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Missions of Mercy #2
Mission: Out of Control
Brody "Wick" Wickham is a former Green Beret turned security agent--with a 100 percent mission success rate. No way is his new assignment changing that. Even if it's protecting a diva American rock star while she's on tour in Europe. Except Veronica "Vonya" Wagner isn't just a beautiful celebrity used to having her way--she's the daughter of a U.S. Senator. And she's hiding a dangerous secret. When Wick discovers what's at stake, how far over the line will he go to keep them both alive?
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2011
31 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Susan May Warren
213 books3,626 followersI can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 27, 2024
Really good book, and loved the characters.
April 17, 2015
As a romantic suspense enthusiast from way back when, I jumped at the chance to check out Susan May Warren’s Love Inspired Suspense Series: Missions of Mercy. Susan’s a prolific author, but I’ve only read one of her books. So I was eager to see what she would bring to the table for the romantic suspense genre. Here are the pros and cons of what her LI series has to offer . . .
First, the pros:
Exotic locations: check
Heart-stopping suspense: check
Plucky, resourceful heroines: check
Tough heroes with big hearts: check
Just the right amount of romance and humor as befits the danger: check
Perfect length for me to finish while proctoring exams: check
Strong inspirational themes: check
For a bonus, these guys are ex-military: Two checks!
Now, the cons:
As far as I could discover, she’s only published three in this series.
Which definitely left me wanting more!
My favorite aspect of the Missions of Mercy Series is that the books are written from a Christian worldview. Kudos to Susan May Warren for making faith an integral part of her characters’ lives. And the spiritual issues they wrestle with are not superficial. They matter in the real world. The way I see it, when the man with the gun facing down a relentless physical enemy can also operate in the spiritual realm–now that’s a great story!
The second book, Mission Out of Control, features Brody “Wick” Wickham, a former Green Beret turned security agent. Wick’s mission is to protect the beautiful rock star Vonya, whose edgy performances shock his sensibilities. In spite of the animosity that springs up between them, Wick feels compelled to discover the real woman beneath the tawdry costumes—because Vonya has as many personas as she does names. Veronica is the proper senator’s daughter. Ronie is the humanitarian with a heart for children. And Ronyika is the vulnerable woman whose trust Wick seeks to win.
At the beginning of this story, I wasn’t sure I liked Ronie/Veronica/Vonya. So her character really brought home to me the theme that God’s acceptance is not based on the estimation of others but on how He sees us. No matter how wayward, we are His cherished children.
First, the pros:
Exotic locations: check
Heart-stopping suspense: check
Plucky, resourceful heroines: check
Tough heroes with big hearts: check
Just the right amount of romance and humor as befits the danger: check
Perfect length for me to finish while proctoring exams: check
Strong inspirational themes: check
For a bonus, these guys are ex-military: Two checks!
Now, the cons:
As far as I could discover, she’s only published three in this series.
Which definitely left me wanting more!
My favorite aspect of the Missions of Mercy Series is that the books are written from a Christian worldview. Kudos to Susan May Warren for making faith an integral part of her characters’ lives. And the spiritual issues they wrestle with are not superficial. They matter in the real world. The way I see it, when the man with the gun facing down a relentless physical enemy can also operate in the spiritual realm–now that’s a great story!
The second book, Mission Out of Control, features Brody “Wick” Wickham, a former Green Beret turned security agent. Wick’s mission is to protect the beautiful rock star Vonya, whose edgy performances shock his sensibilities. In spite of the animosity that springs up between them, Wick feels compelled to discover the real woman beneath the tawdry costumes—because Vonya has as many personas as she does names. Veronica is the proper senator’s daughter. Ronie is the humanitarian with a heart for children. And Ronyika is the vulnerable woman whose trust Wick seeks to win.
At the beginning of this story, I wasn’t sure I liked Ronie/Veronica/Vonya. So her character really brought home to me the theme that God’s acceptance is not based on the estimation of others but on how He sees us. No matter how wayward, we are His cherished children.
July 8, 2015
I enjoyed so many of Susan May Warrens books in the past I was excited to receive a review copy of this book. The main character Ronnie AKA Vonya reminded me a little of the T.V. show Hannah Montana where no one knows Miely Cyrus and Hannah Montana are one and the same. Ronnie does her best to keep her two lives separate until someone tries to kill her. Now her dad has hired a body guard to protect her on this singing tour.
I enjoyed this book and the authors note to the reader, “When doing a book signing or a women’s event, I have a way about myself that might not be the same gal you’d see on the other side of the computer, hidden away in my office. We all live “double lives,” based on what we want people to see and the things we’re trying to prove to ourselves. I took that premise and applied it wildly to Ronnie, AKA Vonya and Brody, who also wants to be seen as capable and not broken.”
I was pleasantly surprised Susan May Warren packed so much action, adventure, fun, laughter into such a small book! I loved the message interwoven throughout the pages of this novel. This book has it all! I highly recommend this book. It would make a great summer read!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
I enjoyed this book and the authors note to the reader, “When doing a book signing or a women’s event, I have a way about myself that might not be the same gal you’d see on the other side of the computer, hidden away in my office. We all live “double lives,” based on what we want people to see and the things we’re trying to prove to ourselves. I took that premise and applied it wildly to Ronnie, AKA Vonya and Brody, who also wants to be seen as capable and not broken.”
I was pleasantly surprised Susan May Warren packed so much action, adventure, fun, laughter into such a small book! I loved the message interwoven throughout the pages of this novel. This book has it all! I highly recommend this book. It would make a great summer read!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
November 9, 2011
The writing isn't that bad, and the plot moves along which is why this book gets two, rather than one star ... but the premise, a uptight conservative woman doubling as a wild rock singer? I'm not buying it.
May 5, 2011
Loved it!!
April 2, 2019
While this book lacked the "wow" factor for me, it was so well composed with dynamic and captivating characters that will pull you into their shattered world - haunted regrets and all. Through the struggles they face and the danger around every corner, we finally find that our lack of control the perfect opportunity to rely on our ultimate protector. When Vonya and Brody finally find themselves in the hands of our Savior, they can at last escape their pasts and plunge into the adventure ahead of them. Their story will definitely draw you in and I simply couldn't get enough of Vonya's brilliantly written character or "Boy Scout" Brody. The biblical truths that Susan unravels in this book pierced me right through, connecting me with the characters and with a truth that enriches the way I look at how God works.
February 2, 2018
2.5 or 3 rating
I think that, my having read so many books like this - young woman is in trouble, meets strong man, they fall in love - that my ability to rate it has already been skewed. I do not know who the author was, or maybe there have been multiple knew, but I have read so many that they are all so formulaic and now I'm tired of this particular genre. Anyway, nothing was unexpected, just a different spin on the story, which, I cannot say that I really enjoyed, the whole Vonya/Ronya/Ronie/Veronica singer story. Just remind me to stay away from this type of book!
I think that, my having read so many books like this - young woman is in trouble, meets strong man, they fall in love - that my ability to rate it has already been skewed. I do not know who the author was, or maybe there have been multiple knew, but I have read so many that they are all so formulaic and now I'm tired of this particular genre. Anyway, nothing was unexpected, just a different spin on the story, which, I cannot say that I really enjoyed, the whole Vonya/Ronya/Ronie/Veronica singer story. Just remind me to stay away from this type of book!
May 26, 2019
Who are you really?
Who are you? The real you. Who are you when no one is watching?
Great read about finding yourself and doing what God has in store for you. I really enjoyed getting to know Veronica and all her different names. She’s not bipolar but she definitely has multiple facets to learn of and enjoy.
And Brody isn’t bad either as he works through his own grief and struggles while protecting his new charge.
Who are you? The real you. Who are you when no one is watching?
Great read about finding yourself and doing what God has in store for you. I really enjoyed getting to know Veronica and all her different names. She’s not bipolar but she definitely has multiple facets to learn of and enjoy.
And Brody isn’t bad either as he works through his own grief and struggles while protecting his new charge.
June 30, 2019
Real People—Wild Story
I really loved getting to know these characters. So much Christian fiction has namby-pamby sugary characters whose only flaws are superficial. The main characters in this story came alive. Some of the secondary characters needed to be fleshed out a little, but this was a good read with a worthwhile message. Don’t worry though, the message wasn’t over-done or pushed too hard. Great job.
I really loved getting to know these characters. So much Christian fiction has namby-pamby sugary characters whose only flaws are superficial. The main characters in this story came alive. Some of the secondary characters needed to be fleshed out a little, but this was a good read with a worthwhile message. Don’t worry though, the message wasn’t over-done or pushed too hard. Great job.
December 18, 2020
Susan May Warren Delivers Again
I liked the initial banter/tension between Vonya and Brody. In reflecting later, Ronnie’s father mentioned that he had noticed that between them. There’s a bit of espionage. The connection with Bishop, however, is a little bit murky. Bishop is almost like Charlie in “Charlie’s Angels.” The Story is about finding one’s identity and learning to love oneself.
I liked the initial banter/tension between Vonya and Brody. In reflecting later, Ronnie’s father mentioned that he had noticed that between them. There’s a bit of espionage. The connection with Bishop, however, is a little bit murky. Bishop is almost like Charlie in “Charlie’s Angels.” The Story is about finding one’s identity and learning to love oneself.
March 20, 2021
Out of control
It was a tad hard to keep up with Veronica/Vonya/Ronie. The concerts, dresses with sparkles and wings were interesting. Brody comes in by himself and then has to bring in the Stryker team. Ronie and Brody’s romance develops slowly, but that’s ok.
It was a tad hard to keep up with Veronica/Vonya/Ronie. The concerts, dresses with sparkles and wings were interesting. Brody comes in by himself and then has to bring in the Stryker team. Ronie and Brody’s romance develops slowly, but that’s ok.
June 30, 2017
I like the fact that Warren allowed Brody and Vonya's relationship to develop over the course of several weeks on tour. Brody accepting Ronie as she is was also critical.
November 5, 2023
Quick, easy read, and enjoyed the book, but not quite as much as the first in this series. Solid four stars for me.
May 20, 2011
Title: MISSION: OUT OF CONTROL
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
March 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-44432-8
Genre: Inspirational/romantic suspense
Veronica “Vonya Wagner is a beautiful celebrity used to having her way—and the spoiled daughter of a U.S. Senator. Against her father’s wishes, she’s going overseas on tour, to countries that have threatened her father’s life and the lives of those important to him. Veronica insists she’ll be safe, but like it our not, her father hired a bodyguard to go with her.
Brody “Wick” Wickham is a former Green Beret turned security guard. He thinks Vonya is foolish, and a diva and he isn’t far from wrong. But he isn’t familiar with her third persona, Ronie, a caring person who goes out of her way to donate every penny of her earnings to causes she’s passionate for.
With a young boy that Ronie cares for in danger, Ronie vows to lose Brody. She’s hiding a dangerous secret, but when Wick discovers what’s at stake, how far will he go to keep them both alive?
MISSION: OUT OF CONTROL is the second book in Ms. Warren’s Missions of Mercy series. I must say that neither Vonya nor Veronica is someone that I can relate to. But her third persona, Ronie, tugged at my heart strings and made me sit up and take notice. Brody, from the beginning, was a wonderful hero, strong, considerate, and willing to do the right thing, despite his initial opinions (shared by me) of the heroine.
Readers will be caught up in the deep point of view story, swept into the action, and sitting at the edge of their seats as they thumb through the pages of this book. Don’t pick this book up to read it unless you have the time to finish it, because the tension and suspense doesn’t let up. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.50. 225 pages.
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
March 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-44432-8
Genre: Inspirational/romantic suspense
Veronica “Vonya Wagner is a beautiful celebrity used to having her way—and the spoiled daughter of a U.S. Senator. Against her father’s wishes, she’s going overseas on tour, to countries that have threatened her father’s life and the lives of those important to him. Veronica insists she’ll be safe, but like it our not, her father hired a bodyguard to go with her.
Brody “Wick” Wickham is a former Green Beret turned security guard. He thinks Vonya is foolish, and a diva and he isn’t far from wrong. But he isn’t familiar with her third persona, Ronie, a caring person who goes out of her way to donate every penny of her earnings to causes she’s passionate for.
With a young boy that Ronie cares for in danger, Ronie vows to lose Brody. She’s hiding a dangerous secret, but when Wick discovers what’s at stake, how far will he go to keep them both alive?
MISSION: OUT OF CONTROL is the second book in Ms. Warren’s Missions of Mercy series. I must say that neither Vonya nor Veronica is someone that I can relate to. But her third persona, Ronie, tugged at my heart strings and made me sit up and take notice. Brody, from the beginning, was a wonderful hero, strong, considerate, and willing to do the right thing, despite his initial opinions (shared by me) of the heroine.
Readers will be caught up in the deep point of view story, swept into the action, and sitting at the edge of their seats as they thumb through the pages of this book. Don’t pick this book up to read it unless you have the time to finish it, because the tension and suspense doesn’t let up. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.50. 225 pages.
September 25, 2011
Enjoyed the book very much. Would highly recommend it for anyone who likes a funny,romantic, suspense novel with a slight Christian viewpoint. This is second in a series of three of Stryker International books by Susan May Warren, I liked this one a little better than the first as it wasn't as preachy, though it still did bring in the Christian aspect in where it didn't quite seem to fit, though in this story it fit better and didn't seem quite so crammed down your throat as the last book. I don't mind a Christian aspect where it fits nicely in the story, but when it seems forced and added in just to be put in there, it is a turn off and detracts from the story. That is my only complaint to the book. I've read other steeple hill books that have nicely interwoven the Christian aspect without it seeming forced. The story was otherwise excellent. The feelings between Ronie and Brody were quite intense. Their characters both had quite a few problems deep down that with each other they healed. The secondary characters were great also. I love the humor in these stories. These alpha men are great but they are still very real people with real feelings and deep emotional scars, Brody had scars just like Chet did in the first book that his years serving as a green beret for his country caused. I love how the author brings this aspect into her books,as there are so many veterans who serve our country who return changed but it never gets acknowledged, I know this is fiction but it's still a way to spread awareness, same as with the issues that Vonya champions. I look forward to reading the third book in the series Undercover Pursuit, I wish there was more-maybe there is and I just overlooked them, but they are a funny suspense, romantic adventure that's sure to please.
May 2, 2011
Another satisfying romance from Susan May Warren. Loved the Vonya character and the real Ronie underneath the stage makeup and the fear. The hero--her bodyguard--was very manly and heroic. I could picture him in my mind's eye as he worried for her and protected her from the unknown threat to her safety. And those kisses...wow! I loved the insight both characters gained as they got to know each other and faced their fears together. Sparks flew when they first met, and those sparks never let up. One of the things I love most about Warren's romantic suspense novels is the layering of her characters. I love how she used their common affection for blues music to knit their hearts together. Warren's characters are always so complex, easy to empathize with, and exciting to root for. The twists and turns in this novel were well done. Nothing is easily overcome, and that always makes her stories a delight for me to read.
March 16, 2011
I must admit that I am one of those people that has to read books in order they are written when they are part of a series, well I received Mission: Out of Control and did not realize it was the 2nd in the series.
I have now begun Point of No Return.
It was very good, fast moving and thoroughly enjoyable. I love the concept of this story, Ronie is a strong willed woman who knew that using her alter ego could do a lot of good in the world.
Wick is the strong silent type afraid to take another chance on love. As they both move over and let the Lord do His work they realize that it is worth taking a chance on their feelings.
After I read this book, I read Susan May Warren's bio and was awestruck at what the Lord has brought her and her family through.
I look forward to reading more! God bless.
I have now begun Point of No Return.
It was very good, fast moving and thoroughly enjoyable. I love the concept of this story, Ronie is a strong willed woman who knew that using her alter ego could do a lot of good in the world.
Wick is the strong silent type afraid to take another chance on love. As they both move over and let the Lord do His work they realize that it is worth taking a chance on their feelings.
After I read this book, I read Susan May Warren's bio and was awestruck at what the Lord has brought her and her family through.
I look forward to reading more! God bless.
May 24, 2011
Mission Out of Control picks up the series not too long after the first book ends and it follows Wick on an outside job, while Chet is on his honeymoon. I love Wick, but in all honestly, I didn’t like Vonya as much as the other female leads in this series. She was just a bit too crazy for my tastes, but I did like how she “fit” Wick’s personality and they balance each other out. The suspense in this book was enjoyable and it was fun to try to figure out who was behind everything.
June 18, 2011
Good short novel. Another great book from Susan May Warren. Vonya, the main female character, slightly got on my nerves, but that was the only downside. A quick, fun read!
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December 24, 2014Miniseries: Missions of Mercy
Read
December 24, 2014Miniseries: Missions of Mercy
July 23, 2011
I enjoyed this one a lot more than the first one! It was funny and fun.
July 19, 2012
I like the fact that the author allowed Brody and Vonya's relationship to develop over the course of several weeks on tour. Brody accepting "Ronie" as she is was critical.
September 18, 2012
I actually gave it 3.5 stars.
July 16, 2013
Quite predictable, but a good, easy read.
August 19, 2013
There were more layers to the book than expected at first glance. Read as eBook.
February 5, 2015
A satisfying short story. A ex solider is employed to look after a Indi pop princess. Lots of twists and turns.
May 19, 2015
Better than the first in the series (and less cheesy); the third is still my favorite.
October 10, 2015
5 Stars
Where to start..... Well this book is about a Bodyguard that is Body guarding a Pop Star Which how can you go wrong with that??? Written very well, Suspense, Romance, Fame, great book.
Where to start..... Well this book is about a Bodyguard that is Body guarding a Pop Star Which how can you go wrong with that??? Written very well, Suspense, Romance, Fame, great book.
October 28, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book; however, it was kind- of long and boring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews