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Benson First Responders #3
Collateral
A crew of dangerous criminals.
Vanguard CEO Clare Juarez wants a Benson PD contract for her company. When the police commissioner hands her the case file for a rash of local armed robberies, she puts her people to work…and lands right in the middle of a hostage situation. She needs to take care of her fallen friend’s daughter, because safeguarding Selena is her chance to make amends for what happened during her time in the army. But solving this case might give her everything she wants, and repair her painful history.
A SWAT team that’s falling apart.
Lieutenant Gage Deluca has no family, just SWAT. But the brotherhood is coming apart at the seams and he’s got to hold it together. When they’re ordered to work with Vanguard, Gage has to contend with the woman who left him years ago—taking a secret with her. Those days of teenage romance might be behind the years they’ve lived since, and the lives they’ve built. But can they chance opening the wound long enough to trust God to heal everything?
Working together to identify this dangerous crew, Clare and Gage have to confront their past—and the love they never let go of. Love that might set them free.
Each Benson First Responders book is a stand-alone Christian Romantic Suspense.
Vanguard CEO Clare Juarez wants a Benson PD contract for her company. When the police commissioner hands her the case file for a rash of local armed robberies, she puts her people to work…and lands right in the middle of a hostage situation. She needs to take care of her fallen friend’s daughter, because safeguarding Selena is her chance to make amends for what happened during her time in the army. But solving this case might give her everything she wants, and repair her painful history.
A SWAT team that’s falling apart.
Lieutenant Gage Deluca has no family, just SWAT. But the brotherhood is coming apart at the seams and he’s got to hold it together. When they’re ordered to work with Vanguard, Gage has to contend with the woman who left him years ago—taking a secret with her. Those days of teenage romance might be behind the years they’ve lived since, and the lives they’ve built. But can they chance opening the wound long enough to trust God to heal everything?
Working together to identify this dangerous crew, Clare and Gage have to confront their past—and the love they never let go of. Love that might set them free.
Each Benson First Responders book is a stand-alone Christian Romantic Suspense.
260 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2023
813 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Phillips
167 books873 followersLisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 22, 2024
Good one!
Gage and Clare were in love as teenagers and then stayed apart for years. As a common case puts them together, will they make amends or continue the separation?
Loved the parental conflicts that were worked through in this one.
Set in Benson, Washington
Gage and Clare were in love as teenagers and then stayed apart for years. As a common case puts them together, will they make amends or continue the separation?
Loved the parental conflicts that were worked through in this one.
Set in Benson, Washington
April 30, 2023
Collateral is one non-stop action ride. Readers might remember Clare Juarez from prior books as she’s in charge of Vanguard. But her path crosses with her former boyfriend, Gage Deluca, when Vanguard teams up to help the Benson PD.
I love a good reunion story, and Clare and Gage were young when they dated. But lies and life separated them for so long. Definitely add Collateral to your TBR list for its nice blend of romance and suspense….and definitely some great high-action scenes.
I love a good reunion story, and Clare and Gage were young when they dated. But lies and life separated them for so long. Definitely add Collateral to your TBR list for its nice blend of romance and suspense….and definitely some great high-action scenes.
April 15, 2023
“She didn't need to atone. God had already done that for her.”
Once again, this was an explosive and action packed book, from cover-to-cover! Too bad I have to wait nearly 3 months to get the 4th installment of this excellent series, Benson First Responders. I can't wait to go back through the series again, once they are all released.
"Her faith wasn't a religion, it was a relationship." Amen, sister!
"When we admit our need for Him, that's when He can work."
"...let out a breath, as though that were a whole statement, or question on its own. Maybe it was."
Again, I would definitely shout that this book is worthy of a repeat read!!
Once again, this was an explosive and action packed book, from cover-to-cover! Too bad I have to wait nearly 3 months to get the 4th installment of this excellent series, Benson First Responders. I can't wait to go back through the series again, once they are all released.
"Her faith wasn't a religion, it was a relationship." Amen, sister!
"When we admit our need for Him, that's when He can work."
"...let out a breath, as though that were a whole statement, or question on its own. Maybe it was."
Again, I would definitely shout that this book is worthy of a repeat read!!
February 26, 2023
Collateral is action-packed. Gage Deluca, the lieutenant of the SWAT team, grew up believing he wasn't good enough to be accepted by people and works to prove otherwise. He also has a curveball thrown at him.
Clare Juarez, the CEO of Vanguard, shares a history with Gage and struggles with having faith in God. The two of them have to work together to bring down a group of local armed robbers and resolve their painful history.
Lisa Phillips once again has crafted a fast paced romantic suspense with well-developed, realistic characters, an engaging plot line, and second chance romance. I love how she mentions the Chevalier team in this story. This story will have you keep turning the pages until you get to the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Clare Juarez, the CEO of Vanguard, shares a history with Gage and struggles with having faith in God. The two of them have to work together to bring down a group of local armed robbers and resolve their painful history.
Lisa Phillips once again has crafted a fast paced romantic suspense with well-developed, realistic characters, an engaging plot line, and second chance romance. I love how she mentions the Chevalier team in this story. This story will have you keep turning the pages until you get to the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 24, 2023
"Woman, you're about to get yourself killed."
Clare Juarez was inclined to agree, after all the man had a gun in his hand and it was pointed directly at her, "was today the day she could give her life for an innocent victim? Finally wipe the slate clean." The Vanguard CEO had arrived at the bank to consult with security about this exact kind of scenario, inadvertently walking into a bank robbery. And wouldn't you know . . . SWAT Lieutenant Gage Deluca's team had responded to the call. Clare's past was about to intersect with her present, if she lived long enough to feel the collision.
"We'll just have to figure out how to work together without actually working together." So that was how this was going to go down? Gage didn't have much time to rehash their shattered past at the moment, but he was impressed with the woman that Clare had become. Under normal circumstances, she was the kind of woman that he would love to know better, but presently they were having trouble finishing a conversation without an argument. Gage's newfound faith was teaching him how to have patience, but seeing Clare again . . . . wow, what a test!
This fast paced, multi-layered plot is amazing in and of itself, however it's the overriding personal dynamics between Gage and Clare that I will remember with fondness. Witnessing Clare's spiritual journey towards wholeness while Gage continually demonstrates self-control coupled with compassion, makes this addition to the series stand out as pretty special.
Clare Juarez was inclined to agree, after all the man had a gun in his hand and it was pointed directly at her, "was today the day she could give her life for an innocent victim? Finally wipe the slate clean." The Vanguard CEO had arrived at the bank to consult with security about this exact kind of scenario, inadvertently walking into a bank robbery. And wouldn't you know . . . SWAT Lieutenant Gage Deluca's team had responded to the call. Clare's past was about to intersect with her present, if she lived long enough to feel the collision.
"We'll just have to figure out how to work together without actually working together." So that was how this was going to go down? Gage didn't have much time to rehash their shattered past at the moment, but he was impressed with the woman that Clare had become. Under normal circumstances, she was the kind of woman that he would love to know better, but presently they were having trouble finishing a conversation without an argument. Gage's newfound faith was teaching him how to have patience, but seeing Clare again . . . . wow, what a test!
This fast paced, multi-layered plot is amazing in and of itself, however it's the overriding personal dynamics between Gage and Clare that I will remember with fondness. Witnessing Clare's spiritual journey towards wholeness while Gage continually demonstrates self-control coupled with compassion, makes this addition to the series stand out as pretty special.
July 19, 2024
This series is addictive and simultaneously driving me crazy. I spend the first half of the book wanting to slap these people, then before the book is over, I absolutley love them. The mystery that they all have to solve is very good and suspenseful. The main conflict between the lead characters hit very close to home in this book. I too hid from my trauma by burying myself in education and career. I have learned from many years of struggling that trauma needs to be confronted. You have to surrender your pain and fear to God, live on faith in him, trust him when everything seems hopeless, and only then can you move forward.
The best line in this book is, "My faith is not a religion, it's a relationship." Thank you! So many people think they know what Christianity is about, usually due to traumatic church experiences, but it's really all about letting go of our preconceived ideas about life, our determination to due things our way, and surrender to the will of God. It is the only path to true, lasting peace. And that line explains it well. I don't care what Frank Sinatra sings, doing it our way leads to disaster.
So I will stick with this series since the characters are growing on me. The author has proven that she understands what's important in life. By the time I finish the series, I might have achieved some healing for which I have been ardently praying.
The best line in this book is, "My faith is not a religion, it's a relationship." Thank you! So many people think they know what Christianity is about, usually due to traumatic church experiences, but it's really all about letting go of our preconceived ideas about life, our determination to due things our way, and surrender to the will of God. It is the only path to true, lasting peace. And that line explains it well. I don't care what Frank Sinatra sings, doing it our way leads to disaster.
So I will stick with this series since the characters are growing on me. The author has proven that she understands what's important in life. By the time I finish the series, I might have achieved some healing for which I have been ardently praying.
July 3, 2024
Collateral (Benson First Responders Book 3)
This is another amazing story in the Benson First Responders series. When Clare Juarez approaches the Benson PD about Vanguard Securities doing subcontracting work for them, she did not think about opening up past wounds. Lt. Gage Deluca just lost his mother and never knew his father so he has no one but the swat team he has the privilege of leading as family. Then Clare walks back into his life. Trying to find closure with past hurtful relationships while also protecting the town becomes a task they both take on willingly. Clare and Gage are brought together at a time both are trying to find a murderous gang who enjoy kidnapping, beating and killing any witnesses of their illegal activities. Will Clare and Gage be able to discover the love they lost before they end up dead?
This is another amazing story in the Benson First Responders series. When Clare Juarez approaches the Benson PD about Vanguard Securities doing subcontracting work for them, she did not think about opening up past wounds. Lt. Gage Deluca just lost his mother and never knew his father so he has no one but the swat team he has the privilege of leading as family. Then Clare walks back into his life. Trying to find closure with past hurtful relationships while also protecting the town becomes a task they both take on willingly. Clare and Gage are brought together at a time both are trying to find a murderous gang who enjoy kidnapping, beating and killing any witnesses of their illegal activities. Will Clare and Gage be able to discover the love they lost before they end up dead?
April 1, 2023
I have become a big fan of this author. I read her Sanctuary Series when they came out, and loved them. In the last year or so, I have read and bought everything else in print and have come to really appreciate her books and her as an author.
This series has been great, and Collateral is definitely the best of this great series. It was packed full of suspense and non stop drama and action.
We learned more about Vanguard, and especially about the lady who runs it. Once I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down....so I didn't. The only problem is, can the author top this book when #4 comes out? :)
This series has been great, and Collateral is definitely the best of this great series. It was packed full of suspense and non stop drama and action.
We learned more about Vanguard, and especially about the lady who runs it. Once I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down....so I didn't. The only problem is, can the author top this book when #4 comes out? :)
September 27, 2024
Second chance
Clare & Gage have issues from the past. When they were 17 they created a baby and her mother offered big bucks for him to get lost. They didn't see each other for apparently 17-20 years, then they collided in a mutual manhunt, he with the SWAT team, she with Vanguard Investigations. They team up and steam up, he makes a startling discovery about his roots, and her mother finally admits she purposely separated them long years ago. Guess what happens! This book, like the previous two in the series, is rife with editing/proofreading booboos. But it has been my favorite storyline so far.
Clare & Gage have issues from the past. When they were 17 they created a baby and her mother offered big bucks for him to get lost. They didn't see each other for apparently 17-20 years, then they collided in a mutual manhunt, he with the SWAT team, she with Vanguard Investigations. They team up and steam up, he makes a startling discovery about his roots, and her mother finally admits she purposely separated them long years ago. Guess what happens! This book, like the previous two in the series, is rife with editing/proofreading booboos. But it has been my favorite storyline so far.
March 28, 2023
This series just keeps getting better and better. Clare Juarez and Gage DeLuca have a shared past, he's the current commander of SWAT and she owns Vanguard. Clare is trying to get the local police to use her company and it's assets to help solve crimes. Gage and Clare's paths cross during a local bank heist that leads to an action packed, edge of your seat, time is running out case. I loved how characters from other books are mentioned and brought into the story. A great story, full of action, suspense, romance, faith in God, and second chances, my favorite in the series so far.
April 8, 2023
Lisa Phillips tells a good story but I sometimes find it hard to fall in to the action. It felt like being dropped in the middle of people you don't know (and wouldn't want to). Then names are added and I have to try to remember who they are and what their stories are and then fit everyone into this book. Things began to come together for me and I couldn't put it down. Will we learn more about Blake or Dakota? I hate to give up the characters as their story ends so I hope we'll keep hearing about characters like Stella, Joseph, Ember, Lucas, and, of course, Gage and Clare.
April 17, 2024
A romantic suspense that is definitely fast paced and full of all the action drama. I did feel like I wished for more chemistry and seeing the two main characters work through their issues together.
I am completely a romance junkie and I thought this book felt very similar to other books in the romantic suspense genre. I personally would like my stories a little more character driven.
It was definitely fast paced though. And I liked the idea of a private sector that hires people outside the law enforcement scope.
I am completely a romance junkie and I thought this book felt very similar to other books in the romantic suspense genre. I personally would like my stories a little more character driven.
It was definitely fast paced though. And I liked the idea of a private sector that hires people outside the law enforcement scope.
June 3, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book and getting to know more about Clare. I really liked Gage as well and it was really cool to see how he’s connected to other characters that we’ve already met in the previous books.
It was cool to navigate what happened in the past between both Gage and Clare and to see them get the opportunity to have a second chance together was written really beautifully.
The mystery was also pretty good and it kept me intrigued the whole way through.
I can’t wait to find out who the next book is going to focus on and get to know everyone in Benson a lot more!
It was cool to navigate what happened in the past between both Gage and Clare and to see them get the opportunity to have a second chance together was written really beautifully.
The mystery was also pretty good and it kept me intrigued the whole way through.
I can’t wait to find out who the next book is going to focus on and get to know everyone in Benson a lot more!
April 16, 2023
Page turner
Claire and Gage were teenage lovers. He disappeared from her life when she told him she was pregnant. She is now the CEO of Vanguard.
Gage is the leader of the SWAT team. He left town after graduation broken hearted because Claire had dumped him.
Now they are forced to work together to solve a bank robbery.
Several twists and turns in this fast paced suspense novel.
Claire and Gage were teenage lovers. He disappeared from her life when she told him she was pregnant. She is now the CEO of Vanguard.
Gage is the leader of the SWAT team. He left town after graduation broken hearted because Claire had dumped him.
Now they are forced to work together to solve a bank robbery.
Several twists and turns in this fast paced suspense novel.
July 22, 2023
This Should Be Labeled Romantic/Action
Two high school lovers got together, Mom broke them up, she had a miscarriage. She ended up joining the Army. Fast Forward to current year, he's the lieutenant over a SWAT department and she runs a high tech security company. She approaches the police commander to help shut down some bank robbers. This story starts off with a bang and almost ends with on one also. Great read!
Two high school lovers got together, Mom broke them up, she had a miscarriage. She ended up joining the Army. Fast Forward to current year, he's the lieutenant over a SWAT department and she runs a high tech security company. She approaches the police commander to help shut down some bank robbers. This story starts off with a bang and almost ends with on one also. Great read!
January 3, 2024
Restoring the years the locust had eaten
Clare and Gage had a tumultuous past, with much anger and bitterness. When they are forced to work together to solve a violent bank robbery, Gage has to draw on his new Christian faith for forgiveness and strength. Both find the past wasn't as they thought, and that they couldn't always rely on their own strengths but needed God. Lots of intrigue and twists and turns. Looking forward to the next book.
Clare and Gage had a tumultuous past, with much anger and bitterness. When they are forced to work together to solve a violent bank robbery, Gage has to draw on his new Christian faith for forgiveness and strength. Both find the past wasn't as they thought, and that they couldn't always rely on their own strengths but needed God. Lots of intrigue and twists and turns. Looking forward to the next book.
April 5, 2023
Lisa Phillips keeps you on the edge of your seat as well as otherwise occupied - thus not working! She has an awesome gift to get you invested in the outcome of the people's lives! You have to remind yourself, ok this is a book not real life! I cannot wait for the rest of the Benson First Responder series!
July 18, 2023
action, adventure & adversity to overcome
Lisa has a knack for keeping a story moving & keeping you on the edge of your seat! Somehow she even fits in complex character emotions & a bit of love overcoming! Love that she weaves in the true Source of all Good by pointing back to God’s love for each one of us!
Lisa has a knack for keeping a story moving & keeping you on the edge of your seat! Somehow she even fits in complex character emotions & a bit of love overcoming! Love that she weaves in the true Source of all Good by pointing back to God’s love for each one of us!
August 11, 2023
Very entertaining Christian suspense, romance
This book is so entertaining! I love the characters with their strength, loyalty, endurance, and their flaws. The love and wisdom of the Lord sprinkled into the story adds to it. The suspense takes team work to resolve. And the happy ending to the romance tops off a wonderful book.
This book is so entertaining! I love the characters with their strength, loyalty, endurance, and their flaws. The love and wisdom of the Lord sprinkled into the story adds to it. The suspense takes team work to resolve. And the happy ending to the romance tops off a wonderful book.
April 11, 2024
If you’re looking for some serious action and intrigue, this is the book for you. Gage is a lieutenant on the SWAT team and Clare owns Vanguard, which deals with a lot of issues in a much faster method than the police department. They were high school sweethearts who haven’t seen each other in years. Now, a case brings them together.
September 17, 2024
Gage and Clare were in love in High School. Then Clare got pregnant and both their lives changed as both mother's convinced them they were wrong for each other. Fast forward and both Clare and Gage return to Benson--Clare as head of Vanguard and Gage as head of the SWAT unit in Benson. Their story is full of emotion and growth as they learn to rely on God and each other to survive.
January 28, 2025
A Swat team lieutenant rekindled a long ago love.
Enjoyed being back with this author again. Gage and Clare story was exciting from start to finish. Both had pasts to get through before they could truly be together. There was also forgiveness that needed to come. So happy that the finally got back together. Looking forward to the rest of this series.
Enjoyed being back with this author again. Gage and Clare story was exciting from start to finish. Both had pasts to get through before they could truly be together. There was also forgiveness that needed to come. So happy that the finally got back together. Looking forward to the rest of this series.
March 29, 2023
Gage and Claire
Wow so many past mistakes and misunderstanding between them. But there was parental interference that kept them apart. But………… Get to reading this now. It was awesome.
Wow so many past mistakes and misunderstanding between them. But there was parental interference that kept them apart. But………… Get to reading this now. It was awesome.
April 15, 2023
Very good
I could hardly put this book down, to go to bed! Well written, it is an interesting story. Filled with action, plus human dyanamics. Clare is extremely brave, and Gage and her team are great.
I could hardly put this book down, to go to bed! Well written, it is an interesting story. Filled with action, plus human dyanamics. Clare is extremely brave, and Gage and her team are great.
April 20, 2023
surprises are in store for you
I’ve read all the books so far and love them! Characters are very human and with a few flaws that we have. Mysteries to be solved and surprises. Good ones!
I’ve read all the books so far and love them! Characters are very human and with a few flaws that we have. Mysteries to be solved and surprises. Good ones!
April 24, 2023
Best read yet!
Loved the story lineas kept my interest...what I really like even better that the main women in the story were strong women and pointed the way to a relationship with Christ. I highly recommend this book .
Loved the story lineas kept my interest...what I really like even better that the main women in the story were strong women and pointed the way to a relationship with Christ. I highly recommend this book .
April 27, 2023
Wonderful story
A wonderful story. It is action packed and full of emotional surprises. Claire and Gage work through their issues as they work together to take down a group of criminals.
A wonderful story. It is action packed and full of emotional surprises. Claire and Gage work through their issues as they work together to take down a group of criminals.
May 4, 2023
Very Entertaining
Collateral the third book in the series is probably the best book in the series! The story flows with many layers and vast parts. Exceptional. Looking forward to Book 4 in July.
Collateral the third book in the series is probably the best book in the series! The story flows with many layers and vast parts. Exceptional. Looking forward to Book 4 in July.
May 10, 2023
excellent storyline
Lisa does a great job bringing her characters to life, showing their struggles in life and their struggles understanding a God that allows bad to happen. On top of that, the suspense is great and action-packed story is awesome.
Lisa does a great job bringing her characters to life, showing their struggles in life and their struggles understanding a God that allows bad to happen. On top of that, the suspense is great and action-packed story is awesome.
May 18, 2023
my favorite of the three
I think I liked this one best of the three. The story was based more on mystery and suspense and less on physical harm to the characters. I definitely recommend to others
I think I liked this one best of the three. The story was based more on mystery and suspense and less on physical harm to the characters. I definitely recommend to others
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews