You Don't Have to Be a Star

Montana Fire #0.5

by Susan May Warren

From RITA award-winning author Susan May Warren comes a new action romance. A prequel to the Montana Fire: Summer of Fire trilogy. 




An action-heroine movie star looking for a place to hide finds trouble in the arms of a real-life hero...




MacKenzie Grace wants more than her wanna-be action-heroine role on the big screen. But when she finds herself in the sights of a stalker, her real life drama takes on epic movie proportions. Including her very own, real-life action hero...




Former Green Beret Luke Alexander just wants to forget his past and mind his own business in the woods of east Tennessee. And his park ranger job seems the solution. Until a diva movie star walks into his world looking for someplace to hide.




But the Cherokee forest isn’t big enough for the both of them, not if you include the trouble MacKenzie has dragged along behind her. And soon she’s stirring up Luke’s own murky past—one out for revenge. Which trouble will find them first? Is it even possible to outrun your past and start over? Luke and MacKenzie are about to find out…




This prequel to the Montana Fire Series includes an extended excerpt from Book 1: WHERE THERE’S SMOKE


;

Books in the Montana Fire series:

Where There’s Smoke (Book 1)
Playing With Fire (Book 2)
Burnin’ For You (Book 3)

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Christian Romance, Ebooks

235 pages, ebook

First published June 1, 2016

About the author

I 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

Reviews

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read almost all of Susan May Warren’s newer series and am making my way through her backlist. She never disappoints. I loved meeting Luke, the “grumpy” former special ops solider and smoke jumper, and Kenzie, the “sunshine” movie star. They both have grief and loss in their lives, which draw them together although they’re almost complete opposites. They also have secrets from their past and shame they must overcome. Their spiritual journey was fulfilling and the theme of forgiveness ran throughout the plot. And the romance! It was completely swoony. There was even suspense, as Luke and Kenzie dodged stalkers, paparazzi, and revenge seekers. If you enjoy contemporary romance with a dash of suspense, this book will be perfect for you. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Montana Fire series.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hollywood star who needs a break and a Veteran who needs compassion and forgiveness. The two main characters are brought together under less than ideal circumstances but walk away with more than they ever imagined.

I felt that the timeline moved a little quick in regards to their relationship. It almost felt like I missed something within the story. I really enjoyed when Luke talked about his father and how much he meant to him and wanted to make things right. And how McKenzie knew what she wanted and made a point to get it.

I feel like I'm still learning this authors style of writing too, there were a few times a phrase or something would be used and I'd have to stop and figure out what she was talking about but eventually got it.

There was a small amount of violence discussed and a shooting that happened toward the end. An adult situation that involved the two main characters spending the night together. There was no sexual content within this story. They did kiss a few times.

Rating: PG
Language: no profanity, no use of deity
Recommend: Yes

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

McKenzie Grace is a movie star who has been placed in a role similar to 007. But that's not the kind of movie roles she wants to be playing. Now she is being stalked, and her agent wants her to disappear for a while. His brother, former Green Beret Luke Alexander, after a mission gone bad, just wants to stay out of sight in his cabin in the Tennessee mountains. Can Luke and McKenzie help each other figure out what they want in their futures as well as regain their lost faith?

Well written as always by Susan May Warren. Even though it is a novella, it felt complete, had enough action, and a wonderful romance thread.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

MacKenzie Grace is a mega-star on the big screen. Nearly killed when a stalker invades her private space, she retreats to the hills of Tennessee to escape continued threats on her life, hoping that being incognito for a few weeks will give her peace of mind. Never in her wildest dreams did she anticipate meeting someone like Luke Alexander.

Former Special Ops soldier Luke Alexander is living a life of "retreat" of a different nature, and mostly regret. When MacKenzie Grace literally blows in to his park ranger office looking for a secure hideaway, Luke's tightly wound world begins to spiral out of his control. Their dangerous pasts just might find a way to intersect.

Can this real- life hero and movie-made hero find a way to start over? Susan May Warren has hit a proverbial home run with this prequel to her upcoming "Montana Fire Series"!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Don't Have to Be A Star by Susan May Warren
Montana Fire Series Book 0.5
MacKenzie Grace's life isn't quite so amazing as one would think...for a movie star. Her ex-husband has a new and younger girlfriend. She didn't get the Oscar. And now, an old stalker seems to have returned to torment her. So her agent sends her to the hills of Tennessee.

Luke Alexander lived through being captured by drug lords in Mexico...and yet he isn't living. He's hiding at his park ranger job up in the mountains and at his cabin away from all humanity. He lives with survivor's guilt and past mistakes. The last thing he needed was a woman to babysit.

I loved this story. Great characters and a bit of a mystery along with the romance.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was really good. I liked how the novel contained a character who was famous and trying to hide out for their safety. Even though it is a bit of a shorter book, and the characters had to get to know each other a little quicker than in a full-length novel, I liked the relationship development that occurred.

The two main characters have great romantic tension between them. Luke is a great protector and is drawn to MacKenzie, however, he is really struggling to overcome the survivors guilt that he lives with.

[Janet Merrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was just "okay," nothing special, but still an enjoyable read. What most upset me is calling this a prequel to the Montana Fire series. VERY misleading as it has absolutely nothing to do with that series other than a brief mention that the hero spent some time with the smokejumper team in Montana. This story takes place in Tennessee and is completely unrelated. I would not have purchased it if I had known none of the characters would be the same, much less the premise of the story. Shame on the powers that be for misleading loyal readers.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Kenzie and Luke. This was a terrific novella about two people from very different worlds but similar backgrounds. Both are on the run from mysterious danger. As their paths unexpectedly cross, they are surprised to find their common ground and the ability to open up, relate to one another, and even learn to forgive themselves. Being a novella some of their relationship seems to happen quickly but I was charmed and very happy that our H/h find their HEA.

[Tracey Cramer-Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Luke and MacKenzie and the emotions that Warren always brings to her characters, as well as the mysteries/backstories that bring them together. MacKenzie protects and saves Luke as much as he does her. The only small hiccup I encountered was that there was a skip, where they’d been living in the woods (her in the cabin, him in the RV next to it) for a period of time that had resulted in them being closer… but I didn’t catch it so it felt like they’d gotten really close, really fast.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really liked this book! It was not as predictable as I initially thought it would be. I loved how both Luke and Kenzie communicate clearly with each other. There wasn't a giant misunderstanding and a lot of guessing on the other person's part as their feelings developed. It was so satisfying to read maturity in the characters. It made it more believable when feelings developed quickly. Both Kenzie and Luke were really sweet and genuine people and very honest about their struggles. Really enjoyed this. Plus, I actually laughed out loud in the beginning when Luke had misunderstood who Kenzie was! It was really funny...I never lol in books!

[K P · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Don't Have To Be A Star is a prequel for Susan May Warren's latest series, Montana Fire: Summer of Fire. After a bomb explodes in movie star, MacKenzie Grace's home, her agent sends her away from LA to stay with his cousin, former green beret Luke Alexander, deep in the back woods of Tennessee. MacKensie is not quite sure how to deal with the off-grid lifestyle that is required in this location that is far from the eyes of the paparazzi!

You soon learn that Luke has issues of his own to deal with, from his father losing his mind to Alzheimer's to the guilt he feels after losing a team member in a mission gone bad. It is interesting to see how both MacKensie and Luke deal with the shadows that keep crossing their paths!

Don't miss seeing how Luke and MacKensie learn to trust in their Almighty God in these difficult places, where life seems to be taking them!

http://penlessreview.blogspot.com/

[Brenda C. McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!!!

I've said Wow before, but it's never been so heartfelt before. This story, by far, has to be the BEST story I have read since I don't know when. It has real love, willingness to sacrifice, and God's abundant love and forgiveness all through it. It brought me to tears. Thank you for this story!!!!!

[Lonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story and I'll probably read the rest of this series. It's more like her earlier work, which I loved (Team Hope, Noble Legacy, and PJ Sugar). Her books set in Deep Haven haven't appealed to me and I haven't read any of her work for a long time. I prefer her suspense books over her family dramas, so I'm excited to read her again!

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book! I really enjoyed it! It had all the essentials, a sweet love story, and some suspense. It was well done! It's the first book I've read from this author so I'm excited to read her other books!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story with lots of suspense and romance. I liked the movie star storyline and always love a military hero...the strong silent type. Please read on to the Montana Fire trilogy that this is the prequel to. It is excellent :)

[Sandra Benford]

Good. Unique situation .

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Rachel L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

It actually has no bearing on the Montana Fire series except for a passing mention...

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of the truth I love from Susan May Warren, but I felt like the pain of Kenzie’s past was too brushed over.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I'm not that "into" movie stars and such, it's ironic that the last two books I've read have centered on movie stars! This one at least was countered by a good ol' Park Ranger/former Special Ops soldier. When Kenzie is targeted by a stalker, she is sent away for protection to a cabin in East Tennessee and Luke is assigned to take care of her. Things get hairy when an intrusive, belligerent "reporter" exposes their whereabouts (although Kenzie didn't help, what with her insistence on going to the town picnic and a dance where anybody could see her.) With the possibility that her stalker was on her heels, the nosy reporter, possible gang of Mexican cartel thugs, and some ginseng poachers all after them, they didn't really need the wife of his friend who died in a shootout in Mexico, but she showed up with a gun and caused a bit of drama/great publicity. A good book full of action, and supposedly the closer to the Montana Fire series.

[Linda Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger & Love brings them back to God
Great over-comer story with both Mackenzie and Luke having plenty to overcome and dangers that ARE chasing after them ! Many of them catching up pretty quickly and almost killing them off ! And other innocent by standers as well !
I really liked both Mackenzie and Luke Mackenzie was often like a chameleon when it came to accents and switching in personalities often making Luke wonder who the real Mackenzie is. Luke torments were so hidden with a reporter and a widow of his best friend, sticking the knife to him repeatedly.
I liked Mackenzie's and Luke's coming to Jesus moments without it being too preachy. It did bring tears to my eyes before the final. The Epilogue which made me grinning from ear to ear ! Take that y'all !

[Laura Hilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts: You Don't Have to be a Star is an older book by Susan May Warren that she is offering free for those who subscribe to her newsletter. I read the story when it originally came out but I reread it and got reacquainted with these characters. There is a touch of suspense but mostly this is a romance. Both the hero and her heroine are down home country folk even though she is a movie star. If you like romance you will enjoy reading You Don't Have to be a S tar or any of Susan May Warren's books. I was given a copy free in exchange for signing up for the newsletter and all opinions on my own.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can tell you right now that I am really, really going to love the Montana Fire series.

I'm still waiting for my heart rate to return to a normal level. The action, page-turning, intrique that SMW is sooooo good at leapt off the page in this novella. I was hooked from chapter one and I could not put the book down!

I loved everything about Kenzie and Luke. Their faith journey took them every step of the way as they fought their demons and found an unexpected love for each other.

This novella had everything SMW is fabulous at writing. The action, the love, the deep characters, the faith. It was amazing and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!

[Gerri · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I didn’t like it.

I liked Luke but not Kenzie. As Luke said early on she’s highfalutin. However as time passed I started liking her until she revealed her feelings regarding her parents when she was growing up. They did so much for her with what little they had. Then when she was in college and they went to see her in a play, she never acknowledged or spoke to them. That was it for me.

As much as Kenzie liked the life in Tennessee with Luke she went back to her life in LA. Will the real Kenzie Grace please stand up.

Oh and by the way, I knew immediately who was trying to kill here. It was pretty obvious.

[TheModestMillennial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my stars, what a ride! I love these two characters! The struggles that they each are working through, the faith they are trying to find their way back to, make you lose yourself in their story. I love the thriller aspect of this book, getting caught in the suspense and exhilaration of fighting for your life while finding someone who makes it worthwhile. I was legitimately in tears at the climax and may have thrown up a few prayers of my own. Wow, this will definitely be a book I'll pick up again and again. Great work Susie May!

[Katie Rosado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Susan May Warren!

I will say, however, that while this story is listed as part of the Montana Fire series (and SMW even says it'sthe last book in this series), there is only a slight reference to the Jude County Smokejumpers. This book is mainly set in Tennessee (not Montana), and as far as I could tell does not include any of the other Montana Fire characters. If you read this book not knowing it was part of another series, you'd enjoy it. But if you were expecting the characters from Ember, you might be a little disappointed.

[Zenobia N Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan May Warren Manages to Blend Humor and Romance

And there’s a little bit of drama. There are times when she has you laughing out loud such as when Luke and Kenzie first meet and have that mixup in communication. There’s drama, suspense, and sheer romance. One begins to feel the depth of Kenzie’s feelings for Luke and her keen understanding of his personality. And then, Kenzie is not depicted as a shallow movie star.

[Kylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all 9 books of this series, fabulous books

After reading all 9 books of this series, I wish there were 9 more. Excellent characters and wonderful story telling on the part of the author. Each character had to own distinct personalities and hidden secrets. You can’t go wrong reading this whole series and I promise you won’t regret it.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet yet suspenseful story. I enjoyed both Kenzie and Luke, and how they were able to remind each other what God says about true love and sacrifice. The romance was a little rushed, but I wasn't as grumpy about it as I sometimes get with 'insta-love' kinda situations.
Avoiding spoilers, but there was a scene near the end of the book that absolutely gutted me and brought me to tears.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing as usual! Toward the end of book, I was bawling. The story is paced very well. The faith elements are strong and appropriate to the circumstances, though they only appear blatantly a few times. I loved the MCs and enjoyed watching them grow closer. If you enjoy inspirational, suspense romance, then try this book.