Book Review: Sunburst by Susan May Warren

Sunburst (Sky King Ranch #2). Susan May Warren. Fleming H. Revell (2022). 353 pages. Genre: Romantic Suspense. 

First Line of Prologue: "Four years ago... Ranger wasn't here to get into trouble, but wow, she was pretty."

Summary:  Ranger Kingston, former Navy SEAL, is part of a mission to rescue his brother and others from a terrorist in Nigeria.  Among the hostages rescued is Noemi Sutton, a woman Ranger met years ago and never thought he would see again.  

Noemi Sutton is working for an organization attempting to unite refugee orphans with their families.  They were captured after discovering a village where everyone had died of smallpox.  But, why were they taken?  As they attempt to find a safe place to hide, it seems they can't escape the terrorists.  When they finally find refuge at the home of Noemi's uncle, who happens to be a king, things get really complicated. 

My thoughts:  When I read a novel by Susan May Warren, I expect a story filled with danger, adventure and a little romance.  This story did have all of that, however I think the romance played a bigger role.  

There was plenty of danger, suspense and adventure though.  Escaping from terrorists, not making it to the rescue helicopter in time, getting lost in the jungle and discovering that Noemi's uncle is a king all made for a very adventurous story.  The highlight was a Nigerian wedding.  The author includes a note to the reader at the beginning of the book explaining that her daughter-in-law is Nigerian and that she had always dreamed of having a traditional Nigerian wedding.  Because of the pandemic, she and the author's son were not able to have that type of wedding.  Warren worked with her daughter-in-law to create the wedding she had always wanted in this book.  

Even without the usual amount of heart-pumping danger and suspense, this was still a page turner.  The terrorists are still following them even after they think they are safe.  Figuring out how they have been able to follow them is tricky, especially when they don't know why Noemi has been targeted.  On top of that, Ranger and Noemi are working through their feelings for one another. 

I really liked Ranger.  He is a man of duty and won't let anything get in the way of that.  However, that has caused him to put his job as a SEAL ahead of everything else in his life including his family and a possible relationship with Noemi.  He is struggling with a physical problem that has caused him to have to leave the Navy.  This has caused him to question who he is, since that was his identity.  

Noemi is more of a free spirit and doesn't think she needs anyone.  Her father was Master Chief Sutton, a trainer in the SEAL program.  When Noemi was growing up he trained her in how to protect herself.  She thinks she can take care of herself.  

Most of the story takes place in Nigeria, but there is some of the story that takes place at Sky King Ranch in Alaska.  Both are such beautiful locations and we do get a glimpse of each one.  

Sunburst was a great addition to the Sky King Ranch series.  If you haven't already read the first book in the series, Sunrise, I would encourage you to start there.  This is a great series and I am looking forward to the next story.

Quotes:

"Noemi had been in plenty of open markets around the world, and they all possessed the same sort of local energy - men shouting prices, bickering, the exhaust of trucks and the bustle of workers unloading potatoes, rice, tomatoes.  The odor of fresh fish mixed with the robust scent of grilling meat, the cluck of penned hens, the thump of music from a nearby cafe, and of course the push and shove of the crowd."

"Her aunties had spent four hours on her makeup - including false eyelashes - and then arranging an elaborate headwrap that looked like a golden fluff of whipped cream.  They'd even giver her false nails, painted coral.  And then came the dress.  Deep, emerald-green skirt that hugged her hips before flaring out in ruffles to the floor, with gold stars embroidered into the hem."

"'You've always spent your life looking forward, the destination in mind.  But faith is stepping forward without knowing the destination. Your job, as a warrior of the Lord, is to listen.  To walk in faith.'"