What do you think?
Rate this book
Benson First Responders #5
Knockout
BIG CITY CRIME. SMALL TOWN HEROES
A woman on the run.
Roxie Helton crawled away bleeding from the wreck of her life. Now she's finally found a new start, the ghost of that tragedy won't leave her alone. She tried Search and Rescue, now she's trying the Cold Case Department and Vanguard. When she's assigned the case that killed a cop years ago, she gets more than she bargained for and it almost seems like her ex isn't quite as dead as everyone thinks. Can she trust the man she thought she had to give up?
A cop fighting for family.
SWAT Sergeant Liam O'Connell came home from the Marines and followed his father's footsteps into the Benson PD. As much as he might want to ignore it, the case that killed his father has never been left to rest. But if what he was told is true, solving it will ruin his father's legacy. Then again it could also save lives, take down a dangerous Russian family, and give him back the woman he lost.
When their worlds collide, loved ones are caught up in the calamity. Everyone they care about is a target and Roxie and Liam must fight together to survive.
Each Benson First Responders story is a stand-alone Christian romantic suspense.
A woman on the run.
Roxie Helton crawled away bleeding from the wreck of her life. Now she's finally found a new start, the ghost of that tragedy won't leave her alone. She tried Search and Rescue, now she's trying the Cold Case Department and Vanguard. When she's assigned the case that killed a cop years ago, she gets more than she bargained for and it almost seems like her ex isn't quite as dead as everyone thinks. Can she trust the man she thought she had to give up?
A cop fighting for family.
SWAT Sergeant Liam O'Connell came home from the Marines and followed his father's footsteps into the Benson PD. As much as he might want to ignore it, the case that killed his father has never been left to rest. But if what he was told is true, solving it will ruin his father's legacy. Then again it could also save lives, take down a dangerous Russian family, and give him back the woman he lost.
When their worlds collide, loved ones are caught up in the calamity. Everyone they care about is a target and Roxie and Liam must fight together to survive.
Each Benson First Responders story is a stand-alone Christian romantic suspense.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2023
519 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Phillips
167 books872 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 27, 2023
I think this is my favorite book so far in this series (so far at least). There are plenty of twists and turns plus all of the action you'd expect from a Phillips' story. I found the mystery element of the story intriguing, but I loved the interactions between the characters themselves. The backstory between Roxie and Liam was engaging but the other interpersonal relationships were also enjoyable.
I have always enjoyed reading Lisa Phillips' books, but this one was extra special. Do yourself a favor and don't pick it up if you have limited time to read because you're going to want to keep reading rather than doing whatever is next on your agenda.
I did receive an advance copy of this book from the publisher but all opinions are my own. I did not promise to write a positive review in return for the copy of the book, nor would I ever make such a commitment.
I have always enjoyed reading Lisa Phillips' books, but this one was extra special. Do yourself a favor and don't pick it up if you have limited time to read because you're going to want to keep reading rather than doing whatever is next on your agenda.
I did receive an advance copy of this book from the publisher but all opinions are my own. I did not promise to write a positive review in return for the copy of the book, nor would I ever make such a commitment.
December 13, 2023
3.5 stars
"Sure, she might be outnumbered, but life constantly lay on a blade edge from death. The tipping point was what counted, and all she had to do was push it in her favor."
Why was she in his town? SWAT Sergeant Liam O'Connell is not thrilled to discover that Roxie Helton is now employed by Vanguard and working for the Cold Case Department . . . . specifically, the cold case surrounding his father's death. Their relationship in the Marines had ended badly, but from the looks of the scar scarcely marring Roxie's pretty face, her next step had ended a lot worse. It doesn't take long for Liam to realize that Roxie's secrets run deep and unfortunately one of them has followed her to Benson.
As Liam tries to apprehend members of a dangerous crime family while at the same time trying to keep Roxie safe, the facts begin to indicate that their cases could criss-cross in the most dangerous way possible . . . life or death, leaving Roxie to wonder . . . was trusting God her best option?
"She had nothing else. No way out. No weapons. No back-up. No team. No gear. . . . . Now it was just God."
A thrilling episode in the author's "Benson First Responders" series.
"Sure, she might be outnumbered, but life constantly lay on a blade edge from death. The tipping point was what counted, and all she had to do was push it in her favor."
Why was she in his town? SWAT Sergeant Liam O'Connell is not thrilled to discover that Roxie Helton is now employed by Vanguard and working for the Cold Case Department . . . . specifically, the cold case surrounding his father's death. Their relationship in the Marines had ended badly, but from the looks of the scar scarcely marring Roxie's pretty face, her next step had ended a lot worse. It doesn't take long for Liam to realize that Roxie's secrets run deep and unfortunately one of them has followed her to Benson.
As Liam tries to apprehend members of a dangerous crime family while at the same time trying to keep Roxie safe, the facts begin to indicate that their cases could criss-cross in the most dangerous way possible . . . life or death, leaving Roxie to wonder . . . was trusting God her best option?
"She had nothing else. No way out. No weapons. No back-up. No team. No gear. . . . . Now it was just God."
A thrilling episode in the author's "Benson First Responders" series.
September 26, 2023
Liam O’Connell is a SWAT Sergeant in book 5 of the Benson First Responders series, Knockout. Liam has believed many untruths regarding his late father. When the woman who broke his heart, Roxie, comes to town to work for Vanguard and works a case regarding his father, Liam is not happy. While working the case involving Liam’s father, Roxie finds herself in the crosshairs of a ghost from her past. Lisa Phillips has yet again turned out an edge of your seat roller coaster ride that keeps you glued from cover to cover.
I received an advanced readers copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
#Knockout #Authorlisaphillips
I received an advanced readers copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
#Knockout #Authorlisaphillips
November 21, 2023
Knockout
A fantastic suspenseful book! Roxie Helton and SWAT Sgt. Liam O’Connell were in the Marines together. They had a connection but could not act on it because of their jobs. Now Roxie has shown up in town working with the Vanguard group. The kicker is that she is investigating the murder of a homeless vet that was accused of murdering his father ten years earlier. He did not want his father’s legacy as a policeman to be tainted in any way so he has let the matter go since coming to work for the police force. When a ghost from Roxie’s past shows up putting a target on her back, will Liam be able to keep Roxie safe?
A fantastic suspenseful book! Roxie Helton and SWAT Sgt. Liam O’Connell were in the Marines together. They had a connection but could not act on it because of their jobs. Now Roxie has shown up in town working with the Vanguard group. The kicker is that she is investigating the murder of a homeless vet that was accused of murdering his father ten years earlier. He did not want his father’s legacy as a policeman to be tainted in any way so he has let the matter go since coming to work for the police force. When a ghost from Roxie’s past shows up putting a target on her back, will Liam be able to keep Roxie safe?
September 29, 2023
My favorite in the series so far. The characters were wonderful and so was the story. Roxie comes to Benson to work for Vanguard and also to hide from a stalker. Liam O'Connell has returned home and works with the Benson PD. When the cold case of Liam's police officer father is re-opened, sparks fly. This story has two main plot lines, someone stalking Roxie from her past and dirty cops with ties to the Russian mob. Full of action, intrigue, suspense, romance, faith, and several of the characters from the series. A definite must read in this series.
August 22, 2025
A SWAT officer falls back in love with an old flame.
Enjoyed being back with this author again. Liam and Roxie story was exciting from start to finish. Liam and Roxanne had a past where they worked togethor. He had fallen in love with her. She came back to his home town because she had someone after her. He became her hero and protector. They worked well together. It brought them to the attention of another task force wanting their help. So good to be back with the Benson crew and also Dakota and Josh. Will read more in the series.
Enjoyed being back with this author again. Liam and Roxie story was exciting from start to finish. Liam and Roxanne had a past where they worked togethor. He had fallen in love with her. She came back to his home town because she had someone after her. He became her hero and protector. They worked well together. It brought them to the attention of another task force wanting their help. So good to be back with the Benson crew and also Dakota and Josh. Will read more in the series.
September 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ would recommend!
Lisa does it again, I've enjoyed every book of hers I've read and this is no different! One of my favorite authors :)
I have always loved cold cases and that was just one reason this one is my favorite Benson first responders so far. Action packed with twists and turns and mostly importantly faith, some growing, some new.. representing so many walks of life and she expertly shows how God is always there ❤️ you won't want to miss it!
Lisa does it again, I've enjoyed every book of hers I've read and this is no different! One of my favorite authors :)
I have always loved cold cases and that was just one reason this one is my favorite Benson first responders so far. Action packed with twists and turns and mostly importantly faith, some growing, some new.. representing so many walks of life and she expertly shows how God is always there ❤️ you won't want to miss it!
September 29, 2023
Awesome read. The author packed a lot into 243 pages: Cold case, Russian bad guys, dangerous creepy stalker, and of course romance. Liam and Roxie were great main characters, and the book had non-stop action and suspense. I am really enjoying this series, and each book seems better than the previous one.
December 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I had all the things that made for good reading. Dirty cops working for that Russian Mafia. Roxie being tormented by her dead husband. Good cops trying to take down the bad guys. Oh, and some romance thrown in for good measure.
I really enjoyed this book. I had all the things that made for good reading. Dirty cops working for that Russian Mafia. Roxie being tormented by her dead husband. Good cops trying to take down the bad guys. Oh, and some romance thrown in for good measure.
October 6, 2023
Very entertaining Christian suspense!!
This is a very good police procedural book with additional civilian security characters. It has lots of action, suspense, and a bit of romance. I enjoy the way Christian life is woven into the story. I love the characters.
This is a very good police procedural book with additional civilian security characters. It has lots of action, suspense, and a bit of romance. I enjoy the way Christian life is woven into the story. I love the characters.
October 9, 2023
Smokescreen
Seeing what others want you to and feeling like you are losing it...but love finds the truth, protects you and defeats evil. Great book, action packed will keep you holding on.
Seeing what others want you to and feeling like you are losing it...but love finds the truth, protects you and defeats evil. Great book, action packed will keep you holding on.
October 14, 2023
A Very Compelling Book!!
Packed with dark secrets, corruption, murder, gangs, romance and nail biting suspense. This whole series has been great. I love the characters and the storyline throughout. Don’t start this book late because you will lose sleep.
Packed with dark secrets, corruption, murder, gangs, romance and nail biting suspense. This whole series has been great. I love the characters and the storyline throughout. Don’t start this book late because you will lose sleep.
October 18, 2023
of course, I wanted to see them getting married or him propose
I also wanted to know Liam’s decision. It sounded like they would be moving to Alaska. Full of suspense and a crazy antagonist.
I also wanted to know Liam’s decision. It sounded like they would be moving to Alaska. Full of suspense and a crazy antagonist.
October 18, 2023
Great wonderful book
Another great book by Lisa Phillips. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I absolutely love a good mystery with the love of God throughout the book. Thank you, Lisa, for another wonderful book.
Another great book by Lisa Phillips. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I absolutely love a good mystery with the love of God throughout the book. Thank you, Lisa, for another wonderful book.
October 31, 2023
Roxie and Liam
All I can say is Roxie has more moxie than most men. She is tougher than some men not Liam though. Once you start the book, don’t plan on putting it down. Enjoy!!!!!!!
All I can say is Roxie has more moxie than most men. She is tougher than some men not Liam though. Once you start the book, don’t plan on putting it down. Enjoy!!!!!!!
November 2, 2023
Another good read!
Lisa Phillips continues to provide her readers with adventure, suspense, entertaining characters, intriguing storylines and Christian values. The series just keeps getting better with each installment! Give it a read you won't be disappointed!
Lisa Phillips continues to provide her readers with adventure, suspense, entertaining characters, intriguing storylines and Christian values. The series just keeps getting better with each installment! Give it a read you won't be disappointed!
January 8, 2024
A good read
A stalker who is, Russian Mafia, crooked cops, kidnapping, murder and mayhem, this book has it all, yet in all the excitement we are reminded that sometimes things get so bad, God is all you have.
A stalker who is, Russian Mafia, crooked cops, kidnapping, murder and mayhem, this book has it all, yet in all the excitement we are reminded that sometimes things get so bad, God is all you have.
January 25, 2024
Total Grip!
Characters grabbed ahold of me after the first page. Following each one’s story was exciting and kept me in suspense page after page. The plot just kept thickening and I was so involved, it was hard to put down. Roxie and Liam’s adventure will draw you in.
Characters grabbed ahold of me after the first page. Following each one’s story was exciting and kept me in suspense page after page. The plot just kept thickening and I was so involved, it was hard to put down. Roxie and Liam’s adventure will draw you in.
April 24, 2024
Great mystery, romance
I didn’t want to quit reading when I started. Loved reading places about trusting the Lord in it. Always love some suspense and romance. Can’t wait to finish the series
I didn’t want to quit reading when I started. Loved reading places about trusting the Lord in it. Always love some suspense and romance. Can’t wait to finish the series
September 22, 2024
Liam and Roxie worked together in the Marines. That was years ago and Roxie was Anne then. When Roxie shows up working for Vanguard and put on cold case to look into Liam's father's death, sparks fly and both are put in danger with their investigations. Great suspense and romance.
September 29, 2025
Knockout
A brilliant read. I absolutely loved it. An amazing storyline and fabulous characters. Such a journey they all go through but thank God He is always there watching out for them. Can’t wait for the next one.
A brilliant read. I absolutely loved it. An amazing storyline and fabulous characters. Such a journey they all go through but thank God He is always there watching out for them. Can’t wait for the next one.
October 23, 2023
Good Read
Story to hold your attention and hold multiple scenes and people. Recommend this series🙂 For comfort reading with a cup of coffee.
Story to hold your attention and hold multiple scenes and people. Recommend this series🙂 For comfort reading with a cup of coffee.
November 3, 2023
Great Story
I love this series and characters...
Great Story.
Full of action and plot twists.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I love this series and characters...
Great Story.
Full of action and plot twists.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
November 14, 2023
They fought alongside one another in the Marines. Can they come together to take down thd Russian mob in Benson? They must do all to keep their families safe.
November 23, 2023
great book
I enjoyed reading this book by this author. Hope to find more books by her. She kept my attention the whole time
I enjoyed reading this book by this author. Hope to find more books by her. She kept my attention the whole time
February 4, 2024
Good book. Better than the last
March 11, 2024
roxie is working on a cold case that involves liams father and what really happend. this is a page turning story to the end.
March 17, 2024
Fast Read
A bit confusing in the beginning. Turned into a very entertaining book. Looking forward to more books including some of these characters. Worth your time.
A bit confusing in the beginning. Turned into a very entertaining book. Looking forward to more books including some of these characters. Worth your time.
June 10, 2024
Great series! Lots of action, suspense, and a dash of romance. Love that I can listen on Libby.
October 2, 2024
I have really enjoyed this series. Roxie and Liam’s story is no different. Love how this series ties in with several others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews