blurb about book two, One Last Chance, has me hooked already. I can’t wait till it’s out!
I received a complimentary copy of this story. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is prominent throughout. 5 stars!
My thoughts: One Last Shot is Ms. Warren's latest and it is a page turner. I didn't want to put this book down. Boo is reserved, cautious, and relateable, and Oaken is a star who lives big. They'd both been targeted on social media and their names run through the mud, but all they can do is live with it. Or is it? I enjoyed this book so much i want to go back and read it again. Recommended. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.