Lone Star Book Blog Tour: The Sky King Ranch Series (giveaway & review of book 2: Sunburst)

“Love is the one thing that can change everything.”

Sunburst by Susan May Warren is book 2 in the Sky King Ranch series, and it is just as action packed and exciting as Book 1, Sunrise. The books in this series could technically stand alone, with no problem keeping track of characters and events, but why miss out? Sunburst does reference some aspects from Sunrise, so reading these books in order is recommended, especially if you want the lowdown on the epic blow out of a fight between brothers that occurred 10 years before the start of Sunrise. The fallout and subsequent (and constantly changing) family dynamics pepper the entire series. So much drama!

Dodge, Ranger, and Colt Kingston are triplets who grew up on their family Sky King Ranch in Alaska. While Sunrise focuses on Dodge and is set predominantly in Alaska, Navy SEAL Ranger Kingston is the star of the show in Sunburst, and what a show it is! Nigeria is one of the main settings, and the action and peril after the first initial romantic scene is sky high! Ranger is riddled with secrets, but for now, he’s on a mission to rescue some people taken hostage in Nigeria, including his brother Colt. What he doesn’t know at first is that Noemi Sutton, a humanitarian aid he had met on a long-ago vacation, is among the captives. While these two hit it off a few years prior, circumstances and other goals had them parting ways, even if their hearts remained entwined. The author definitely knows how to work the romance angle in this series, making the entire relationship building believable and sensational.

When the hostages escape into the forest with the help of the special ops team, the bad men are outraged and hot on their trail. Unfortunately, when Ranger and Noemi double back to retrieve Blessing, who was recaptured, all three become separated from the rescue group and miss the flight out of the danger zone. In the process, Ranger is gravely injured, and Noemi and Blessing must pull out all the stops to now save both Ranger and themselves. No problem!

“Situational awareness can help you see answers that you might miss when you panic.”
“Evaluate the situation.”
“Understand the situation.”
“Control the situation.”

Sunburst is character driven, with both Ranger and Noemi propelling the plot forward as they dodge bad buys, explosions, bullets, and their own feelings for each other. The big question is why are they still being pursued? While still on the run, Noemi seeks help and sanctuary from her wealthy Nigerian family on her mother’s side, where the dynamics between her and Ranger take an unexpected, fortuitous, and even humorous turn. Susan May Warren smartly adds some wit and amusement amidst all the danger, courtship, and brotherly rivalry, providing an overall plot that is sure to please just about any reader who loves a thrilling, suspenseful story that takes place in some pretty gorgeous settings.

As if all this electrifying action isn’t enough, Sunburst isn’t only about Ranger and Noemi. At the end of Book 1, Sunrise, a young lady rescued from the Alaskan wilderness during a late-season snow storm is recovering at Sky King Ranch. She is called Jane Doe because of her amnesia and odd inability to speak; however, this woman has quite a few secrets of her own. This subplot thickens in Sunburst. Bonus!

With all the lively characterization and hair-raising action, Sunburst is naturally quick paced and riveting, keeping the reader wondering after each chapter what in the world could possibly happen next?
Short answer: Plenty!

And just wait ’til you get to those last chaotic and totally enthralling scenes right up to the end, barreling straight into Book 3: Sundown. Woah

Enter the giveaway below on or before December 9, 2022, for a chance to win some fabulous prizes!

I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.