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First Responders #4
Emergency Response
DESIGNATED TARGET
On her way to visit a little girl she recently helped save, paramedic Darcie Stephens is attacked by a stranger dead-set on killing her. She escapes unscathed when detective Noah Lockhart comes to her rescue, but an officer finds a hit list dropped by the assailant--and Darcie's name is next. Now with an assassin constantly on their heels, Darcie and Noah must uncover why somebody wants her dead. Noah fights hard to protect Darcie, but she's determined to keep the cop at arm's length. After all she's lost, she's afraid to love again, especially a handsome lawman with a guarded heart. And a murderer doesn't plan to let Darcie live long enough for any second chances.
First Brave men and women alert and ready for danger and love
On her way to visit a little girl she recently helped save, paramedic Darcie Stephens is attacked by a stranger dead-set on killing her. She escapes unscathed when detective Noah Lockhart comes to her rescue, but an officer finds a hit list dropped by the assailant--and Darcie's name is next. Now with an assassin constantly on their heels, Darcie and Noah must uncover why somebody wants her dead. Noah fights hard to protect Darcie, but she's determined to keep the cop at arm's length. After all she's lost, she's afraid to love again, especially a handsome lawman with a guarded heart. And a murderer doesn't plan to let Darcie live long enough for any second chances.
First Brave men and women alert and ready for danger and love
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
115 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Susan Sleeman
130 books810 followersSUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over sixty romantic suspense and mystery novels with more than two million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 15, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
This book was disappointing compared to the rest of the series. It seemed like every book became a bodyguard book instead of an elite team of people working together to solve crimes. This one in particular rubbed me the wrong way, because Noah came off as a know-it-all who thought he was the only one who could handle the most important parts of the case while he also took it upon himself to guard the victim. This was awkward and seemed wrong. Wouldn't cops take shifts to protect someone, so that no one gets overworked and too tired to think clearly, especially since someone's life was in danger? Wouldn't the lead detective delegate stuff to his teammates, so that more could be accomplished per hour? Would the person investigating the crime also be put on guard duty, or would that stretch him too thin?
Due to this controlling attitude, Noah was really dislikeable to me. I had a really hard time figuring out why Darcie would fall in love with him, and I couldn't root for their relationship, because it was repeating a negative pattern for her.
The redeeming quality of this book was the spiritual message it carried. To be vulnerable in order to heal from past hurts is an incredible thing to do. While I don't believe in being vulnerable to controlling people, I do believe in making oneself vulnerable to God and allowing Him to clean out those hurt parts of one's heart and healing it, making it able to fully share the love of God. This quality was spread throughout Emergency Response, and it gave me an aspect of the story to really enjoy.
Only two more books in the series! I'm starting book five tonight. I wish book six came out before December.
This is my unbiased, honest review.
This book was disappointing compared to the rest of the series. It seemed like every book became a bodyguard book instead of an elite team of people working together to solve crimes. This one in particular rubbed me the wrong way, because Noah came off as a know-it-all who thought he was the only one who could handle the most important parts of the case while he also took it upon himself to guard the victim. This was awkward and seemed wrong. Wouldn't cops take shifts to protect someone, so that no one gets overworked and too tired to think clearly, especially since someone's life was in danger? Wouldn't the lead detective delegate stuff to his teammates, so that more could be accomplished per hour? Would the person investigating the crime also be put on guard duty, or would that stretch him too thin?
Due to this controlling attitude, Noah was really dislikeable to me. I had a really hard time figuring out why Darcie would fall in love with him, and I couldn't root for their relationship, because it was repeating a negative pattern for her.
The redeeming quality of this book was the spiritual message it carried. To be vulnerable in order to heal from past hurts is an incredible thing to do. While I don't believe in being vulnerable to controlling people, I do believe in making oneself vulnerable to God and allowing Him to clean out those hurt parts of one's heart and healing it, making it able to fully share the love of God. This quality was spread throughout Emergency Response, and it gave me an aspect of the story to really enjoy.
Only two more books in the series! I'm starting book five tonight. I wish book six came out before December.
This is my unbiased, honest review.
September 5, 2016
If you're looking for some serious Christian suspense, look no further. Susan Sleeman is your go to author for this genre. This is book 4 in her First Responders series.
The suspense never lets up, not for a minute, until the culprit is apprehended. When you start reading, it's hard to stop. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I look forward to her next book.
*I was provided with a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
The suspense never lets up, not for a minute, until the culprit is apprehended. When you start reading, it's hard to stop. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I look forward to her next book.
*I was provided with a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
February 2, 2023
Always great to find a Christian romantic suspense by Susan Sleeman. This one delivered everything I've come to expect from her: flawed characters, tough situations, overcoming fears and trusting the Lord.
March 3, 2025
Great series. Love Darcie and Noah. This is just a great series that can easily be read in any order.
July 3, 2016
Emergency Response by Susan Sleeman starts out running and the tension barely pauses until you’ve finished the last word. I feel like I start out every review for a Susan Sleeman book this way but that’s because she’s a master at high-stakes, fast-paced suspense.
She’s also fantastic at incorporating romantic tension and compelling characters. Noah and Darcie are attracted to each other but both have very valid reasons for hesitating to get too close emotionally. However, being forced into close proximity physically – in high-intensity situations – begins to chip away at those walls they’ve been maintaining between them.
Which leads to a mighty fine kiss.
The faith elements to Emergency Response are an organic part of the characters’ lives and a natural response to the situation in which they find themselves. It’s never preachy but instead reminds us that God never wants us to live shackled to the past. Grief and regret can remain for a season, but there is a time to move forward and embrace the present as well as the future.
Bottom Line: When it comes to high intensity, fast-paced suspense, Susan Sleeman is at the top of the list! Engaging characters, a mystery that keeps you on your toes, and a sweet romance all combine to make Emergency Response a fantastic read. You can certainly read it as a stand alone, but I love seeing all the characters again from the previous books and, besides, they are all excellent quick reads that you really just need to read anyway! If you are a fan of Dee Henderson’s O’Malley Family series, then you absolutely must add Susan Sleeman’s First Responders series – and Emergency Response – to your TBR list!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
She’s also fantastic at incorporating romantic tension and compelling characters. Noah and Darcie are attracted to each other but both have very valid reasons for hesitating to get too close emotionally. However, being forced into close proximity physically – in high-intensity situations – begins to chip away at those walls they’ve been maintaining between them.
Which leads to a mighty fine kiss.
The faith elements to Emergency Response are an organic part of the characters’ lives and a natural response to the situation in which they find themselves. It’s never preachy but instead reminds us that God never wants us to live shackled to the past. Grief and regret can remain for a season, but there is a time to move forward and embrace the present as well as the future.
Bottom Line: When it comes to high intensity, fast-paced suspense, Susan Sleeman is at the top of the list! Engaging characters, a mystery that keeps you on your toes, and a sweet romance all combine to make Emergency Response a fantastic read. You can certainly read it as a stand alone, but I love seeing all the characters again from the previous books and, besides, they are all excellent quick reads that you really just need to read anyway! If you are a fan of Dee Henderson’s O’Malley Family series, then you absolutely must add Susan Sleeman’s First Responders series – and Emergency Response – to your TBR list!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
May 2, 2016
An incredible adrenaline rush!
This book is only connected to the previous books in the series is the fact that the main characters from the earlier books are now secondary characters. The plot for this book is a stand-alone story.
I loved getting to know Darcie better. I liked her when I first met her in book one of the series. Now that I know her story I love her. She is carrying a huge amount of hurt that has shaped who she is.
Noah is a very solid and dependable man. Yet he is holding onto guilt for a decision that he made years ago. That is keeping him from moving on in his personal life.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that both Darcie and Noah believe in God and are seeking Him about how to deal with their personal pasts and move beyond them.
The plot is extremely well laid out and presented. There are plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end of the book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book is only connected to the previous books in the series is the fact that the main characters from the earlier books are now secondary characters. The plot for this book is a stand-alone story.
I loved getting to know Darcie better. I liked her when I first met her in book one of the series. Now that I know her story I love her. She is carrying a huge amount of hurt that has shaped who she is.
Noah is a very solid and dependable man. Yet he is holding onto guilt for a decision that he made years ago. That is keeping him from moving on in his personal life.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that both Darcie and Noah believe in God and are seeking Him about how to deal with their personal pasts and move beyond them.
The plot is extremely well laid out and presented. There are plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end of the book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 2, 2016
EMERGENCY RESPONSE is a fast read. Darcie is a EMT/paramedic and is checking on a family with a handicapped little girl when suddenly, someone is trying to choke her to death. The first page -- the action starts. And doesn't stop. The thing that stands out is that the "bad guys" are bad shots and cannot hit the broad side of a barn. Lucky for Darcie and Noah! But the hits never stop coming, Darcie's locations are compromised and Noah won't leave her side unless she has someone with her that he trusts. Car bombs. Attempted strangulation. Shootings. And murders that seem to be related to the case. Are they? I read this through in one sitting and couldn't wait to see what happened next. If you like romantic suspense, Susan Sleeman is on of the best Love Inspired Suspense authors out there.
October 18, 2016
I enjoyed this book a lot! However it has one of the typical romance plot devices that get on my nerves. When the hero and heroine are in the middle of a life and death situation and then suddenly kiss. Really? It gets an eye roll every time from me. This happened at least twice. The ending was sweet though.
February 15, 2022
I had a hard time deciding if this book deserved 2 or 3 stars. I went ahead and gave it 3. The story line was okay. The characters were okay. There were a couple parts when I noticed differences/plot holes. But what I did like about it was the happy ending and the Hallmark feel of it. Quick and easy read.
October 10, 2016
Love reading these quick Christian books.
May 17, 2022
I have to admit, I'm not having much luck with the suspense novels. It's like the authors churn things out without putting enough thought or description into them. Or maybe I'm used to Iris Johansen and writers who actually flesh out a story? I don't know, but these are kind of like hoping for whipped cream and getting beaten egg whites.
Darcie is a member of basically the non-superhero version of DC's Watchtower group. People with 'special gifts' that live together at a 'home base' with all the fancy doo-dads, provided by a rich benefactor, of course. One's a sniper, two are hostage negotiators, there's a team leader, a computer genius, and Darcie is the medic. It felt like a badly done steal.
Noah isn't even on the team, but somehow he usurps every member and takes over this whole story, because reasons. He's a detective, and he's got a thing for Darcie, so he's pretty much declared himself head caveman, and waves his metaphorical club menacingly at the other Watchtower members, so he can run the show. It's... unimpressive.
The plot is convoluted and I can't even get into it, here... something something drugs, something something money laundering, something something gangs... it has to do with a little girl Darcie of course gets custody of at the end, her grandmother, and bad guys the granny is doing work for.
As for the grandmother, she makes NO sense. Isabel (the granddaughter) is something like five years old, her mother was a druggie (so maybe 25 years old?)... yet granny is SOOOOOOO OOOOOOLD that she can't possibly care for her granddaughter. ((Likely in their culture/income bracket, Granny's maybe forty-five, tops.)) So.... mmmmmnnno. Then she's shot, and 'at her age', she just can't do anything. She spends all of her time napping, mostly so the author can have her out of the way.
Sleeman does the same to the rest of the team. If these guys are as tight as she says they are? They would ALL be involved up to their eyeballs in protecting Darcie and figuring things out. The author can't handle more than one or two characters at a time involved, so she relegates them mostly to the peripheral, and it reads as shoddy and cheatish.
Darcie is NOT an enjoyable character. She sobs. She cries. She mourns. She hides. But according to the author, she's a strong woman. NOBODY sees this. Even when she 'fights back', her idea of fighting is to hit guys in the stomach and run. She does this more than once - apparently they're stupid and don't see it coming after the first time? I don't know.
She's on a hit list, with the two guys before her both strangled. In fact, the story opens with absolutely no introductory or descriptive writing, just hands around throat, can't breathe, GAH!!! If bad guys want someone dead? They're going to shoot them. Up close is pointless and could result in personal bodily harm. I could see if they were sending a message, but there weren't any peeps to receive a message, so it's stupid.
Worse, this is NOT an inspirational novel. The faith in this thing is basically a few sketchy prayers by people who shrugged off spirituality years ago, and a few 'God' references here and there. There's no actual growth, praise, seeking of the Lord's favor, living in Christ, or anything that smacks of honest, faith-breathed living, or Adonai-centered hearts. There's no room for that - these are *ALPHA* men, hello. They're all you need, amIright?
And the writing. "Leland King, the guy we suspect is dead and have been looking for the body of? Yeah, we found him strangled near his house." Darcie gasped and clutched her chest. "That's so horrible!" SERIOUSLY!!??! Gasped and clutched her chest. Could you BE any more melodramatic?
"We have to DO something!" Darcie insisted. "We are doing something. We're staying put," Noah told her. She crossed her arms and sank down on the seat. Pouty-pouty-pout-pout. What are we now? Three and a half years old? GAH!!!!
And the endless strings of simple sentences. My gosh...!! "He was acting on a hunch. No facts. Nothing concrete. But he had to do something. As did the rest of them. So he called Judson." CAN WE PLEASE *WRITE* a little?!
Then they're holding her over the edge of a building three stories up, for no good reason other than it's apparently not deemed time for strangulation by the author. They want a CONFESSION. ((sigh.)) So she assures them she'll confess, they pull her off the ledge, and she ASKS FOR WATER. *A.N.D. T.H.E.Y. G.I.V.E. I.T. T.O. H.E.R...!!!* Are you *KIDDING* me?! "We're going to kill you dead, but first we'll hydrate you and listen to your long-winded BS, because gang members like monologues in which we can be lulled into a sense of idiocy, be overcome with yet ANOTHER belly-punch, and get foiled." In. What. Universe?!
Just... no. Please, no. Maybe the other books are better, but this was awful.
Darcie is a member of basically the non-superhero version of DC's Watchtower group. People with 'special gifts' that live together at a 'home base' with all the fancy doo-dads, provided by a rich benefactor, of course. One's a sniper, two are hostage negotiators, there's a team leader, a computer genius, and Darcie is the medic. It felt like a badly done steal.
Noah isn't even on the team, but somehow he usurps every member and takes over this whole story, because reasons. He's a detective, and he's got a thing for Darcie, so he's pretty much declared himself head caveman, and waves his metaphorical club menacingly at the other Watchtower members, so he can run the show. It's... unimpressive.
The plot is convoluted and I can't even get into it, here... something something drugs, something something money laundering, something something gangs... it has to do with a little girl Darcie of course gets custody of at the end, her grandmother, and bad guys the granny is doing work for.
As for the grandmother, she makes NO sense. Isabel (the granddaughter) is something like five years old, her mother was a druggie (so maybe 25 years old?)... yet granny is SOOOOOOO OOOOOOLD that she can't possibly care for her granddaughter. ((Likely in their culture/income bracket, Granny's maybe forty-five, tops.)) So.... mmmmmnnno. Then she's shot, and 'at her age', she just can't do anything. She spends all of her time napping, mostly so the author can have her out of the way.
Sleeman does the same to the rest of the team. If these guys are as tight as she says they are? They would ALL be involved up to their eyeballs in protecting Darcie and figuring things out. The author can't handle more than one or two characters at a time involved, so she relegates them mostly to the peripheral, and it reads as shoddy and cheatish.
Darcie is NOT an enjoyable character. She sobs. She cries. She mourns. She hides. But according to the author, she's a strong woman. NOBODY sees this. Even when she 'fights back', her idea of fighting is to hit guys in the stomach and run. She does this more than once - apparently they're stupid and don't see it coming after the first time? I don't know.
She's on a hit list, with the two guys before her both strangled. In fact, the story opens with absolutely no introductory or descriptive writing, just hands around throat, can't breathe, GAH!!! If bad guys want someone dead? They're going to shoot them. Up close is pointless and could result in personal bodily harm. I could see if they were sending a message, but there weren't any peeps to receive a message, so it's stupid.
Worse, this is NOT an inspirational novel. The faith in this thing is basically a few sketchy prayers by people who shrugged off spirituality years ago, and a few 'God' references here and there. There's no actual growth, praise, seeking of the Lord's favor, living in Christ, or anything that smacks of honest, faith-breathed living, or Adonai-centered hearts. There's no room for that - these are *ALPHA* men, hello. They're all you need, amIright?
And the writing. "Leland King, the guy we suspect is dead and have been looking for the body of? Yeah, we found him strangled near his house." Darcie gasped and clutched her chest. "That's so horrible!" SERIOUSLY!!??! Gasped and clutched her chest. Could you BE any more melodramatic?
"We have to DO something!" Darcie insisted. "We are doing something. We're staying put," Noah told her. She crossed her arms and sank down on the seat. Pouty-pouty-pout-pout. What are we now? Three and a half years old? GAH!!!!
And the endless strings of simple sentences. My gosh...!! "He was acting on a hunch. No facts. Nothing concrete. But he had to do something. As did the rest of them. So he called Judson." CAN WE PLEASE *WRITE* a little?!
Then they're holding her over the edge of a building three stories up, for no good reason other than it's apparently not deemed time for strangulation by the author. They want a CONFESSION. ((sigh.)) So she assures them she'll confess, they pull her off the ledge, and she ASKS FOR WATER. *A.N.D. T.H.E.Y. G.I.V.E. I.T. T.O. H.E.R...!!!* Are you *KIDDING* me?! "We're going to kill you dead, but first we'll hydrate you and listen to your long-winded BS, because gang members like monologues in which we can be lulled into a sense of idiocy, be overcome with yet ANOTHER belly-punch, and get foiled." In. What. Universe?!
Just... no. Please, no. Maybe the other books are better, but this was awful.
May 28, 2018
I did not really care about the main characters somehow. They didn't really seem like real people to me and I had trouble believing that they would get over their emotional baggage as quickly as they did in the end.
Some things were left unresolved in the story. For example, the hero, Noah, had a child he'd abandoned years before whose life he now wanted to be a part of. He never even got to interact with his son, let alone make progress towards his goal of being a part of his son's life. Since this book is part of a series, I suppose she may intend to resolve that issue later, but it was still unsatisfying to be left hanging.
The was one major implausibility near the end of the story.
*Spoiler alert if you care about such things.*
Throughout most of the book, the heroine, Darcie, had gang members who keep trying to murder her by strangling her, shooting at her, etc. They don't care how she's killed; they just want her dead. Near the end they kidnap her and keep her safe until she can be rescued. Supposedly this is because the boss decided he wanted to do her in personally, but there was no real reason why he would do that. He didn't know her and he just didn't want his money laundering to come to light, so it wasn't actually all that personal.
But mostly I just didn't really care enough about the characters to feel any sort of suspense about what happened to them or to be concerned about danger that threatened them or to feel pleased when things worked out for the hero and heroine to be together. This book was meh for me.
Some things were left unresolved in the story. For example, the hero, Noah, had a child he'd abandoned years before whose life he now wanted to be a part of. He never even got to interact with his son, let alone make progress towards his goal of being a part of his son's life. Since this book is part of a series, I suppose she may intend to resolve that issue later, but it was still unsatisfying to be left hanging.
The was one major implausibility near the end of the story.
*Spoiler alert if you care about such things.*
Throughout most of the book, the heroine, Darcie, had gang members who keep trying to murder her by strangling her, shooting at her, etc. They don't care how she's killed; they just want her dead. Near the end they kidnap her and keep her safe until she can be rescued. Supposedly this is because the boss decided he wanted to do her in personally, but there was no real reason why he would do that. He didn't know her and he just didn't want his money laundering to come to light, so it wasn't actually all that personal.
But mostly I just didn't really care enough about the characters to feel any sort of suspense about what happened to them or to be concerned about danger that threatened them or to feel pleased when things worked out for the hero and heroine to be together. This book was meh for me.
October 19, 2018
ebook from the library. Someone must have recommended Susan's books. This one is a 4th in a series written by different authors. Susan's writing has a different perspective in her characters (which is good for readers. First book of Susan's as I follow certain suspense writers and( broadening my field) Family Fiction have just released 35 popular Inspired Suspense writer's and a number of them I follow(which included Susan) and read their work. Have to praise First Responders who commit their lives on the line each time they go out. tv show verses book?? hmm
May 26, 2020
I am enjoying the First Responders series by Susan Sleeman. Emergency Response starts off action packed as team medic, Darcie Stevens, fights for her life against an attacker. The story heats up as Darcie finds herself the target of a non-stop assassin, and finds herself battling the more-than-friendly interaction with Noah, the deputy investigator for her case. Tensions run high as Noah and the first responders work to solve the case and protect Darcie at the same time. Time is running out and the twist at the end will leave you breathless and longing for the next book!
July 27, 2017
Actual rating--3.75. Just couldn't give it a 4 because it had a tendency to drag a little n places. It was a good story and the characters were engaging but things were a little disorganized.
Darcie has been a favorite character since he first book in the series. Noah has been interesting too and I was glad when they found each other.
Darcie has been a favorite character since he first book in the series. Noah has been interesting too and I was glad when they found each other.
September 16, 2018
This is the kind of romantic suspense I really enjoy! This book has a strong plot, well drawn characters, and a story that really speaks to me at the place where I am in life right now. The Author has found a way to convey a powerful and stirring idea without preaching or lecturing. I especially appreciate that since I imagine it’s a little difficult to do in well written fiction.
November 24, 2019
This story has it all: a good mystery, kidnapping, money laundering, gangs, a hand-capped child, an elderly grandmother, and a family of first responders who love and care for each other. Throw into the story an intense romance where neither party will admit their feelings and both who have trash from their past to carry; it is definitely a good read book.
July 12, 2024
Darcie and Noah have overcome a lot and they can do great things together, once they figure out who is trying to kill Darcie. Gang violence, suspense, and more in this story. Clean romance, I enjoyed reading it.
June 19, 2018
Interesting series
Writing is awesome, character development is getting you in deep with character.
God always in control and loving.
Enjoy it.
Writing is awesome, character development is getting you in deep with character.
God always in control and loving.
Enjoy it.
August 24, 2018
Another great read! I can’t say enough good things about this series. Each book is a winner!
August 29, 2019
Good story
Would recommend to any mystery reader that likes a clean story. Characters are realistic as they doubt and know God is waiting for them to return to following Him.
Would recommend to any mystery reader that likes a clean story. Characters are realistic as they doubt and know God is waiting for them to return to following Him.
July 3, 2021
Skip read .. oh the Drama !
February 8, 2022
I did not care for this book. Darcie and Noah annoyed me. I did not like how the book ended. This is book four in the First Responders.
March 26, 2016
Darcie Stephens is attacked by a maniac who is determined to kill while she is on her way to visit a little girl that she recently saved. Darcie is terrified and struggles against her attacker trying to break free. When she finally manages to escape the hold he has on her, she begins to run to her friend’s house for protection. Her attacker has other plans though and continues to chase her down the street. She dives behind a large utility box and prays that her attacker will give up. He continues to head towards her, so out of desperation Darcie calls Noah Lockhart for help.
Noah Lockhart is a police detective and an acquaintance of Darcie’s from work. He is also on his way to visit the same family as Darcie, when he receives a phone call from Darcie telling him that someone is trying to kill her. Noah tells her that he is on his way, but is still a ways out, so he call for a back-up unit to help Darcie. Noah is angered by the fact that someone is trying to harm Darcie, and he is even more frustrated that he isn’t there to help her. When he finally arrives at the scene, he sees his fellow officers chasing the assailant down the street. Trusting that they have everything under control, he goes in search of Darcie to make sure that she is alright. When he finds her and sees that she is still alive, they believe that the other officers will catch the attacker and everything will be fine. Little do they know that this is just the beginning.
The attacker manages to escape from the officers that are chasing him, but in doing so he drops a piece of paper that has Darcie’s name on it. Upon further investigation they learn that it is a hit list and Darcie’s name is the only one that is not crossed off. Noah vows to do everything in his power to protect Darcie, but in doing so he may not be able to protect his own heart from the growing hidden feelings that he has for her. As Noah, Darcie, and the First Responders team try to figure out who is behind on all of this, they realize that no matter how hard they try to find Darcie’s attacker they are always one step behind. Will they be able to stop the attacks before it is too late? Find out by reading “Emergency Response”.
**************************************************************************************************************************************
“Emergency Response” is the fourth installment in the First Responders Series by Susan Sleeman. This book focuses on Darcie Stephens the paramedic for the First Responders unit. I have enjoyed every book in this wonderful series, and this one did not disappoint. From the very first page, this book is filled with non-stop action. I could not put the book down (literally). I read the entire book on the day that I received it. I enjoyed reconnecting with the members of the FR unit and loved the extra additions of Skylar’s husband, and Cash and Brady’s fiancées. I wish that there could have been more interaction with this wonderful “family”, but I realize that you can’t always put all of the details of their individual lives and focus on the current story in one book. I cannot wait to see wait Susan Sleeman has in store for this fantastic group of people in her next book. If you are looking for a good clean suspense book to read, then this is definitely the book for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Noah Lockhart is a police detective and an acquaintance of Darcie’s from work. He is also on his way to visit the same family as Darcie, when he receives a phone call from Darcie telling him that someone is trying to kill her. Noah tells her that he is on his way, but is still a ways out, so he call for a back-up unit to help Darcie. Noah is angered by the fact that someone is trying to harm Darcie, and he is even more frustrated that he isn’t there to help her. When he finally arrives at the scene, he sees his fellow officers chasing the assailant down the street. Trusting that they have everything under control, he goes in search of Darcie to make sure that she is alright. When he finds her and sees that she is still alive, they believe that the other officers will catch the attacker and everything will be fine. Little do they know that this is just the beginning.
The attacker manages to escape from the officers that are chasing him, but in doing so he drops a piece of paper that has Darcie’s name on it. Upon further investigation they learn that it is a hit list and Darcie’s name is the only one that is not crossed off. Noah vows to do everything in his power to protect Darcie, but in doing so he may not be able to protect his own heart from the growing hidden feelings that he has for her. As Noah, Darcie, and the First Responders team try to figure out who is behind on all of this, they realize that no matter how hard they try to find Darcie’s attacker they are always one step behind. Will they be able to stop the attacks before it is too late? Find out by reading “Emergency Response”.
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“Emergency Response” is the fourth installment in the First Responders Series by Susan Sleeman. This book focuses on Darcie Stephens the paramedic for the First Responders unit. I have enjoyed every book in this wonderful series, and this one did not disappoint. From the very first page, this book is filled with non-stop action. I could not put the book down (literally). I read the entire book on the day that I received it. I enjoyed reconnecting with the members of the FR unit and loved the extra additions of Skylar’s husband, and Cash and Brady’s fiancées. I wish that there could have been more interaction with this wonderful “family”, but I realize that you can’t always put all of the details of their individual lives and focus on the current story in one book. I cannot wait to see wait Susan Sleeman has in store for this fantastic group of people in her next book. If you are looking for a good clean suspense book to read, then this is definitely the book for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
April 19, 2016
Emergency Response by Susan Sleeman
Of all the members of Susan Sleeman’s First Responders Team, Darcie Stephens is the one I’ve been most curious about. There have been mentions in every book about her past which just piqued my interest more. Now readers get to learn what happened with Darcie and her family. But Sleeman doesn’t just tell readers about it. No, she starts readers off with a bang in Emergency Response.
From the first page of this book, someone wants Paramedic Darcie Stephens dead. Since Darcie is the only member of her team who is not in law enforcement, the fact her name is on what appears to be a hit list doesn’t make sense. As Detective Noah Lockhart inserts himself in the investigation, both he and Darcie struggle with their growing attraction toward each other. Neither of them wants to share the pain of their past and with a murder hunting Darcie down, they may not get their second chance.
I enjoyed the fact this book dove deeper emotionally than the first three. As a reader, I got to experience Darcie’s tragedy and Noah’s regret in a way that resonated. Yet, there is still plenty of action and suspense as Noah chases down the people behind the hit list, including an intense scene at the end (I’ll give you nothing more than that). You’ll be so into this one, you won’t want to put it down (and the nice thing about the Love Inspired books is that you can finish them in a day).
If you’ve been following the First Responders team, don’t miss out on Darcie’s story and put the last two books (we still have more to learn about Archer and Jake) on your list to pick up later this year.
***The author of this book provided me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Of all the members of Susan Sleeman’s First Responders Team, Darcie Stephens is the one I’ve been most curious about. There have been mentions in every book about her past which just piqued my interest more. Now readers get to learn what happened with Darcie and her family. But Sleeman doesn’t just tell readers about it. No, she starts readers off with a bang in Emergency Response.
From the first page of this book, someone wants Paramedic Darcie Stephens dead. Since Darcie is the only member of her team who is not in law enforcement, the fact her name is on what appears to be a hit list doesn’t make sense. As Detective Noah Lockhart inserts himself in the investigation, both he and Darcie struggle with their growing attraction toward each other. Neither of them wants to share the pain of their past and with a murder hunting Darcie down, they may not get their second chance.
I enjoyed the fact this book dove deeper emotionally than the first three. As a reader, I got to experience Darcie’s tragedy and Noah’s regret in a way that resonated. Yet, there is still plenty of action and suspense as Noah chases down the people behind the hit list, including an intense scene at the end (I’ll give you nothing more than that). You’ll be so into this one, you won’t want to put it down (and the nice thing about the Love Inspired books is that you can finish them in a day).
If you’ve been following the First Responders team, don’t miss out on Darcie’s story and put the last two books (we still have more to learn about Archer and Jake) on your list to pick up later this year.
***The author of this book provided me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 26, 2016
This is book Four in the First Responders series. Each are a stand alone books, however they all revolve around the same people. So if you enjoy reading a series and catching up on characters from previous novels then read them in order (Silent Night Standoff, Explosive Alliance, and High-Caliber Holiday), plus they are all good suspenseful reads. For more information on the First Responders series check out susansleeman.com/books/first-responders/
I love the writing style of Susan Sleeman, her mystery, suspense, character development, drama and romance are all woven together in such an amazing way. Usually there are practical lessons to learn along the way too. You will fall in love with the entire FRS family, especially if you have read the whole series. Each individual comes from their own circumstances with their own baggage.
Darcie Stephens, a member of the FRS team, finds herself in the throws of running for her life. She must trust the one man she is trying to keep at an arms length. Darcie is a determined private woman. She has been through more in her life than most, yet she keeps it as hidden as she can. However she must face her past to find a future, if she can survive those who are trying to kill her.
Noah Lockhart has demons of his own he is trying to overcome, yet when Darcie is in need of his protection will he be able to protect her and keep his feelings in check? Noah is a good detective why can he not find who is behind this problem with Darcie? Will they ever catch a break?
I was given an ARC copy of this book from the author for my honest opinion.
I love the writing style of Susan Sleeman, her mystery, suspense, character development, drama and romance are all woven together in such an amazing way. Usually there are practical lessons to learn along the way too. You will fall in love with the entire FRS family, especially if you have read the whole series. Each individual comes from their own circumstances with their own baggage.
Darcie Stephens, a member of the FRS team, finds herself in the throws of running for her life. She must trust the one man she is trying to keep at an arms length. Darcie is a determined private woman. She has been through more in her life than most, yet she keeps it as hidden as she can. However she must face her past to find a future, if she can survive those who are trying to kill her.
Noah Lockhart has demons of his own he is trying to overcome, yet when Darcie is in need of his protection will he be able to protect her and keep his feelings in check? Noah is a good detective why can he not find who is behind this problem with Darcie? Will they ever catch a break?
I was given an ARC copy of this book from the author for my honest opinion.
March 28, 2016
I love the way Susan Sleeman's books always grab my attention from the first page! I made the mistake of picking this book up 5 minutes before I was supposed to walk out the door for an appointment! I didn't want to set it down!
Darcie Stephens is an EMT on her way to care for a friend in a gang infested area when she is assaulted. This person has every intention of killing Darcie but she manages to escape and call Detective Noah Lockhart to come to her rescue. Both Darcie and Noah have hardened their hearts to any romantic involvement. They both feel the attraction they have for each other, but both refuse to act on it. Darcie trusted a man before and it didn't turn out well, plus she is still mourning the loss of her daughter, she can never allow her heart to be that affected again. Noah has a secret in his past that he knows will cause Darcie to never want to look at him again. Both are people who have been broken down by circumstances in life yet neither one can deny that maybe this time things will work out. When Darcie's name is found on a hit list Noah is determined to keep her protected.
This is the 4th book in the First Responders series and like I said, it starts right out with excitement which carries out through the rest of the book. Susan Sleeman knows how to keep the reader turning the pages late into the evening! I love the exploration of the characters faith in God, the romance, the heartache, suspense, and the restoration of faith, trust and hope in Emergency Response. I highly recommend this series if you are a romantic suspense fan!
Darcie Stephens is an EMT on her way to care for a friend in a gang infested area when she is assaulted. This person has every intention of killing Darcie but she manages to escape and call Detective Noah Lockhart to come to her rescue. Both Darcie and Noah have hardened their hearts to any romantic involvement. They both feel the attraction they have for each other, but both refuse to act on it. Darcie trusted a man before and it didn't turn out well, plus she is still mourning the loss of her daughter, she can never allow her heart to be that affected again. Noah has a secret in his past that he knows will cause Darcie to never want to look at him again. Both are people who have been broken down by circumstances in life yet neither one can deny that maybe this time things will work out. When Darcie's name is found on a hit list Noah is determined to keep her protected.
This is the 4th book in the First Responders series and like I said, it starts right out with excitement which carries out through the rest of the book. Susan Sleeman knows how to keep the reader turning the pages late into the evening! I love the exploration of the characters faith in God, the romance, the heartache, suspense, and the restoration of faith, trust and hope in Emergency Response. I highly recommend this series if you are a romantic suspense fan!
March 28, 2016
Another powerful book by Susan Sleeman. This is the fourth installment in her First Responders series. It was good to revisit the characters in this series, and find out more about one of them. In this book, Darcie Stephens is the main character, who is being targeted by gang members. Her close knit First Response Squad insists on keeping her safe as Detective Noah Lockhart works to crack the case.
Throughout the book, which you will not be able to put down, you find Susan's great way of keeping you hooked into the storyline. She knows the meaning of "suspense" and brings it on big! Not only within the investigation, but in the relationship between Noah and Darcie. Their struggles to eave the past behind and move on, and leaving it all in larger hands than they have, is real and riveting. The faith of the characters is neatly interwoven through the story without being overbearing and preachy.
One thing I particularly enjoy in all of Susan's books is her way of introducing a subject and how she will explain situations that you might not be familiar with. Whether it's the banter between the team members or one of the characters explaining things to another, Susan never leaves you feeling like slapping your head and feeling a lack of knowledge. She never writes down to her audience. She includes you in the drama and the way the characters learn from each other and lean on one another. You become attached to them as you grow with them within the plot.
This book will be available on May 1. You can pre-order it on Amazon.com.
Throughout the book, which you will not be able to put down, you find Susan's great way of keeping you hooked into the storyline. She knows the meaning of "suspense" and brings it on big! Not only within the investigation, but in the relationship between Noah and Darcie. Their struggles to eave the past behind and move on, and leaving it all in larger hands than they have, is real and riveting. The faith of the characters is neatly interwoven through the story without being overbearing and preachy.
One thing I particularly enjoy in all of Susan's books is her way of introducing a subject and how she will explain situations that you might not be familiar with. Whether it's the banter between the team members or one of the characters explaining things to another, Susan never leaves you feeling like slapping your head and feeling a lack of knowledge. She never writes down to her audience. She includes you in the drama and the way the characters learn from each other and lean on one another. You become attached to them as you grow with them within the plot.
This book will be available on May 1. You can pre-order it on Amazon.com.
April 7, 2016
This book captured me from the first sentence and I hung on tightly until the last page! Susan knows how to write suspense and the reader gets to enjoy her expertise! The characters come alive and you could swear you know these people! I happen to live in the area where this story is set and it makes it even more real for me. I can identify with all she is writing about. This book is centered around gangs - a very prevalent storyline in our times, unfortunately. Although this is book #4 in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. Darcie is the EMT of the First Responders, which is what the series is based around. She is innocently trying to visit a little girl she helped save when she is suddenly fighting for her life as she's being strangled! She has no idea what's going on but manages to get away for a moment and call Detective Noah Lockhart who shows up with back up but loses the attacker. Thus begins the investigation that leads in many directions. The reader never quite knows who the attacker is or who sent him. It could be several people. That's the great writing of Susan - letting the reader see how police work is done! Along the way we get to know the darling little girl, Isabel, and her grandma, Pilar. We also get to visit the First Responders once again, which is always my favorite part of a series! Darcie and Noah each have issues regarding a child in their past that keeps them from forming present relationships but as they work together, perhaps they can overcome that and trust each other with their hearts!
May 25, 2016
This is the fourth book in the First Responders Series. I have really enjoyed this series; if you haven't read any of them do yourself a favor and get them now. Susan is one of my favorite authors and she didn't let me down on this one, it is well written, action packed, and full of twists and turns.
Darcie Stephens is a paramedic with the First Responders Squad. She lost her daughter a few years ago and her husband ran off and left her. Will she ever heal? She is attacked as she goes to check on a patient. The man tries to strangle her but she manages to escape him. With bullets flying she calls a detective she knows that is close and will help her. As he helps her an officer who chase off the attacker find a hit list with Darcie's name on it. Who could she have made angry enough to pay someone to kill her?
Detective Noah Lockhart comes to rescue Darcie even though he has been doing everything he could to dodge the beautiful paramedic. Can he protect his heart? Neither of them are in a place for a relationship. Noah works hard to keep Darcie safe while trying to find the man that is trying to kill her. Noah must trust Darcie and her team to help him protect her.
This is a struggle of to broken people trying to stay alive and find trust in each other and in God. God has a plan for these two and it is a much better plan than anything they could have imagined. God has a plan for you too. You must release those things that so easily beset us and let God take control. He can turn your life around.
Darcie Stephens is a paramedic with the First Responders Squad. She lost her daughter a few years ago and her husband ran off and left her. Will she ever heal? She is attacked as she goes to check on a patient. The man tries to strangle her but she manages to escape him. With bullets flying she calls a detective she knows that is close and will help her. As he helps her an officer who chase off the attacker find a hit list with Darcie's name on it. Who could she have made angry enough to pay someone to kill her?
Detective Noah Lockhart comes to rescue Darcie even though he has been doing everything he could to dodge the beautiful paramedic. Can he protect his heart? Neither of them are in a place for a relationship. Noah works hard to keep Darcie safe while trying to find the man that is trying to kill her. Noah must trust Darcie and her team to help him protect her.
This is a struggle of to broken people trying to stay alive and find trust in each other and in God. God has a plan for these two and it is a much better plan than anything they could have imagined. God has a plan for you too. You must release those things that so easily beset us and let God take control. He can turn your life around.
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