Allegiance: Benson First Responders, Book 1

Benson First Responders #1

by Lisa Phillips, Chloe Pfeiffer (Narrator)

BIG CITY CRIME. SMALL TOWN HEROES.

A dead man.

EMT Freya Olson has lost her faith, but not her drive to save those who need her help. When the past that her family left behind after her mother's death shows up in Benson, Freya lands on the target list as well. But things aren't what they seem, and Freya’s loyalty will be pushed to the limit.

A disgraced cop hiding a dangerous secret.

Police Detective Lucas Westbrook has served his whole career under the shadow of his mother's betrayal. Only his faith keeps him from crossing the line or becoming the cop everyone assumes he is. This time there’s no escaping the connection between his deepest pain and the case on his desk.

Caught in a tangled web between friend and foe, Lucas will protect Freya. For as long as it takes to close the case—and find out what could be between them.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Audiobook, Suspense, Romantic Suspense

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Lisa 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.

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, I was not at all prepared for the fast-pace, high energy of Allegiance, Book 1 in Lisa Phillips new Benson First Responders series! Oh, what a tangled web it was… With plenty of action and gripping, edge-of-your-seat suspense, I was immediately invested in seeing this mind-bending thriller through to the end!

HIGHLIGHTS:
Human Trafficking ᐧ Multiple Murders ᐧ A Thrilling, Fast Pace ᐧ Complicated Familial Relationships ᐧ An Empathetic EMT Heroine ᐧ A Devoted Police Detective Hero ᐧ A Tangled Web of Secrets, Lies and Deception ᐧ A Budding Romance

When I came across Lisa Phillip’s new Benson First Responders series, I was intrigued by the synopsis of Allegiance, a story centered around a police detective and an EMT in the fictional town of Benson, WA. What sounded like a promising, exciting plot proved to be just that!

From the first chapter, Phillips had me captivated. The suspense started high and took me on a riveting journey to uncover the deceit that was currently brewing in Benson. It became clear to me early on that I wasn’t sure which character I could trust and which ones I couldn’t, adding to my thrill and keeping me invested in the story. The plot was complex, exciting and full of hidden threats and danger. I couldn’t put it down!

There are some faith-based elements of the characters, each being Christians and working through their own disappointments and confusion in different ways. There is also a romance brewing between the two main characters that was soft and subtle.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:
I really wanted to love this story – However, many times I found myself confused in the midst of the fast-pace of this story, whether by revelations, plot, dialogue, characters or thought processes. Some things simply didn’t make sense; it was as if the author understood it, but the reader wasn’t privy to the backstory. The characters’ backgrounds were revealed in a delayed, broken manner without great detail. Their inner conflicts were repetitive, inner thoughts redundant and character growth was minute. Several things happened purely for convenience of the story but wouldn’t have made sense in reality (both Michelle and Lucas knowing where Freya lived and simply showing up). The characters didn’t react the way I expected them to, probably because I was confused by them and their thoughts. There were gaps, secondary characters and events that I thought would be significant only to not be mentioned again or to leave me hanging.The romance between the two main characters was based on assumptions, physical attraction (though I’m not sure I ever read a physical description of Freya) and not nearly enough time together without chaos ensuing. Throughout the novel, it was as if the written words sounded good and right, but the reliability, execution and background detail weren’t there. Lastly, the ending wrapped up quick, with several mysteries still needing resolution – perhaps in the books to come, I hope?

Overall, the action and pace of this story were fantastic. I enjoyed the human trafficking angle but wished to have heard more from the victim’s POV. I stayed invested because of the tangled web that Phillips created, captivated by the mystery and “whodunnit” snare, hardly able to put the book down. More than halfway through the story, I began to enjoy the characters and their romance more. I will definitely come back to read more of this series and see if the questions I was left with will be answered in the books to come. If you like a clean, mind-bending, complex thriller with lots of action, then you may enjoy this book!

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author as part of her ARC Street Team via Book Funnel. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. It is my hope that you found this review thoughtful, informative and encouraging.

[Nikita Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this read! This is the first book I've read by this author, and now I definitely want to read her backlist. Really enjoyed listening to this audiobook and the narrator was great!

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook (narrated by Chloe Pfeiffer)
Whew! This is one fast-paced, intense book. Lucas and Freya both had their emotional wounds and both of them had some physical wounds before this story was over. The romance was light, understandable since the action was front and center and never let up for long. [Note: the narrator did a great job.]

Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved/really enjoyed it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the cast of characters for this new romantic suspense series set in Benson, Washington.

[Stella Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first in the Benson First Responders Series is featuring Freya an EMT and Lucas a Police Detective. This is a very complicated situation with nothing as it seems and has some very surprising twists before the end of the story. Lots of suspense as Lucas and Freya fall for one another while he is working to keep her safe from whoever is trying to kill her. Ver surprising end.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another explosive and exciting read from Lisa! Her stories are always thrilling and keep me on the edge of my seat. Liked this one!

[Deon]

FREE on Kindle
Sept 9, 2024

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[Mandy Prophett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story line but extremely hard to follow. It took me a while to finish. I’d read some, put it down, and come back days later.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I couldn’t put it down. Our EMT heroine and Detective hero had a lot of forced proximity with the crimes going on and the danger to her. This is a Christian romantic suspense that is heavy on the suspense and danger and I loved it. There are questions about loyalties, international ties, and multiple POVs. I can’t wait to start the next one in the series. This is a just kisses romance.

[Ann | This Quiet Heart Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first romantic suspense book. I really enjoyed this book! The action was happening from page one until the end. I may be turning into more of a suspense reader. I have been enjoying my slow build of suspense books!

Freya is an EMT who is working her way to save for her schooling after helping her brothers get settled in the world, having lost her mother. When she is on the job, and comes upon an old friend from the past, what she believes begins to unravel. What is she going to do with the police detective who won’t stay out of her mind?

Lucas is the son of a scorned police woman, who betrayed the police department and him. Struggling to stay above board and above reproach, he is wary and lonely, when suddenly his mom’s name comes up in his investigation and he wonders if she could be in deeper than he ever imagined. How is he going to care for the EMT who attracts him and spends her days caring for everyone else?

Lucas and Freya were such wonderful characters. I enjoyed reading their journey in this book! The romance was so sweet and Lucas’ intentional care for the way he pursues Freya in the midst of the chaos in their lives was so precious. It felt very gentlemanly in a way that I don’t feel we often see these days! I also appreciated Freya’s journey of doubt/faith in the story. I think it was a wonderful reminder that it isn’t always easy to have faith, but God always pulls us back to him.

There were a couple of moments where I didn’t quite understand the logic of the characters or the wording, but it didn’t stop me from understanding the plot and what was going. I also wish we had a bit more of the romance, but there was a happy ending and I thought it was lovely! I look forward to reading the second book and see if Lucas and Freya make a cameo!

Content Guide:
Language: None
Spice: Level 1
TW: murder, death, grief, threats, human trafficking, gun/knife violence (not graphic), torture

[Diane Pitts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast Moving

“Allegiance” is my first read by Phillips. An EMT and a detective intersect in a multiple murder/trafficking plot. Each is pulled by family tension and heartache. Will they work through the mire of crime and unknown players to finally be together?
I enjoyed the fast pace and character background woven in the storyline.
The designation of primary (Lucas, Freya)and secondary characters (the twins, Michelle, Eric) exhibited strengths and weaknesses. Some of the suspense and unanswered questions may be solved in book 2. However, This is a standalone novel
In the medical thread, there may be too many assaults on one person, like Freya, without a recovery period. Trey, an EMT with an abdominal wound would not return to work that quickly. Where is the concussion protocol? Other than just my personal opinion as a medical professional, I’m sure the author did her homework and used literary license as needed.
I will continue to follow Lisa Phillips. It’s nice to read something with morals.

[AlwaysByTheBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

EMT Freya Olson walked away from God after the passing of her mother, but she still remains determined to help people through her job. When an emergency call quickly turns into a dangerous situation and she discovers one of her friends is dead, she sets out on a mission to figure out who the killer is.

Lucas Westbrook has been living in the shadow of his dirty cop mother, trying to make a new name for himself as a police detective. When responding to a call, he finds himself being responsible to keep Freya safe from the threat that is quickly closing in.

As more bodies begin to show up, threats get more frequent, and layers of family secrets begin to be exposed, can Freya and Lucas work together to catch the killer before it’s too late?

I want to start off by saying that I liked this book! The premise was really interesting, the plot twist had me guessing, and there was non stop action throughout the whole book!🔥

Lucas and Freya were a great match together. Their relationship developed slowly which was perfect and they made a fantastic team as they investigated everything surrounding the death of Freya’s friend.

However, the main issue I had with this book was a lack of background/depth on any of the characters. I couldn’t really connect to Freya or Lucas much at all. When I did get some background context on them, it was very vague and scattered throughout the book. I also felt like some of the dialogue was not what I was expecting for the characters and felt very forced/unnatural.

There were also moments where I found myself confused at what was going on with the plot😅 I will say, the book is only 266 pages, so I expected it to be fast paced. But I did find myself having to flip back a couple of times trying to piece everything together. The lack of background on several areas was a big reason for this.

The book also wrapped up really quick and left a lot of unanswered questions. I’m planning on reading the next book in the series to see if I can get some more answers!👀

Overall, this was a really suspenseful, action-packed read! I had no idea who the killer was and it kept me guessing until the end!🤯

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
"His mother was as complicated as this case."

Police Detective Lucas Westbrook met the striking EMT Freya Olson when their careers intersected over a murder case with numerous unusual trails of evidence. A young Malaysian boy had been killed uttering Lucas' mother's first name with his dying breath, "Michelle". Coincidentally, Freya recognized the young man from a village in Malaysia where her parents had served as missionaries years prior. To further complicate matters, when Freya goes back to the scene of the crime she is nearly strangled to death by an unknown assailant warning her off the case before Lucas steps in to save her life. . . . . for the first time.

With its dizzying array of plot twists and gentle nods towards an allegiance of hearts, this story proved over and over again how "Love gave courage. It lent people strength"; pasts could be redeemed, mistakes could be forgiven. Faith could be restored . . . . "giving both of them something they were desperately in need of. Home."

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending! I was on a roller-coaster ride throughout this book. Not a surprise because I have come to expect this caliber of intrigue from this author. She is a treat to read and one I enjoy with every word and page written.
Lucas had spent his training years and subsequent time on the force under a cloud of betrayal by his mother. His career was made up of watching his back and trying to ignore the wary looks from fellow officers and seniors. Then when EMT Freya crosses paths with him quite often on a case that involves smuggling, trafficking and drugs, they grow closer as they try to unravel the clues.
Lisa Phillips keeps you guessing and on your toes as you try to find clues and possibilities only to find out at the end. This is book one in the Benson First Responders series and we are left with a question that will hopefully be answered in book 2.
It is my pleasure to leave my honest and voluntary review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love reading Lisa Phillips and the universe that she has created with Last Chance County/Benson and this book did not disappoint! I honestly did not want to put it down because I was anxious to figure out who was behind it all. Oftentimes, I know exactly where a book is going to go and who the guilty parties are, but this one had enough twists and turns, you won't know for sure until the end... and even then there's a bit more mystery that I'm sure we'll pick up in the next installment. In addition, I found the main characters were interesting and their individual faith walks were relatable to anyone who has had a struggle in their faith walk.

While this story is part of a universe created in other series, you don't need to have read any of her other books to enjoy this one (although I do highly recommend reading Lisa Phillips' other books too!) Can't wait for the next one!

[Ru4repeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ Things had been the same for far too long. It was time to realize life was short and make a change.”

I thoroughly enjoyed this riveted book! The characters were well developed, the scenarios were believable, and I felt immersed in the events as they unfolded. Many great quotes and metaphors stuck out as I read. Several are:
"...prayed to the God he had once believed in. The same God who had abandoned him a long time ago."
"The stuff she saw daily—all the evil in the world and the tragedy—weighed on her like a heavy coat."
"Her prayers had tasted like stale bread on her tongue."
"Lucas’s faith, instilled in him by his aunt and forged in the fire of his mother’s betrayal."
"If you’re a Christian, then not one thing is pointless or wasted."

Overall, this was a fantastic book and is definitely worthy of a repeat read!

[Ana Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new to me author and I really enjoyed this book.
The plot was very interesting and it kept me hooked until the very end.
I really liked both Lucas and Freya, and their chemistry was also really cute. I do wish we had gotten a little bit more of their romance since it happened a little fast but I also understand that the main focus was the mystery and solving the case so it's okay.
I do feel like the storyline kind of rushed through the parts of Lucas forgiving his mother and letting go of the pain and bitterness that he had. I also would have liked to see more of Freya's faith and specially how she revived her spiritual life.
Overall, I really enjoyed this new author and this new series and now I'm excited to continue reading the rest of the series and finding out who the other books focus in.

[Suzette Lawes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shaking My Head

Hey, this is my first time reading a Lisa Phillips book, and I'm totally excited to check out her other stuff. I just finished the book and my brain's spinning with questions. Looks like I'll be diving into book 2 to get some answers.

Wow, talk about twists and turns - I'm seriously lost! There were moments where I couldn't even tell who was talking, which means I'll probably need to read this again. It's a solid suspense novel, but man, there's a lot going on right from the start.

So Lucas and Freya meet, and it's this crazy rollercoaster before they even spend real time together. Tons of heart-racing moments, but everything still feels totally real. I'd definitely recommend the book, but I'm heading straight to book two to see if I can clear up some of these head-scratching questions.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-stop action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There was no way I was figuring out who or what was behind a murder of a young man that had been kidnapped in Malaysia and brought to America. Never mind the fact that the EMT that responded to the shooting knew Ismail from her time as a part of a missionary family - but why was she now a target?

Add the mixed up world of the detective that is supposed to solve the case, and you have a book you will not put down. Who is a friend and who is an enemy?

This early copy of the first book in the Benson First Responders was received through Two Dog Publishing and Book Funnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Judith Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Tangled Mess!

Lucas is a detective on major crimes; Freya is an EMT. His mother Michelle has been known as a dirty cop which mean Lucas has to work doubly hard as some in the police department look at him as if he will follow in his mother's footsteps. Freya's mother and dad were missionaries in Malaysia until her mom was killed in an auto accident she the whole family came back to Benson, WA. This is an exciting thriller full of kidnappings, gun battles, and more questions for both Lucas and Freya. Lisa Phillips has great characters, twisting plots and questions about what God is doing.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Lisa Phillips but what an exciting read it was! There was never a dull moment from the first chapter to the end! EMT Freya Olson is an excellent female protagonist who learns most of her life has been a lie. Detective Lucas Westbrook does his best to live a godly life and be a good detective in spite of his mother having been arrested for being a dirty cop. You will wonder who is running a human trafficking ring. If you like action, Allegiance gives you that! I recommend Allegiance to anyone who likes suspense! I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

My library didn't have this in audiobook (gasp!) so I recommended they purchase it. To my horror, ten people jumped ahead of me to read it! Good thing I purchased the kindle book too! I did listen to the audio and it was worth the wait. Having someone read to me is so much better than when I read to myself. And like always, Lisa Phillips did not disappoint. Just when you think you know what's happening 💥BAM💥 she throws a twist at you. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series so I can binge read it. And don't even think about jumping ahead of me in line at the library!

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid read though at times the storyline or characters were jumping all around. The two main characters approach to dating and why they shouldn’t started to wear on me as the story progressed. Both had great work partners and both had a very odd parent. The Christianity theme was very present and in some parts worked well and other parts seemed forced as a reminder. Strong characters all around and good potential for a series. I wish more questions were answered at the end, but overall it was an enjoyable story.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really good story that deserved to have a good editor. I found myself rereading sections thinking I’d missed information, but no, it just wasn’t there. In one place, she has a gun in her hand, but then there’s no more mention of it. Instead, she’s trying to defend herself with kicks and punches. There’s also plot holes, it’s choppy, there’s a lot of repetition, and some substantial unanswered questions at the end. It reads almost like a cliff hanger, but the book is advertised as standalone so I’m not sure what it’s supposed to be.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read in the Benson First Responders Series and I really enjoyed it! Fast-paced and full of intrigue. EMT Freya Olson ends up in the middle of a mind-boggling situation and finds herself being chased by the Malaysian Cartel. Lucas Westbrook has done all he can to keep his nose clean as a detective for the Benson Police Department. But suddenly he finds himself embroiled with Freya's mess and not everything as it appears. Can Lucas keep Freya safe while he figures out who's behind the sinister plot to kill her?

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the plot and how the reader is never sure who the “good guys” are and who is out to get whom. But, there were a couple of things that stopped me from giving this 5 stars:
1. I found some parts very confusing and I had to go back to see if I had missed key information. I don’t think certain things were explained and there were some continuity issues.
2. It was a little too religious for me. I am a believer and a Christian but I felt it was preachy and it kind of turned me off. It was just too much.
Otherwise, I loved the story.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confusing

I'm usually right on board with Lisa Phillips's books, but I was super confused throughout this one. It might be a spinoff but I felt like there was a backstory that I was not privy to. The bad guys are good guys and the good guy was dirty. In addition, the book suffered from a lack of editing--extra words, wrong words, words left out, etc. And there are many characters, some perhaps stars in another book. I feel let down. But I've already bought the series, so I will plow through.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allegiance by Lisa Phillips gives readers more suspense and action from Benson! Picking up where the Last Chance Downrange series left off, the first story in the Benson First Responders series focuses on Freya Olson. She's an EMT, but she finds herself stuck in the center of Detective Lucas Westbrook's current case. Their lives intertwine as someone is out to get Freya and Lucas needs to solve the case before it's too late.

I love this new series! Of course, there's plenty of twists, turns, danger, action, and suspense that Lisa Phillips' fans have come to expect from her stories. But Freya and Lucas are memorable characters and make an excellent team.

If you haven’t read any of Lisa’s books, you can jump into Allegiance without missing a beat. I’m looking forward to another fast-paced and entertaining series and can’t wait for the next book to release.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Sandra Benford · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed

Disappointed. I've read this author before, and know what to expect, but this was not even close. Disjointed, incomplete sentences, sentence w/wrong words or wrong tense. Maybe that's the editing. Convoluted plot. Unanswered questions in an attempt to make something "mysterious." Eventually I got to the point of not really caring.
Done with this series, maybe this author.

[Pearl Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Phillips doesn't disappoint

I was looking forward to this new series after the last one ended and I was not disappointed. New friends to get to know, (Some old ones show up too.) It really is a wonderful start while giving a nod to the ones that came before. I am looking forward to the next one.
If you are new to Ms Phillips, don't worry about needing to read all the previous series first. You can start with this and catchup at your leisure without losing anything.