Book Review: JACK by Susan May Warren

Marji Laine here.

I know this series is from last year, but I've only just found it! I'm SO becoming a huge fan of the Minnesota Kingstons! 

Usually I have my book reviews planned in advance, but I couldn't decide on this one. Then I spotted the cover of JACK. (I am a sucker for a pair of sensitive eyes.) I've read Susan May Warren's books before. (There is a reason why she's an award-winner, a best-seller, and a highly-acclaimed writing coach!) Most of what I'd read before were romances, heartwarming and life-changing with huge obstacles to overcome, but not mystery or suspense novels. 

I was delighted to find that this one has both a mystery and suspense. In fact, she now has so many suspense novels. You can bet I'll be enjoying a LOT of these series! 

JACK the first epic book of the Minnesota Kingstons, so I expected to have a lot of introductions. I didn't expect to get the feeling like many things had already happened. The author has done an amazing job of building in-depth back stories, and some of them have even been previously published in another series. I did a little investigating and the Alaska Air One Rescue books are a prelude to this series. I know there are at least a few characters that are shared between them. 

Something unique: (at least to me) this book started with a male perspective. The hero and heroine (Jack and Harper) share the point of view, but it was so interesting seeing the layout, the initial information, from a his-perspective instead of a hers. And I also loved getting into his head. Being the oldest in his family, he made a problem that brought conflict in before the first page of this book. Going back home to a Minnesota winter, for his sister's wedding was an issue before he ever got there. Conflict and tension was on every page even before the suspense started. 

Something refreshing: (at least to me) these characters had a realness about them. Especially their mistake and their guffaws. Not telling a lie, I was belly laughing during the dance practice! Seriously, Jack? That's the best you could come up with?? Oh, you have to read what he said! 

Something heartwarming: (at least to me) I love the family dynamic in this story. Susan May Warren didn't just fill out the characters of Jack and Harper. Each family member has a distinct personality. Each has an opinion of Jack, particularly when it comes to the dispute that he brought to the family before the book started. Some are still ticked. Some are slightly resentful. Some are completely over it. And some, like Jack's dad, have special moments. (Yes, there were tears that I had to wipe away!)

When the ignition to the suspense did happen, the elements were all there. Characters with something to hide. People with a past. Plenty of motives all around, and a missing bridesmaid who typically has her own way of doing things. Was she really "missing" or just on a lark? It was hard to say, until Jack and Harper started trying to track her and found more danger than answers. 

And the subtlety of the romance of these two is palpable. They are magnets that teeter back and forth between attracting and repelling. Definite chemistry there. 

This isn't a thriller by any means, but there is the impending danger, the ticking clock as it were, that is in all suspense books. And I LOVED it! Jack and Harper will stay with me. I'm so ready to pick up the next book in this series and hunker down for another brilliant story. And yes, I will review it.

This book's subtitle is: The grumpy tracker. The girl he never forgot. A missing bridesmaid and a second chance he doesn't deserve. Here's a little more about the book: 

Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…

Ten years should be long enough for Jack to forget the girl-next-door, his kid sister’s bestie and the woman—no, girl—who derailed his life. Now, he sort of likes his loner world as a missing person’s tracker. Well, mostly. But of course, when he returns home for his sister’s wedding, there she is…
Nope, not forgotten at all.

Of course Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.

Then a bridesmaid goes missing.

And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.

Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?

So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.

Dead.

Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…

Get your copy HERE!

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I was ready to pick up Conrad, book 2 of this series, but I think I'm going to go back in time and do the Alaska Air One Rescue series. I think that starts things from the beginning. And if they are anything like JACK, I'll be happily reading for the next several months. :)

In a recent book you've read, or maybe one you're reading now, what was something unique, something you didn't expect, that happened? Share in the comments and you just might win an e-copy of COUNTER POINT, book 1 from my Heath's Point Suspense series. 

But I do hope you'll pick up a copy of JACK, and I hope you LOVE it!