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Northwest Counter-Terrorism Taskforce #1
First Wave
Just another Friday night. Or is it? Homeland Security Agent Dakota Pierce is in the Washington backwoods to sniff out domestic terrorism. DEA rookie Josh Weber and his dog show up to uncover a mystery of their own. When a young woman's body is discovered, everything points to a local militia. The Northwest Counter-Terrorism Taskforce is on the case.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published December 21, 2021
711 people are currently reading
432 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 112 reviews
July 23, 2019
The sometimes-hilarious interactions between the characters and twisting plot make this book a joy to read. Nevertheless, there were a few distracting flaws. I’ll focus on the flaws, not because it was a bad book, but so that potential readers can decide whether any of them will be an insurmountable distraction.
First, there’s a fair bit of head-hopping. The point of view rapidly oscillates between Dakota and Josh--and sometimes a third character. Usually it’s clear whose thoughts we’re eavesdropping on, but sometimes I had to pause a bit to figure it out.
Second, The portrayal of VX nerve gas--and how experts would react to its potential presence--is terrible. I can assure you that agents and first responders with even a short introductory course on weapons of mass destruction (i.e., just about any counterterrorism agent, FBI agent, paramedic, SWAT officer) would never, ever enter a terrorist-affiliated chemistry lab unprotected. They would never just walk into a scene where there was evidence of WMD deployment. They would never leave a potentially contaminated scene without going through extensive decontamination. They would never make the mistake of referring to a nerve agent as a “contagion.” And just about any sharp counterterrorism agent would immediately recognize the difference between a biological and a chemical weapons lab.
Third, there are a few instances where a character’s gear is destroyed or stolen or used up, then--abacadabra--later used by the character.
Fourth, there is a whole lot of self-examination and romantic rumination plopped right in the middle of life-or-death action scenes. I’ll admit that this worked well with the pacing of the plot, however, despite its lack of realism.
I’d recommend First Wave to fans of Lisa Phillips and to fans of Christian action/adventure/romance.
Available only on Kindle (as of July 2019).
Brief synopsis: Homeland Security counter-terrorism agent Dakota meets up with DEA agent Josh and his dog Neema. Together they face domestic terrorists--and Dakota’s past. Of course, they fall in love.
First, there’s a fair bit of head-hopping. The point of view rapidly oscillates between Dakota and Josh--and sometimes a third character. Usually it’s clear whose thoughts we’re eavesdropping on, but sometimes I had to pause a bit to figure it out.
Second, The portrayal of VX nerve gas--and how experts would react to its potential presence--is terrible. I can assure you that agents and first responders with even a short introductory course on weapons of mass destruction (i.e., just about any counterterrorism agent, FBI agent, paramedic, SWAT officer) would never, ever enter a terrorist-affiliated chemistry lab unprotected. They would never just walk into a scene where there was evidence of WMD deployment. They would never leave a potentially contaminated scene without going through extensive decontamination. They would never make the mistake of referring to a nerve agent as a “contagion.” And just about any sharp counterterrorism agent would immediately recognize the difference between a biological and a chemical weapons lab.
Third, there are a few instances where a character’s gear is destroyed or stolen or used up, then--abacadabra--later used by the character.
Fourth, there is a whole lot of self-examination and romantic rumination plopped right in the middle of life-or-death action scenes. I’ll admit that this worked well with the pacing of the plot, however, despite its lack of realism.
I’d recommend First Wave to fans of Lisa Phillips and to fans of Christian action/adventure/romance.
Available only on Kindle (as of July 2019).
Brief synopsis: Homeland Security counter-terrorism agent Dakota meets up with DEA agent Josh and his dog Neema. Together they face domestic terrorists--and Dakota’s past. Of course, they fall in love.
June 7, 2020
First wave was more like “First Tornado”. From page one this was fast paced, full of action and suspense.
This is my second book by Lisa Philips and I have noticed she likes her series to be unique. This series is definitely different as it follows a mix taskforce that includes DEA, Homeland security, NCIS, and A US Marshall. Who form a counter terrorist Taskforce. I really enjoyed the mix.
Neema is my favourite!
Good start to a new series. Looking forward to book 2 in the near future :)
This is my second book by Lisa Philips and I have noticed she likes her series to be unique. This series is definitely different as it follows a mix taskforce that includes DEA, Homeland security, NCIS, and A US Marshall. Who form a counter terrorist Taskforce. I really enjoyed the mix.
Neema is my favourite!
Good start to a new series. Looking forward to book 2 in the near future :)
January 18, 2024
Action packed and suspenseful, with a bit of mystery. I didn't particularly care for this writing style. I felt like some scenes skipped without proper transition, and there were several times I felt like I didn't understand why some thing was said by a character in a dialogue or felt like what was said didn't fit into the current conversation. Some of it also felt unrealistic, for example, when they got shot at by people who were out to get them but then they returned to the same hotel where the incident occurred.
However, I did really like the characters and the dynamics between the characters. Especially between Salvarez and Dakota. I absolutely adored Neima and Joshs relationship with her. I enjoyed the characters so much, I'll probably move on to finish the rest of the series at some point. The was a small faith based element but it was mostly clean. Use of the words "piss", and "pissy", which you don't usually hear in CF books.
However, I did really like the characters and the dynamics between the characters. Especially between Salvarez and Dakota. I absolutely adored Neima and Joshs relationship with her. I enjoyed the characters so much, I'll probably move on to finish the rest of the series at some point. The was a small faith based element but it was mostly clean. Use of the words "piss", and "pissy", which you don't usually hear in CF books.
December 31, 2025
Great start to another awesome series. Lisa Phillips never ceases to amaze me with her reading. First Wave is about a taskforce consisting of agents from different federal agencies. Dakota and Josh with his dog run into each other when Josh is out looking for his neighbor's granddaughter who is found dead. Now they, along with the rest of the taskforce team, must stop a terrorist group. Can't wait for the next book on this series. I was given an advanced copy of the book to read in exchange for a honest review.
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November 28, 2019 🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/28/2019)! 🎁
April 26, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The main female character (Dakota) is a complex human being that the reader can easily empathize with. The main male character (Josh) is admirable in his conduct and treatment of Dakota, but also human... with human weaknesses. I loved the action scenes, the 'side-show' with how Neema (the dog) and Dakota bonded, and how the team members interacted. They loved one another, but respected each other's secrets. And when the characters shared their secrets (e.g., Sal), it made me like them even more.
The only point that subtracted from this book was the writing style. The author used many incomplete sentences, which have their place if used only now and again. But when used all the time, it is difficult to follow the story. I think this was the main reason why it felt as if the story dragged a bit in the middle... i.e. completely different from the relatively fast pace at the beginning and end.
The only point that subtracted from this book was the writing style. The author used many incomplete sentences, which have their place if used only now and again. But when used all the time, it is difficult to follow the story. I think this was the main reason why it felt as if the story dragged a bit in the middle... i.e. completely different from the relatively fast pace at the beginning and end.
May 5, 2020
Disclaimer: I read this during the Coronavirus stay in place restrictions and I think I feel grumpy as I write this. With that said I really wanted to like this book but it frustrated me. I felt like the writing was choppy and I seemed confused part of the time about what was being said. It was like something had been left out or assumed to be understood. It was also seemed rather unrealistic all the action that happened in a 3 day span, plus the injuries that kept happening and yet they kept going.
March 31, 2019
Wowza, what a ride! This is the second book by this author that I've read and I am now officially hooked on her stories! This story is SOOOO good, it grabbed me on the first page and I hated to set it down until I finished it! I love suspense books that feature a team of characters, and the team in this book is SO great, their camaraderie and banter was fabulous and I loved the entire ensemble crew of characters!
The suspense was nonstop, it was written so well that each scene played out like a movie in my head, it gave me all the same feels as when I experience an episode of one of my favorite shows: NCIS: Los Angeles, but in book form which is even better!
Amidst all the fabulous suspense, the romance thread was woven in beautifully, and perfectly balanced with the suspense! I loved every minute of this book and am so glad that I read it! I am eagerly anticipating book two in the Northwest Counter Terrorism Taskforce series, and I am thrilled that I own several of this author's backlist titles on my Kindle that I can read while I'm waiting!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to all fans of Christian romantic suspense, this is one you won't want to miss!
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
The suspense was nonstop, it was written so well that each scene played out like a movie in my head, it gave me all the same feels as when I experience an episode of one of my favorite shows: NCIS: Los Angeles, but in book form which is even better!
Amidst all the fabulous suspense, the romance thread was woven in beautifully, and perfectly balanced with the suspense! I loved every minute of this book and am so glad that I read it! I am eagerly anticipating book two in the Northwest Counter Terrorism Taskforce series, and I am thrilled that I own several of this author's backlist titles on my Kindle that I can read while I'm waiting!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to all fans of Christian romantic suspense, this is one you won't want to miss!
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
January 10, 2023
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are likable and very determined to solve their case. Love to budding romance between the two main characters,Dakota and Josh. If you are a fan of Romantic Suspense then you will want to read this first book in this series.
July 30, 2025
3 🌟
Audiobook
I feel like I say this a lot..... it was a good mystery, but the FMC was irritating! She used her bad life experiences as an excuse to be mean and hurtful to people.
Audiobook
I feel like I say this a lot..... it was a good mystery, but the FMC was irritating! She used her bad life experiences as an excuse to be mean and hurtful to people.
August 8, 2019
DEA rookie Josh Weber and his dog Neema meet Homeland Security Agent Dakota Pierce, a member of Northwest Counter-Terrorism Taskforce over a dead body in Washington State. The story starts off with great pacing and introduction of the rest of Dakota’s team. The two along with the rest of the team, work together to find out what is happening on the apple orchard property and why no one wants to give the team answers. I loved the slow introduction of romance between Dakota and Josh which was done sweetly. The action flowed off and on with some parts of the book dragging for a while and then picking right up. I enjoyed this Christian read, especially how gently Christian messages are added throughout the book.
September 1, 2024
While this was a good story, I found it fairly unbelievable in one regard - Right at the start, the heroine gets a concussion, and then the hero gets shot. Despite both injuries, these (apparently) super human characters continued to remain incredibly active which includes beatings, car accidents and multiple bodily traumas. I can see one knock to the head, but repeated hits to that same head and she still keeps going? Hmmm. Not surprising at the end of the book, surprise, she has a brain bleed. Go figure. And the "bosses" and other "team members" let these two take continual physical abuse without insuring they get medical attention? Seriously? Nailing the bad guys is good, but it'd be nice if the two lead characters were still standing on a realistic human level. Usually when people suffer these types of serious injury, they can't just bounce up and stand much less chase bad guys. Just saying ...
September 10, 2025
I have read a lot of mystery and suspense books but not much in the Terrorism genre; however I did read my Christian author who wrote spy material, and I couldn't put down her books. This First Wave book didn't quite make it for me. It is clean - no sex or inappropriate language and there was comments about faith in God, but what was missing for me was the intensity, suspense, fear, trauma and occurences like that which I anticipated finding in a Terrorism Taskforce book. Just to make sure it wasn't just me, I did read the bonus chapters for Book #2 in the series, and have decided not to read further.
The writing, plot, layout, character and site descriptions were all good, but something was missing which didn't keep me excidedly reading like many, many other books do. I would have no hesitation in recommending this author to others, as it is obvious that she has writing skills. Sorry this series just didn't do it for me.
The writing, plot, layout, character and site descriptions were all good, but something was missing which didn't keep me excidedly reading like many, many other books do. I would have no hesitation in recommending this author to others, as it is obvious that she has writing skills. Sorry this series just didn't do it for me.
March 7, 2019
In her usual manner, Lisa Phillips draws the reader right into the story on p.1. The fast paced action of this book keeps you wanting to turn the page to see what is coming. The twists and turns in the plot keep you wondering what next. Dakota the female protagonist is a very complicated lady who has been hurt by her past and tries to keep her teammates at arm’s length. But when Josh temporarily becomes part of the team, she finds his caring ways chipping away at the walls of her heart. Together with their team they work to try and bring down homegrown terrorists. I am a big Lisa Phillips fan and she doesn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next books in this series.
May 27, 2019
Very suspenseful. Dakota has had a rough life. Eventually she ends up on the NW Counter-Terrorism taskforce which is made of up from several federal agencies. Dakota is part of Homeland Security. Her teammates come from the FBI, the NSA, and the US Marshalls. Along comes Josh Weber, a DEA agent who is off-duty and looking for his neighbor's lost granddaughter. Unfortunately Josh's day off runs him square into Dakota who is out looking for information on a clue that came into their office - a possible terrorist threat. Josh, his dog Neema, and Dakota are on a very dangerous ride when they discover that both of them are in the middle of a plot that runs deeper than either could imagine.
This is a clean read.
This is a clean read.
April 23, 2024
So, I did this series a bit backwards. I read the second book and then this book. I definitely recommend reading them in order. I loved this intro to the series. Getting to see all of the members of this team and getting a feel for their personalities and how they work together. I liked the murder investigation, the terrorism angle, and this sweet slow burn romance between our mains. There is danger, a military working dog, and their pasts coming up to affect their present. This was a Christian romance and I liked how that was worked into the fabric of the story. It shapes our characters and their worldview. I can't wait for the next book in this series to release and I'm excited to read more from this author.
March 31, 2019
I enjoyed this book. I read for enjoyment and this book definitely provided that along with other mysteries that leave me awaiting the next book in the series! It is a clean read - which I personally am a big fan of. I spent the book guessing certain elements of the story and this is one thing I like about Lisa's books - that you can do this.
By the time you've read the summary, you already have an idea of whether you want to read this book so what you want to know (or what I'd want to know anyway) is: Is it worth my money? The answer is yes - I would buy this book and will be continuing on with the series.
By the time you've read the summary, you already have an idea of whether you want to read this book so what you want to know (or what I'd want to know anyway) is: Is it worth my money? The answer is yes - I would buy this book and will be continuing on with the series.
January 6, 2020
Homeland Security Agent Dakota Pierce is looking for domestic terrorism. DEA rookie Josh Weber and his dog discover a mystery. A young woman's body is discovered. Local militia?
The tension moved slowly. Details created questions. What was going on? Was there a larger problem happening? I felt glued to the pages as I continued to read. I grew to care about the main characters, afraid for their safety. The author took me into their world. And what a place. Only the brave could enter.
I look forward to the next book in this series.
Rating: PG Description of violence. No crude words. No sexual scenes.
The tension moved slowly. Details created questions. What was going on? Was there a larger problem happening? I felt glued to the pages as I continued to read. I grew to care about the main characters, afraid for their safety. The author took me into their world. And what a place. Only the brave could enter.
I look forward to the next book in this series.
Rating: PG Description of violence. No crude words. No sexual scenes.
Read
March 15, 2019First Wave was an enjoyable read. I like a book that has the elements of SAD--suspense, action, drama! This book delivered. It's fast-paced, yet has time for character development and didn't dwell so heavily on romance that the action and plot were obscured. Even the dog fit in the story line in a balanced manner. And it was nice to see a certain character mellow out a little bit as the book went on. It's a book you don't want to put down until you've read it all. I took a couple of days.
Read
January 28, 2021CAUGHT ME OFF GUARD!
Well, I WAS in the middle of another book series and while grazing my library, my attention was directed to this series! 😁 All I was doing was taking a quick peek and next thing I knew was I missed dinner, the sunset and a much needed bathroom 🚻 break!
Great book, well written, wonderful story line, characters are likeable and beautifully developed. Best part? It was clean and moves along at such a rich pace that I am happy to read more of this series.
I nearly felt like part of the team...or the fly on the wall.
Well, I WAS in the middle of another book series and while grazing my library, my attention was directed to this series! 😁 All I was doing was taking a quick peek and next thing I knew was I missed dinner, the sunset and a much needed bathroom 🚻 break!
Great book, well written, wonderful story line, characters are likeable and beautifully developed. Best part? It was clean and moves along at such a rich pace that I am happy to read more of this series.
I nearly felt like part of the team...or the fly on the wall.
July 23, 2023
Interesting read about a counter terrorism group who works the front lines in the battle. The group is diverse and personality and skill set. Then one day in the thick of it, they encounter an off duty operative on a mission and sparks between to fly between the operative Josh and Dakota from the task force. But given their line of work and it’s requirements, is there a chance for love. In the midst of it all, are snapshots of Josh and Dakota seeking to live out their faith. Certainly action packed and good view into this world.
June 14, 2019
Terror afoot
First Wave is a busy book! From the first page, action continually takes place. Josh and his dog, Neema, find a dead body that triggers a union with Terroism Task Force team member Dakota Pierce. I lost count of all the killings, but at least 30 people died, most violently. We did not discover who was behind it all, but I hope we can find that question answered in the next book, Second Chances. Recommend for fans of romantic suspense.
First Wave is a busy book! From the first page, action continually takes place. Josh and his dog, Neema, find a dead body that triggers a union with Terroism Task Force team member Dakota Pierce. I lost count of all the killings, but at least 30 people died, most violently. We did not discover who was behind it all, but I hope we can find that question answered in the next book, Second Chances. Recommend for fans of romantic suspense.
March 27, 2020
Good read - captured my attention
I enjoy : a slow, through development of the main characters; a plot that slowly develops and keeps me interested and guessing; a romance that cuts across grain; a sassy heroine; a level headed hero; a suspense from the opening paragraph to the final sentence. First Wave was a delightful read. I' ok be back for more of this author! Highly recommendrd.
I enjoy : a slow, through development of the main characters; a plot that slowly develops and keeps me interested and guessing; a romance that cuts across grain; a sassy heroine; a level headed hero; a suspense from the opening paragraph to the final sentence. First Wave was a delightful read. I' ok be back for more of this author! Highly recommendrd.
May 1, 2020
I have read Christian suspense romance novels for years. I just discovered my new favorite. In First Wave, author Lisa Phillips, has you on the edge of your seat from the first page. The Northwest Counter Terrorism task force becomes your family. You are with agent Dakota Pierce and rookie Josh Weber, every heart pounding moment. Fast paced, full of action and interesting plot with a great background story for the lead agent. I am opening Second Chance the next book in the series, can't wait.
May 25, 2020
In FIRST WAVE, author Lisa Phillips has delivered an action-packed thrill ride layered with believable romance and characters that are likable, complicated and imperfect in all the right ways. Add to that the inspirational messages woven throughout and you have yourself a truly fantastic read. If you like thrillers and especially the high stakes, risk-it-all-to-save-others kind, do yourself a favor and pick up FIRST WAVE now and start this compelling series.
November 21, 2021
Two Tough Histories
Intense. Pithy. Hard. Dry. This heroine will challenge your abilities to categorize. Dakota and Josh endure devastating physical and mental abuse over years, yet grip tight to faith and hope in their brokenness. Life comes with a cost. They pay the price demanded for the safety of others. The good of those who don't deserve to die but cannot protect themselves. Greater love has no one than this, that they lay down their life for another.
Intense. Pithy. Hard. Dry. This heroine will challenge your abilities to categorize. Dakota and Josh endure devastating physical and mental abuse over years, yet grip tight to faith and hope in their brokenness. Life comes with a cost. They pay the price demanded for the safety of others. The good of those who don't deserve to die but cannot protect themselves. Greater love has no one than this, that they lay down their life for another.
March 3, 2023
I don't remember seeing this series thought it has been out for a few years and I thought I had read or was familiar with everything this author had written......but I ran across them the other day and ordered #1. I wish I had ordered at least #2 then, because I just finished this book and am really wanting to read the next. Awesome read
I did go on and order the other 4, but #2 is not coming for 2 more days
I did go on and order the other 4, but #2 is not coming for 2 more days
August 29, 2024
Wow! What a story! This is the first of author Lisa Phillips’ Northwest Counterterrorism Task Force series. We get to know all the members, but this story focuses on task force member Homeland Security Agent Dakota Pierce. She encounters DEA Agent Josh Weber and his K-9 Neema while out on a case. As they end up working together, sparks fly. But are they the forever kind, or will they each get burned?
Find out in First Wave! I was hooked from the start!
Find out in First Wave! I was hooked from the start!
March 12, 2019
I enjoyed this book! The character development, plot structure and the "opportunity" to read into the night make First Wave a must read. I enjoyed the way the author can weave a thriller story, develop a moral compass within the characters and show that action and consequences do correlate with each other.
June 14, 2019
Mountain mission
I really liked the story and characters. The surprising way Josh and Dakota meet and form a working and emotional relationship opens their eyes to a different way their lives could go: together. There is so much action and danger enveloping the team it's hard to find a stopping point and take a breath!
I really liked the story and characters. The surprising way Josh and Dakota meet and form a working and emotional relationship opens their eyes to a different way their lives could go: together. There is so much action and danger enveloping the team it's hard to find a stopping point and take a breath!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews