I loved every minute of this intense and engaging read. Ned by Susan May Warren is crazy stressful and quite the wild ride. But that is to be expected from a Warren novel. Ned’s character is excellently relatable. I really felt (and shared) his constant worries, fears, and frustrations. Like his big brother Fraser, Ned has a capability issue. He is SO able that he forgets that he needs God — and sometimes others — in his life. I’ve never been that capable before, so I don’t really understand Ned’s inability to let go and let God, but I 100% relate to his need for a guaranteed plan. If I could have every single day’s plan ahead of time that would be fantastic. But then I wouldn’t know what it means to trust — and that is Ned’s lesson, too. To actually survive, Ned has to get out of his own way and trust the One who is bigger and more capable than him. I very much enjoyed seeing Ned and Fraser interact as brothers and as rugged, tough military men. I appreciate how Fraser has his younger brother’s back, but he is also not afraid to get in Ned’s face (kindly and compassionately, of course) when Ned needs a reminder of his actual place in the grand scheme of things. Shae is also wonderfully written. I loved her character in Troubled Waters, so it was a real treat getting to see her story continue in this book. Even though her circumstances are super scary and intense, she is realistically strong and brave throughout it all. She knows her limitations, but she also knows how to pull from her inner-strength when the need arises. Shae’s portion of the story definitely had me sitting on the edge of my seat, but I never felt hopeless for her, and that is because of Judah. For me, the real star of the show is Judah Lion’s character. He is absolutely wonderful. I hope that Warren writes his story because I am so ready to read that. What I enjoyed the most about his character is that his eye never strays from the prize…Jesus. No matter how bad things get, no matter how hurt he is, Judah’s faith and trust in God never wavers. There is such a strong and sure peace about his character that when he is on scene I felt at peace, like everything was going to be just fine…even in a Russian gulag. It’s a testament to Warren’s superb writing that a fictional character could bring me, the reader, this feeling of peace just by his presence. So cool! Last, but certainly not least, there is Iris and Hud. The chemistry between two is palpable, and the danger they are in is terrifying. I LOVED every single second of their storyline and cannot wait for Iris to release.

Ned is a must-read Romantic Suspense that I highly recommend. This is a story — a whole series — you do not want to miss! If you enjoy well-written nail-biting stories that leave you wanting more, then purchase yourself a copy of Ned today. You’ll be super happy you did!