Iris (The Minnesota Marshalls: Book 4)

"But the fact is, it's just fear behind all that pride. And it'll make you forfeit the grace that could be yours. Be smarter than that."

I absolutely adored Iris and Hudson. There's something extra special about non-military alpha heroes Susan May Warren creates - i.e. Ty and Ian from Montana Rescue, Wyatt from Montana Marshalls, and now Hudson. This story felt more romance than action/suspense, though there was definitely plenty of adrenaline from unknown villains chasing Iris and Hudson through Europe and beyond. I learned more than I thought possible about refereeing football games through Iris. I enjoyed learning about how football players train and work through Hudson. Their romance had chemistry and witty banter, balanced out by mutually hard-earned trust and tenderness.

The chaos, love, banter, and fierce loyalty that is the Marshall family was simply delightful. I loved getting to know the matriarch Jenny better and expect she'll play a role in the next book. All the Marshall children and their loved ones under the same roof made me reminisce about the times when all my children are back home. Ty and Brette from Montana Rescue made a cameo appearance which made me giddy with happiness.

Though some plot threads were worked out in this book, Iris and Hudson's story left me with more questions than answers regarding the rogue ex-CIA agent, Russians, and Lauchtenland. I'm bouncing on my toes to read Creed to find out all the answers!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of publisher via JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

I love every one of your books that I have read. I love the family and faith, and the romance. I especially enjoyed Iris because it was from a woman's perspective. I'm so happy I found your website store!

A new release by Warren always moves to the top of my TBR. I know I can count on her to deliver a fantastic plot with engaging characters and action. Iris and Hud are super fun!

Iris by Susan May Warren is another excellent Romantic Suspense story. I wasn’t sure anything could top the stress I experienced while reading Ned — I mean, can anything be more scary than being a pretty female trapped inside a disgusting Russian gulag? Iris upped the ante in the stress department by playing into the whodunnit factor. There’s a bomb, lots of shooting, poisoning, and murder, and Iris and Hud do all they can to figure out the who and the why. Of course the mystery is not completely solved by the end of this story, but that’s OK as we readers have one more installment to go before all the pieces are put to order. Regardless, I enjoyed the mystery aspect the most in this story. I like how Hud took it to heart that Iris’s brother’s left Iris’s care in his hands. He is loyal and fierce and protective, and he does a great job putting things together. Iris balks at Hud’s constant care, but I found it super sweet and swoony. I think a protective streak in a man is an underrated quality in today’s society. Iris is amazing. She is capable, strong, and athletic. She is really good at stepping back and seeing all the details, but only if they relate to football. She is also super stubborn and prideful. In fact, it’s not the assassin out to get her that’s Iris’s number one problem, but her refusal to ask for help when she desperately and clearly needs it. Iris does not ever want to appear weak that she is no longer able to see when she is having moments of weakness. I like how Hud steps in, much to Iris’s chagrin, and forces her to accept help. It saves her life more than once. As far as the chemistry between Iris and Hud, it is electric from the first page. I really Iris and Hud as a couple, and cheered for them the whole time. As with all Warren novels, Iris is filled with timely themes. The topic of partners winning resonated with me the most. There is a moment when Sibba (mc from Jonas) sees Iris and Hud playing a game of Dutch Blitz. She notices that Hud lets Iris win. When she mentions this to Iris, Iris is petulant — “He did not let me win!” Sibba surrenders and states, “Just saying that [Hud] wore this silly smile, and when you won, he did too” (loc. 2941). Yes! This is exactly how true, good partnerships should work. Support for one another should be so strong that when one of you wins, you both feel like you have won.

Iris is another excellent Romantic Suspense that I highly recommend. If you enjoy stories that leave you on the edge of your seat, that follow endearing and relatable characters, and that are filled with timely themes then grab a copy of Iris ASAP. You won’t be disappointed that you did!

I ordered a copy of this novel in eBook form from the author on May 20, 2023, in order to review. In no way has this influences my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I absolutely LOVED this Montana Marshalls novel!

Iris and Hudson. (I can't call him Hud, I'm sorry, all through the novel I kept replacing it in my head. I just couldn't do it!)

Anyway, Iris and Hudson were a wonderful addition to the overachieving, world saving Marshall family. I loved their dynamic, their bickering and I especially loved how they were not trained to save the world...but they both wanted to anyway.

And the Avengers theme continues! I love the quips and the comparisons and comparing Hudson to Thor made him fly up the levels of attractiveness in my brain! I hadn't really know what I was picturing at first, but as soon as that image game up, I was set!

As ever in Susan's novels, this one kept me flying through chapters, not wanting to stop. I made it halfway through before I had to just sit down and finish the rest in a single sitting! Her ability to mix adventure, danger, romance, family and God...it's magical. She truly has a gift!

Speaking of God, the faith element is always one of my favorite parts to Susan's novels. The themes of trust, love and surrender to God's plan. I never get tired of being reminded, in such a beautifully written way, that God has the ultimate plan. All I have to do is trust and be willing to go along for the ride.

All in all, another beautifully written novel, Susan! I cannot wait for Creed, but I also am not ready to say goodbye to this series yet!