I didn’t really want to read it. But I’ve met Jack a few times, and I really like both Jasinda and Jack Wilder. The Missionary by Jack Wilder is so far out of my comfort zone, and a book I thought would totally not be my type. Yet I found myself at 3:00 am with my hand to my heart unable to stop reading, and absolutely engrossed in it.
“Something sharp jabbed into her bicep…she was floating, weightless, unable to move…she couldn’t cry or whimper, but a tear trickled down her cheek…and all went dark.
“My name is Wren Morgan.Ā She focused on that, it was all she had, all she knew”
If you have read Wounded by Jasinda Wilder (One of my favorite books this year – my review) I would say it had a similar feel, with a little more suspense (but don’t worry, there is sex, and Jack writes it well–Jasinda is a lucky lady). The Missionary was a quick read, because honestly, you just can’t put it down. While some parts were hard to read, they NEED to be read, because sex slavery exists around the world. This could have been a depressing book, but I would definitely classify it as more of an edge-of-your seat thrill ride with romance…kind of like the Bourne Identity.
Wren Morgan is a young girl in college. Sweet and fairly innocent, she is heavily involved in her church and had barely left her hometown. She has a crush on Stone Pressfield, a retired Navy Seal who is helping at the church. Stone feels the connection to Wren, but they have such vastly different backgrounds, and he has seen so much death and despair, that he could never sully the beautiful girl with his horrific background.
“He wasn’t a good Christian. He was a soldier, and he believed because heād seen the truth. Heād experienced death and felt the presence of God. Heād witnessed miraclesā¦
Heād seen the worst in humanity and dealt death to the scum of the earth. Heād also seen true heroism and courage, seen sacrifice and the power of faithā¦
So yeah, he believed. But his faith wasā¦beyond the narrow field that these kids experienced.”
The church decides to send a mission to Manila in the Philippines to bring awareness to, and help to victims of human and sexual slavery. Stone has been there before. He knows the dangers. He lost his friends there and the full use of his knee. He has a BAD feeling about this mission. He begs the church to cancel. He begs Wren to not go. But they don’t listen.
“You’re coming, right? You can be our security.”
“I guess I am.” Stone pinched the bridge of his nose and tried to ignore the roiling in his belly, the warning bells in his head.”
Wren was adopted and they think she is Filipino, so her reasons for going to Manila were deeper than the rest. She wanted to know her heritage. On the flights over, she and Stone got to know each other more, and the connection deepened. When they got to Manila, as hard as they were working, Stone couldn’t fight the attraction to Wren. She was always there on the edge of his awareness.
“It was as if he was drawn to her by some strange magnetic force”
Even with Stone hovering over them, making sure they never go anywhere without him, the worst happens. Wren is snatched right off the street and disappeared without a trace. Stone knew of the slave organizations with informants and snitches all over Manila. Stone was a large white man who stood out in the poor country. Nobody would risk themselves to help a white man.
So began his search for Wren. Through some of the poorest, dirtiest places in the world. Through a mountain of garbage with shacks and shanties piled on top of each other, through a maze of trash, dirt and hopelessness, looking for any clue about Wren. Through puddles of sewage, clouds of drug fumes and fear, Stone followed leads and suspects.
In the meantime, we see snippets of Wren…locked in a pitch black hole with things crawling on her. They keep shooting her up with heroin and feeding her food that crawls. They kicked her, drugged her and beat her, but they didn’t rape her…yet. They were saving her for the highest bidder. But she held on to hope that Stone would find her.
When he did, it was a race through Manila. Here is where I couldn’t breathe, my hand was on my chest, my heart in my throat. They are literally running for their lives. After days without food and sleep, injured, they have a short rest.
Wren: “Will you kiss me again? Please?…I’m not asking for anything else. Just a kiss.”
Stone: “There is no such thing as ‘just a kiss.'”
“Sure there is”
“Not with me, there’s not.”“I just…I just want to pretend, even for thirty fucking seconds, that it’s just you and me in a hotel room alone. Nothing else to deal with. Is that so wrong?” She wiped her eyes with both hands. “I just…I want to feel something else.”
“I know we’re both tired and hurt, but…stop holding back. Stop holding out on me” ~ Wren
And then the chase begins again…heart in mouth…edge of my seat, a clear picture in my head of the poor city. This poor couple just can’t catch a break, and there was no way I was going to sleep.
Likes:
- So beautifully written, it flowed so well, and I felt like I could see everything described perfectly.
- As edge-of-your-seat thriller it was, the romance and sex came at just the right time so that the horrors of the story don’t overwhelm you.
- So much of the story was clearly based on fact.
- It was a fast read, one or two sittings. Much more may have been too much. It was just perfect.
- Mmmm…Stone was a totally hot, military protective alpha. Yum.
- A curvy Filipino female lead.
- A wonderful ending that educated, pulled out every emotion, and made you want to DO SOMETHING!
- You must read the author note at the end.
Dislikes:
- My only dislike was in Jack’s disclaimer after the book that he made up how the shanties were interconnected. This isn’t even a dislike, more of a disappointment…it just seemed so real, and almost felt like maybe this creative license shouldn’t have been taken (though it added a lot to the scenes).
- I’m not a fan of the cover. Are they hairy man legs or dirt?
Rating: 5 stars 4 heat
The Missionary is not for everyone. I just encouraged someone to read it and she had to DNF, but if you look at the amazing ratings, you know that’s rare. It was too much for her. For me (and I am not a fan of dark books), I couldn’t put it down for a second. It was a great change from the books I have been reading, and reminded me more of when I was reading all of the John Grisham books years ago, like The Firm, where you are on the edge of your seat the whole time…just with more sex.
Jack Wilder took what could have been a truly been a difficult read and wrapped it in an unputdownable story. Ā This is not a genre I want to read a lot, it was a little much for my nerves, but it was an eye-opening, exciting, sexy, raw, educational,Ā thrilling, horrifying, scary trip through Manila that I stayed up all night to read.
Purchase The Missionary by Jack Wilder
206 pages, Standalone romance/suspense
Amazon
Alyssa says
Woah didn’t realize this was by Jasinda’s hubby. I’m not one who’s really into “dark” books but this sounds intriguing and I’ve been seeing the title everywhere. I’d love to check it out!
Emma Fitzgerald says
Not sure it is really my type of book…but I give anything a go. Plus I have heard enough good things about it!
Maria Malaveci says
I am really wanting to read this! Thanks so much for the chance!
SAnn C. says
Can’t wait to read this, sounds awesome!
Thanks for the giveaway
SAnn
Stacy says
Can’t wait to read this. Thanks for the giveaway!
Dorothy says
I really want to read this. Thanks for the chance to win a copy š
Ginnie Hutto says
This has been on my TBR list since I first heard about it. Can not wait to read it.
Deanna says
Read it. Loved it.
Christine S. says
Looks like a great book. Can’t wait to read it.
Joanne Christenson says
I can’t wait to read this….the Wilders are amazing
TG says
Can’t wait to read this one!!!!
sharon says
much as I love his wife’s writing, I know I can’t bear the suffering in this book. I wish him well, it’s just not for me.
Donna Sherritt says
I can’t wait to read this book! I love the cover!
kp says
Can’t wait to read this book!
Nina says
I want to read this book so bad. We are originally from the Philippines. I read the preview of this book and I had goosebumps. I wish things like these were just *stories*; sadly, theyre not.
RenataV. says
Oh i hope i read it soon.
Gina H says
Love the cover! Thanks for the giveaway!
Sue Pfannenstiel says
Sounds good!
Kelly Tannacore says
I am a big fan of Jasinda’s work so I am really excited to read this book also. It sounds really good even if it wasn’t her husband. Thank you for the chance š
Brandi says
I love dark reads! I will have to add this one!
Shelby Mead says
This book sounds really good! I can’t wait to read it. It’s been promoted in almost every email I’ve opened this morning. I think someone is trying to tell me something so I’m gonna listen!
Melissa Crisp says
I love stuff like this. Whether its a book or on tv. Sex slavery is a real problem and people just don’t know about it. I think I will really enjoy this book. It does sound interesting.
Karen G. says
I love romantic suspense books and this sounds perfect for me, thanks for the post and the giveaway!
Pam says
It sounds like an interesting book.
Megan Wickland says
Wow! This sounds amazing. I love a good thrill read. Can’t wait to check this one out! ā„ā”ā„
Paola Z says
Canāt wait to read this! Thank you for the chance!
Carolyn J says
Would love to read thanks for a chance
Kelley Perone says
What an interesting book, I look forward to reading it.
Brandy Gibson says
Good luck everyone
nicki says
that’s so cool that her hubs did a story… maybe they can collaborate on the next?!
Ana's Attic says
I think they do quite a bit of collaborating on all of the books. š
Bookworm Brandee says
Fantastic review, Ana! It’s always nice to step out of your comfort zone and be pleasantly surprised. I’m glad you loved this one! And I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Ana's Attic says
Thank you!
Sue Mtz says
I’ve been hearing about this book. I have to read it now. Thanks for the giveaway.
Carrie Stevens says
awesome giveaway
Marcy Meyer says
Thanks for the giveaway! This book sounds interesting.
jodi marinich says
book sounds great
Jenn says
Book sounds great
Tammy says
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway. š
Erika says
I keep hearing great things about this book! It looks like it will keep you on edge the entire time! Thanks for the chance to win!
nicole huffman says
Met both Jasinda and Jack Wilder at the Windy City author signing and he was telling us about this book and it sounded amazing then and sounds even better after reading your review. Thanks for giveaway!
Rachelle says
Thanks for the awesome giveaway š This book looks really goo !
Colleen K says
I read this book almost immediately after it was released, and I think your review is spot on. I basically read it in one sitting. It’s certainly not like the usual quickie romance read, but it has such an important message about sex trafficking abroad and here in the United States. Jack’s “HEA” wrapped it up as nicely as could be.
Heather says
I am dying to read this. This subject human trafficking is one that I am passionate about.
Kristina O says
great review….not my usual type of book either, but you make it sound like a must read….hmmm.
Kyla Stein says
I want to win!
angie Griffith says
Thank you for giveaway
Laina G says
Thanks for the giveaway, I’d like to read this (I’ve heard good things about it)
Meagan Wells says
Thanks for the Giveaway! This book is on my TBR. I really want to read this one!
Melissa says
Can’t wait to read this one!!!
lisa w says
Soooo can’t wait to read this!
Peggy says
I can do dark once in awhile. I will definitely read this! Thanks!
Beth says
So excited to read this!
Kim says
Look forward to see how Jack Wilder’s book turns out. Sounds very intriguing!! Thank you for the giveaway.
Tina Hammond says
I have purchased the eBook already and will read it this week. I can’t wait!
Amber says
This sounds really good! Thanks!
kathy says
sounds good can’t wait to read it
Leslie Rodriguez says
want want want
Julie K says
I can’t wait to read this one!!
Fingers Crossed!
Ann T says
I really, really want to read this one!! Thanks for the chance to win š
Alison Flores says
This sounds sooo good! I can’t wait to read it!! ~ Great Review!
Donna Moore says
The missionary signed, would look so nice on my bookshelf next to Falling into Us. (After I finished reading it of course.) TY for the chance at giveaway.
Rachael Sauve says
Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Jennifer Walls says
Not my usual read, but I’ll give it a shot. Thanks for the giveaway!
Natalie Martinez says
Cant wait to read this!!!!!
Alexa W. says
Thanks for the giveaway!!!!
Yvonne C says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Jay B. says
I am Filipino and the moment I read Jack Wilder’s book blurb, I just wanted to get my hands on it. I’m so intrigued and curious how this story plays out. š
Kerry Brown says
This is on my TBR list. Looks good!
Beth Wharton says
ohhh, this sounds good- I like to bust out of the genre every once in a while. Very interested!
Denise F says
I had no idea Jacinda and Her husband wrote together, I’m looking forward to reading something from him
Nicole D says
Win or lose, I can’t wait to read this one!
Sabrina D. says
Would love to win this book! Thanks for the GA!
Jennifer Jones says
I can’t wait to read this thanks for the great giveaway!!!
Autumn @ Martini Times says
This book was incredible!!
Lynn says
On my list to read! Thanks!
Amy Pollard Woolard says
This book sounds interesting!! Added to my TBR list!!!
Debra Diaz says
Love your reviews and cannot wait to read this book!
Bobbye Booth says
Thanks for the giveaway š
Becky K says
This sounds really good. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance to win!
Jennifer Black says
Been scared to read this…but I’m reconsidering
Cezanne says
The synopsis sounds so intriguing. I can tell is going to be angst filled read.
Meghan Stith says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Natasha says
Sounds like a great read!!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Kristina says
Thanks for the great giveaway! š
Abbie D says
This book was incredibly well written and really made me think.
April Burch says
Didnt realize this was Jasinda’s hubby. Would really love to read this one. Sounds good!!
Kristina Longoria says
This was an amazing book, I couldn’t put it down.
Lorie Glowania says
#1 on my TBR list must have thanks for the giveaway
Tracie Warburton says
LOVED this book!! Very intense!! Couldn’t put it down!
Shannon L says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Jamie says
I can’t wait to read this!
Paige Turner says
On my tbr.
Andrea Cordova says
This is a great book in my top 10 for the year.
Jassie says
It dealt with real-life problems. Especially Human Trafficking. The rawness of everything is something someone who wants to read topics not so openly-discussed.
Shanean Reed says
As always I loved your review. I can’t wait to read The Missionary.
Gina G says
Think I might give this book a try..
Joan says
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Kim Perry says
Great review! Sounds like a really good book. Thanks for the giveaway!
Teresa Edwards says
I really need to check this one out!!!
Yesy says
i want to read it. I am not sure if itĀ“s great but i would like to have it š
Raquel Romero says
Sounds heartbreaking!
Darci says
This book sounds so good, and your review is awesome!
Nasha Lama says
I want this!! thank youu!:D
Sarah Lowery says
I can’t wait to read this!! Fingers crossed!
Kim Drew says
Really want to read this. Thanks for the giveaway!!
Kirsty says
I’ve just finished reading this book and thought it was incredible!
Stephanie Kelley says
Really looking forward to reading this. Thanks for the giveaway!
Jessica Green says
I’m definitely adding this book to my TBR list! Thanks for the chance to win!
Sandy Murphy says
haven’t read yet but loved the missionary