Sunburst

Written by Susan May Warren

Narrated by Cynthia Farrell

When former Navy SEAL and lifelong bachelor Ranger Kingston is called upon to take part in a rescue mission to save his brother Colt from terrorists in Nigeria, he is shocked to find among the hostages a woman he could never forget.

Noemi Sutton was attempting to return a young girl to her family in Boko Haram territory when she and the girl found themselves taken hostage, along with several others. And while Ranger Kingston may be able to get the hostages away
from their captors, he’ll need Noemi’s help if he ever hopes to get out of Nigeria alive.

Her solution? Pose as husband and wife. But when her uncle discovers the union, he insists on a traditional Nigerian wedding—which would bind Noemi to a man destined to break her heart. Worse, the trouble they’re fleeing has found them—
again. It’s clear anyone around Noemi is bound to be caught in the cross fire. Including her potential new husband.

She’ll need to figure out a way to leave the man she loves if she wants to save his life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705064887

Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of over 65 novels with more than 1 million books sold, including the Montana Rescue series. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. She makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook at Susan May Warren Fiction, and on Twitter @susanmaywarren.

Reviews for Sunburst

[prairiegirl1986 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you to LibraryThing, Baker Publishing Group and Revell for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book.I'm seriously loving this series! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. This time we traveled to Nigeria and the suspense, the intrigue and the characters sucked me right in. I loved Ranger and Noemi and their chemistry was undeniable. Noemi was so badass! I loved one part in particular but i can't say what it was cause it would be a spoiler but it was so fun! I also loved the theme of trust in this book, something i often struggle with. The author did a really good job of addressing the subject in a profound way. Finally i just have to say that the Kingston family is so awesome and I am looking forward to the next book!

[bookslesstravelled · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

And she does it again!! Susan May Warren has long been a favorite author of mine, and I'm so excited to have had the pleasure on reading an ARC of her latest release! Sunburst has everything I love about her stories, high action, fast paced storyline, unforgettable characters, and that special way she brings it all together and weaves a story that quickly pulls readers in and takes them on a wild ride they are not likely to forget!I loved seeing the Nigerian culture in this one! It was a fun surprise when I first heard about Sunburst, and I adored these characters and seeing some of the culture sprinkled beautifully throughout their adventures!

[miriammartin-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I won this book in a librarything giveaway. It was an excellent thriller. It is definitely a page turner with likeable characters.

[nx74defiant · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had trouble getting into the story at 1st. You would read a chapter and halfway in the point of view/time period would change. Some chapters changed even more than twice. I would just start to get interested in one time period and it would change again. I don't mind changing pov & story-lines, but it felt like it was changing too quickly. It did get better as it went on and focus on the current story with out going back to the past as often. Also the conclusion was very exciting.

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I've read the first book in this series and a number of books by this author. Sadly, this book only rates an average from me. The beginning of the book jumps back and forth between the present and when Ranger and Noemi first met in the past. The scene break symbols are faint so it didn't always register with me that a change was coming and it would throw me out of the flow of the story.This one is all on me . . . but every time I thought the name Ranger, I remember one of the boys from a college class who would announce "Rangers" (the hockey team I think) before class (to another student or students around him). An interesting memory, but not at all related to the story--though near the end there is a hockey reference.For most of the book, I just wanted to shake Noemi and Ranger and tell them to talk to each other and be truthful. I'm not sure if Noemi was afraid of rejection and that's why she'd make little "jokes" that made Ranger think she wasn't serious about their relationship. After a while, you just want them to stop dancing around each other and admit they really love each other.I was sorry to read that Ranger is losing his eyesight. Not a huge surprise that it might run in the family since we learned in book 1 that his father's eyesight is failing too. I'm glad others are encouraging him that there are still things he can do even with less than perfect eyesight--maybe not be a sniper--but there are still ways to learn to defend yourself--there are other occupations that exist--he can explore his interest in cooking etc.I guessed that Tae and Colt would be the leads in the next book in the series.I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Group in exchange for an honest review

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is another wonderful book of suspense. I loved the descriptions of Nigeria and of Alaska. There was great romance and some very good suspense. I loved Ranger and Noemi. I love that this leads up to the next book in the series. I felt this was emotional and inspirational. I give this book a five out of five stars.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Susan May Warren's new book treats readers to quite an adventure, as they're transported to a terrorist camp in Nigeria and then back to Sky King Ranch in beautiful Alaska. Ranger Kingston is on a rescue mission, but his own heart may need rescuing after he and Noemi Sutton find each other again. A pretend marriage becomes necessary for survival but the special physical chemistry and deep emotional bond between Ranger and Noemi make it very real in appearance. Can their already tender hearts endure another goodbye?Warren has a unique talent for creating characters to cheer for, romance that leaves us yearning for more, and adventures that keep us on the edge of our seats! She also ministers to readers spiritually with the relevant faith messages that she weaves into all of her stories. I thoroughly enjoyed Sunburst and I'm excited to read book 3 of the Sky King Ranch series.I received a review copy from the author and from Revell via Interviews and Reviews. These are my honest thoughts.

[jumbler-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Overall I enjoyed this book. The main characters Noemi and Ranger are strong characters but the second guessing they do about their relationship got a little tiresome. Ranger was in Nairobi to rescue his brother and Noemi was kidnapped also. The author did a good job of describing Nairobi, the people and their customs. Getting back to Ranger's family in Alaska, showed their close ties also. A good book, full of suspense and twists and turns! A good read.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sunburst, by Susan May Warren is book two in the Sky King Ranch series. This story takes over where the first book ends, so it is best to read them in order. This story takes place modern day in Nigeria and Alaska.I just loved how the Kingston brothers were able to set aside their differences to help rescue Colt. I enjoyed the reconnection of Ranger and Noemi and the rekindling of their relationship. I also enjoyed the strength Noemi had in refusing to allow the young girl to not be rescued. I appreciated how the author wrote in the traditions of the Nigerian weddings and the food they ate. The struggles Ranger and Noemi had regarding their wedding are so real, was it just part of staying safe and were they really married? I totally enjoyed the input his father had regarding this.This story is filled with so much action and suspense that is was hard for me to put the book down. I especially enjoyed catching up with the rest of the Kingston family. I enjoyed the Christian aspect of this story and the gentle advice his father gives as well as the love shared to others. It was fun to have more of the story from book one revealed as well. I look forward to reading the next story in the series.I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story from the author and publisher. This is my honest review.

[pamelabarrett · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Susan May Warren has written another exciting and compelling Novel in this sequel to Sunrise. Ranger, a Navy Seal has met his match in Noemi a daughter of a Seal Officer. Her father taught her how to be tough and how to survive. Both of them putting survival and duty first leaving no room for love and relationships. They both have issues from their childhoods that need healing and trust in God if they will ever find love. Over the years Ranger has thought about Noemi but he never thought he’d see her again until he is sent to rescue his brother Colt who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Nigeria and they also have Noemi. Also there is more of the story from book one that leads into a third novel. I would suggest you read book one first which starts on their ranch in Alaska. Then read Sunburst if you like travel, action, and complexity of doing the right thing in the worst circumstances.

[macygma · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I seem to read Susan May Warren’s books often. Several reasons: great plots, wonderful scenery, a little romance and a lot of thinking.Sunburst is the tale of Ranger Kingston. A SEAL with major issues (one of which he left four years ago standing on a Key West beach). He deploys to rescue his brother, Colt, who has been taken hostage in Nigeria. That plan immediately has problems as not only is Colt injured, but there is a 15-yr old girl in the camp and also…..wait for it…..the girl from the beach.Noemi Sutton fell hard for Ranger. Still loved him but knew it was hopeless. When he shows up, guns blazing; to rescue Colt and the women, the feeling resurface but now it definitely not the time. They have to get out of Nigeria asap before the Boko Haram recaptues them.This is the second book featuring the Kingston family, Sky King Ranch in Alaska and their firm belief in God and doing things right. It is well written, great characters who blend in perfectly and the descriptions of health issues which are a huge part of Ranger’s story.It comes out June 7 and well worth your purchase.

[julie2013-544404 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The perfect marriage of plot, faith and character, Susan May Warren's Sunburst lives up to all I've come to expect from her writing. This is the second book book in her Sky King Ranch series. I had not yet read the first one, yet jumping in at book two, I was still able to really enjoy it as a stand-alone title. I have, however, ordered book one and can't wait to read Echo & Dodge's story! Ranger Kingstonis serious, focus, planning, organization and drive – single-minded purpose. Black and white. Duty over dreams. Noemi, on the other hand, is light and breath and colour. Everything Ranger needs. Everything he fears. She brings balance to his life, he brings security to hers. Yet fear drives them apart – both earlier when the first met, and now as he rescues her from a hostage situation. But can they overcome their own self-doubts enough to risk love?The family dynamics of the Kingston family rings true in so many ways – fights, misunderstandings, broken and healing relationships, all bound up in love of one another and for God. Family putting aside differences to pull together when one of their own is in need. Then there's Noemi, a girl who never really felt a part of her own family, who felt like a burden, an afterthought, always in the way. Until she meets Ranger. Layered throughout is poignant truth about God as both Ranger and Noemi progress in their individual faith journeys. The faith element is so well done, it comes as a natural part of each character – who they are and how they are currently doing in their spiritual lives. There is nothing preachy or forced about it, yet it is there, offering encouragement and edification for the reader, as well as the characters in the story. So well done!The continuity factor of the trilogy, besides being about the Kingston triplets, is clearly Tae. Rescued it book one (from what I gather) by Echo and Dodge, in this story she is taken in by Barry Kingston (the triplets' dad) and Echo, and is active in caring for Colt – we expect to see the resolution of her story along with her romance with Colt in the third book. The teasers for their romance have me looking forward with baited breath for their story to be released in November. I have already ordered book one, eager to see how it all began and what trials Dodge and Echo went through to get together. I really appreciated the “dear Reader” segment at the beginning of this book where Ms. Warren shared a poignant story about how the pandemic interfered with her being able to attend her son and daughter-in-law's wedding and her daughter-in-law being unable to have a traditional Nigerian wedding. As she could not give this to her daughter-in-law, she wrote one for Noemi and Ranger instead and it was beautifully done. A wonderfully written story balancing the suspense, the romance and the faith journey of two delightful characters.(I received an advance reader's copy of this book)

[dgmlrhodes · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was so full of action and beautiful culture. I enjoyed the depth of the characters. The storyline kept me on the edge of my seat. This book is the second in the series and told from Rangers point of view. The honor, and the action from his point of view is amazing. From the bush in a Nigerian terrorist camp to a mansion in Alaska, the settings and people are wonderfully detailed. Overall, a great read!!

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sunburst quickly places you in the action and atmosphere! I love it when I’m transported without a bunch of backstory or slow-moving description. I enjoyed the history between Ranger Kingston and Noemi Sutton. (Love the name Noemi!) I especially connected with Noemi. The flashbacks to their relationship are easy to follow, even if you haven’t read the first book in the series. This book works well as a standalone.The Nigerian setting and culture are interesting and unique. The action is nicely paced. The growth is evident. The healing is heartwarming. The romance is swoony. What’s not to love? I’m enjoying the pretty covers of the Sky King Ranch series so far, and the elements reconciliation and faith are what I love best. Enjoy a suspenseful, romantic, adventurous, meaningful story.First Line (Chapter 1): Forty-two seconds to freedom.Genre: Christian Contemporary Suspense/RomanceContent: CleanDisclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.#Sunburst#RevellBooks

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Former Navy Seal Ranger and a few select men are off on a dangerous mission to rescue his kidnapped brother in Nigeria. The mission is successful, mostly, but Ranger has rescued more than he set out to do. He is now running for his life with Noemi, a young woman he met by chance a few years ago, and though attracted to her, was warned away from her by her strict father, a Navy Seal Chief. But he never forget her, and now they running away from killers, not knowing why, or even if, she is the target. It’s quite an exciting tale, really more adventure than romance, although there is a marriage of convenience that saves both their lives. The writing is tight with well written dialogue. The characters seem real, and the action practically leaps off the page. There is quite a lot about the customs of the Nigerian culture, and it is obvious that the author did her research. The book also speaks of Christian values and beliefs. This novel is the second in the series, and it is a pager-turner that, like the previous book, ends on a cliff hanger. This well-written adventure is one that will appeal to readers of romance as well as action adventure stories.

[tcjrogers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sunburst is the second book in the Sky King Ranch Series after Sunrise. In Sunburst, Ranger Kingston, along with his brother, Dodge, has been called to use his Navy SEAL training to help rescue some hostages in Nigeria, one of them being his other brother, Colt. As the operation gets underway, the mission gets thrown off track, and Ranger is now tasked with escaping from hostile captors and a hostile environment with two women, one of whom broke his heart years prior. Or did he break hers? Noemi Sutton’s father was a SEAL, so she knows how to take care of herself. But when Ranger gets wounded, will she be able to protect him and get him the help he needs to save him? And will will she be able to hold on to her heart in the process, or will she fall for Ranger Kingston all over again?I thought Sunburst was exciting and full of action from the very beginning. Most of the story takes place in Africa, and that makes it a little more unique and interesting and exciting to me, because so many of the books I read (primarily Christian romance) are set somewhere in North America, so this was just something a little different. The characters are likable, and Ranger and Noemi have good chemistry. I like that there is a continuing story that carries over from the first book and into this one — something mysterious that will carry into the third book. The only thing I didn’t love about his book was some of the dialog — one of the conversations in particular close to the end — seemed really forced. Like, relationships are hard — yes, obviously — but sometimes the conflict that is written to add drama and tension to the relationship doesn’t make sense or feel natural to me (so it’s definitely not going to make sense to the brain of the man in that relationship). So in that one conversation, which was supposed to be kind of a big moment in the book, I felt let down by how the conversation played out. But overall, I enjoyed the story, the action, the romance, and as always, I appreciate that the author kept it clean.*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[ibjoy1953 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was excited to read Sunburst by Susan May Warren after reading the first book in the series, Sunrise. And indeed I was on a journey I wouldn't forget for a while. From Florida, to Nigeria to the Nigerian Wedding to the Sky King Ranch in Alaska, my heart was thumping right along with the characters. Their meeting in Florida and dating a couple months only caused problems for Noemi Sutton and NAVY SEAL Ranger Kingston. Ranger couldn't. It was a mistake, so it ended. But as Ranger is in Nigeria to rescue his brother, there she is. Again. This story was so back and forth between characters, between dreams, it was sometimes hard to keep up. I had to backtrack a few times to see where the story had lead off to. The excitement was there as the fast paced plot moved on, and with the twists and turns, there was no way to know what was next. I enjoyed the details about Nigeria and especially the beautiful wedding. I really didn't understand why all the questions of whether they were married or not. If this was her tradition, why not? And a as the story moves to Alaska, I loved the conversations between Ranger and his brothers about whether or not they were legally married. It was a lot of humor in that talk. I also love Alaska and the beautiful details of the area as well as the work the Kingston family were doing. This family is amazing and they are really easy people to get to know and love. All in all this is another great story by Susan May Warren. But, for me, even though I really like the book, they were places that even though fast paced, the story fell short and I felt disconnected. I just don't think this is Warren's best work. And for this, the Four Stars, and I hate giving that, but I have to be honest. I still encourage you to read this book! Especially if you enjoy the suspense and the fast pace, so fast your head will be spinning. There is so much involved in Sunburst that it is difficult to even touch on a little bit of it. You need to read this story and this series to get the full effect. The real deal. I strongly recommend you to run out and get your copy today.

[juju2cat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good book. Wished I had known it was part of a series but it doesn't affect the storyline. Lots of action and a really fast read. My only complaint: way too much waffling on the main characters parts trying to deny their feelings for each other. :)Thank you to LibraryThing for a copy for my review.

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It has been awhile since I read a book by Susan May Warren, and Sunburst was a delightful reintroduction to her books. It is the second book of her Sky King Ranch series, but I had no difficulty entering the series with this book. That said, it really doesn't work as a stand-alone read because it ends very literally with a cliff hanger.A special aspect of Sunburst is Warren's inclusion of Nigerian culture as a way of honoring her new daughter-in-law, a member of the Delta Tribe in Nigeria. The time they spent together via Zoom must have been a great time of bonding as they worked to assure authenticity. Warren did a wonderful job of engaging all of the reader's senses both in the Nigerian and Alaskan settings. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Sunburst from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Suspense, action, and adventure await readers in this awesome book! There is action from beginning to end that easily held my attention. I really liked the setting of this novel and I learned much about Nigeria culture from the talented way the author wove these facts into the story. I do not think I’ve ever read a suspense book with a marriage of convenience trope and I thought this was really well written! I enjoyed how the action moved along as the romance developed. Ranger was my favorite character; I loved his protective nature and his good heart. I have greatly enjoyed this series and I am so excited for the next one. Highly recommended!I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: Sunburst (Sky King Ranch #2)Author: Susan May WarrenPages: 368Year: 2022Publisher: RevellMy rating: 5 out of 5 starsSusan May Warren delivers a very interesting and unique adventure for Ranger Kingston when he goes to Nigeria to save his brother, Colt. Audiences will remember his brother, Dodge Kingston, whom we met in the first book of this series, Sunrise. Most of the action and suspense happens when Ranger and a group of men go into the bush to save people taken hostage. What Ranger didn’t expect is to run into a former girlfriend, Naomi, whom he met in Key West, and he certainly hadn’t planned on getting married!Part of the action takes place once again in Alaska where the girl Dodge and Echo rescued in the first book is now on living on Sky King Ranch. So, when Ranger and his wife show up on the ranch, the family is together for the first time in years. Can the brothers put their rocky past behind them to confront the danger still facing Naomi? Will the family learn the real reason why the girl isn’t speaking and where she comes from?The novel is a fast-paced adventure that grabs the reader’s attention and heart! The characters deal with real life challenges and how faith is to be lived out when facing the unknown. The Nigerian wedding that is portrayed in the book sounds beautiful and is filled with family and laughter. The biggest surprise to me was how the danger that characters faced in the first book is tied to what is happening in the sequel.Readers are waiting for the third book to reveal how everything ties together, and how Colt helps a young woman face unnamed danger. The Kingston family members have all served their country and have special skills that are needed to live in the rugged wilderness of Alaska. The novel Sundown is due to be released November 2022, and I can’t wait to see how everything concludes. Alaska is one place I would love to visit someday. Its rugged beauty as described sounds breathtaking. If you haven’t read the first two books, hurry before the final book comes out which I expect will be filled with heart-pounding suspense!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[sbmc-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"But faith is stepping forward without knowing the destination. Your job, as a warrior of the Lord, is to listen. To walk in faith."This Kingston family.... man, they are so easy to fall in love with. Ranger, the youngest of the Kingston triplet, is a hero through and through. His black-and-white, duty driven, buttoned-up way of life collides with Noemi's wildly colorful, passion driven ways in this fast-paced, paramilitary romantic suspense. The book magically weaves together a dangerous rescue operation with second chance romance. I loved learning about Nigeria and their wedding customs and how life is celebrated there. But the book is more than heart-pounding action and heart-stopping romance; there is a tangible faith thread of acknowledging and appreciating God's goodness and presence as well as placing our dreams, hopes, and fears into the hands of the Almighty One. If you're looking for a spell-binding adventure, this book is it! And I really enjoyed getting to know Colt and Tae and am so looking forward to their story and seeing how Russian mercenaries, a plague in Nigeria, and a scientist in hiding all come together for the overarching theme of the series.I received the book from the publisher via Interviews & Reviews and JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[amybooksy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sunburst is a great continuation of Susan May Warren’s Sky King Ranch series. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, but surprisingly loved this second installment even more. This romantic suspense has a lot going on that made me feeling like I was on a thrilling roller coaster ride. I loved getting to know Ranger and Noemi. Their story was not predictable and I never knew what was going to happen next, making me want to keep reading to see what was going to happen next.I am giving Sunburst a very well deserved five plus stars. Readers who enjoy reading clean romantic suspense. I am looking forward to reading the next book from the Sky King Ranch series, Sundown.I received a paperback copy of Sunburst from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.