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Last Chance County #1
Expired Refuge
She’ll never accept his help.
He’ll never stop trying to protect his town.
Mia Tathers is an ATF Special Agent. It’s not like she needs Conroy to protect her. However, when it becomes clear someone is recreating her biggest mistake, Mia has to face her own inability to forgive Conroy for what he took from her. It’s the only way she’ll stay alive.
In this town, Police Lieutenant Conroy Barnes is the one who fixes problems. When a blast from the past shows up, bringing danger with her, he vows to keep her safe. But the clock has expired on her refuge. Death is knocking, and Conroy is determined not to let it in.
Welcome to Last Chance County.
*a Christian Romantic Suspense novel*
He’ll never stop trying to protect his town.
Mia Tathers is an ATF Special Agent. It’s not like she needs Conroy to protect her. However, when it becomes clear someone is recreating her biggest mistake, Mia has to face her own inability to forgive Conroy for what he took from her. It’s the only way she’ll stay alive.
In this town, Police Lieutenant Conroy Barnes is the one who fixes problems. When a blast from the past shows up, bringing danger with her, he vows to keep her safe. But the clock has expired on her refuge. Death is knocking, and Conroy is determined not to let it in.
Welcome to Last Chance County.
*a Christian Romantic Suspense novel*
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
849 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Phillips
171 books876 followersLisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
June 24, 2020
I've always liked Lisa Phillips' books, but I had a hard time staying interested in this book and the rest in this series. At times, I was confused about what was going on in the story. Sometimes, the dialogue was either stilted or just plain silly, meaning it didn't fit the characters' role in the book.
The characters were not well-developed, and both of the main characters were so insecure, it made me want to scream.
Another thing bothering me was the tendency for the author "to tell the story instead of allowing the character's actions, dialogue, etc. to move the plot forward." The author was in the character's minds too much. Why couldn't she allow their dialogue and actions to reveal their thoughts.
Also, I've read many police crime and drama series. The descriptions used in this book revealed a lack of knowledge of law enforcement procedures by the author. Often, the law enforcement characters in this book made stupid mistakes when it came time to make choices during the apprehension of a suspect or during the investigation.
I purchased the entire series because I've always liked the author's books. What a waste of money!
I really hated to give this book, and the rest in the series, two stars but I could not give it a higher rating.
The characters were not well-developed, and both of the main characters were so insecure, it made me want to scream.
Another thing bothering me was the tendency for the author "to tell the story instead of allowing the character's actions, dialogue, etc. to move the plot forward." The author was in the character's minds too much. Why couldn't she allow their dialogue and actions to reveal their thoughts.
Also, I've read many police crime and drama series. The descriptions used in this book revealed a lack of knowledge of law enforcement procedures by the author. Often, the law enforcement characters in this book made stupid mistakes when it came time to make choices during the apprehension of a suspect or during the investigation.
I purchased the entire series because I've always liked the author's books. What a waste of money!
I really hated to give this book, and the rest in the series, two stars but I could not give it a higher rating.
January 20, 2021
Maybe the worst book I've ever read. So poorly assembled. Dialog is terrible. Most of it makes little sense. Character development is lacking. The who!e thing seemed sloppy and didn't make sense. I often didn't understand who was speaking at a given moment. A lot of the feelings were irrational and made no sense and didn't fit the moment. Needless to say, I really struggled with finishing this book. I definitely do not understand people who gave this book anything over 3 stars.
September 26, 2020
Lisa Phillips is a new to me author. Expired Refuge was a good start to the Last Chance County Series. Lots of action and good characters.
November 13, 2020
Leaving Last Chance County
I stopped reading at 43%. The writing in this book is often choppy and sometimes hard to follow causing me to re-read paragraphs here and there to try to understand what is happening. I didn't care for the lead female's character-chip on her shoulder and very independent which resulted in constant rudeness. When the sister entered the story, I didn't care for her language nor the conversation exchanges between them. They both had a rough upbringing, and maybe their hearts are changed by God later in the book, but it's but worth finishing.
I stopped reading at 43%. The writing in this book is often choppy and sometimes hard to follow causing me to re-read paragraphs here and there to try to understand what is happening. I didn't care for the lead female's character-chip on her shoulder and very independent which resulted in constant rudeness. When the sister entered the story, I didn't care for her language nor the conversation exchanges between them. They both had a rough upbringing, and maybe their hearts are changed by God later in the book, but it's but worth finishing.
April 12, 2023
This one was action packed from page one and with a twist and turn around every corner the suspense plot kept this reader fully engaged.
Though this book was full of action, there was also a deeper emotional depth with Mia still needing to work through the loss of her sister Mara and walking the path of forgiveness.
I enjoyed Mia and Conroy’s story and the start of this Last Chance County series and am looking forward to reading more.
Though this book was full of action, there was also a deeper emotional depth with Mia still needing to work through the loss of her sister Mara and walking the path of forgiveness.
I enjoyed Mia and Conroy’s story and the start of this Last Chance County series and am looking forward to reading more.
June 1, 2020
WOW!!!!!
It took a little bit to get into this book. I wasn't real sure what was going on. I felt like I was catching up until about midway the book. I finally caught on to what was going on. It felt like there was a very dark side to this book. There was a lot of violence in this book. I'm not real sure how I feel about this book.
It took a little bit to get into this book. I wasn't real sure what was going on. I felt like I was catching up until about midway the book. I finally caught on to what was going on. It felt like there was a very dark side to this book. There was a lot of violence in this book. I'm not real sure how I feel about this book.
February 15, 2021
Not very good
Mia is an ATF agent but returns to her hometown when she is injured. Conroy is a cop and is doing the duties that the Chief usually does. Years ago Conroy dated Mia’s sister and when she was killed in a car accident, Mia blamed Conroy. Strange things start happening around Mia and some of the crimes is like the last job Mia did that went wrong. Now Conroy tries to keep her safe and get her forgiveness.
First time reading this author and was not very good. Others said they didn’t know where one dialogue ended and another started but for once that looked fine to me. I almost didn’t finish it but had to find out how it ended. Some topics were repeated over and over. They let Mia’s little sister get away with her crimes when they were constantly talking about the law. It’s is a Christian romance suspense story and I did not know this at the time. Towards the end they talked about God a lot and that’s when I realized what genre it was.
Mia is an ATF agent but returns to her hometown when she is injured. Conroy is a cop and is doing the duties that the Chief usually does. Years ago Conroy dated Mia’s sister and when she was killed in a car accident, Mia blamed Conroy. Strange things start happening around Mia and some of the crimes is like the last job Mia did that went wrong. Now Conroy tries to keep her safe and get her forgiveness.
First time reading this author and was not very good. Others said they didn’t know where one dialogue ended and another started but for once that looked fine to me. I almost didn’t finish it but had to find out how it ended. Some topics were repeated over and over. They let Mia’s little sister get away with her crimes when they were constantly talking about the law. It’s is a Christian romance suspense story and I did not know this at the time. Towards the end they talked about God a lot and that’s when I realized what genre it was.
July 21, 2022
Everything you want in a book!
Exciting action-adventure romance that grips you from beginning to end. Fast-paced and entertaining with characters you can easily relate to and root for, who keep going in die-hard fashion no matter what gets dished out. Violence and innuendo from the bad guys, but clean in regard to language and romance. Looking forward to reading the next one!
Exciting action-adventure romance that grips you from beginning to end. Fast-paced and entertaining with characters you can easily relate to and root for, who keep going in die-hard fashion no matter what gets dished out. Violence and innuendo from the bad guys, but clean in regard to language and romance. Looking forward to reading the next one!
February 12, 2021
Suspense and action
Although there was a lot going on in this story, it was disjointed and hard to follow in places. It was entertaining, but I had to force myself to push on.
Although there was a lot going on in this story, it was disjointed and hard to follow in places. It was entertaining, but I had to force myself to push on.
February 17, 2020
Expired Refuge is a scintillating suspenseful novel. After being involved in a harrowing takedown which included the use of deadly force, ATF agent Mia Tathers returns to her childhood home to recuperate. Mia had been gone for several years, having left after an accident claimed the life of her older sister, Mara, for which she blames Conroy Barnes who is now on the police force and in a position to soon become chief of police.
Mia discovers her remaining sister, Meena, is involved with a dealer whose brother Mia killed during the takedown, and he is determined to seek revenge. Mia learns that she has misplaced blame for the accident that took her sister's life, and she needs to make her peace with Conroy and work with him for her own safety as she is now being stalked. Conroy cares deeply for Mia and is determined to keep her from harm, but he has a big job doing this. Mia desperately needs to come to terms with her bitterness over the past and to sort out her true feelings for Conroy, but they must somehow survive the current dangerous situation they are in to have any kind of future.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next one in the Last Chance County series.
Mia discovers her remaining sister, Meena, is involved with a dealer whose brother Mia killed during the takedown, and he is determined to seek revenge. Mia learns that she has misplaced blame for the accident that took her sister's life, and she needs to make her peace with Conroy and work with him for her own safety as she is now being stalked. Conroy cares deeply for Mia and is determined to keep her from harm, but he has a big job doing this. Mia desperately needs to come to terms with her bitterness over the past and to sort out her true feelings for Conroy, but they must somehow survive the current dangerous situation they are in to have any kind of future.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next one in the Last Chance County series.
August 3, 2022
Conroy was trying to keep everything and everyone in Last Chance protected. Now Mia is back, recuperating from severe injuries from her job. Someone is intent to finish the job by killing her, from one she just killed, or because she is back in town. A younger sister is with the wrong ones, are they the ones after her. A high school crush, could it be now. Enjoyed
August 15, 2021
Action packed
This is the first I’ve read of this author. It was a good book full of action and danger. Loved the cast of characters.
This is the first I’ve read of this author. It was a good book full of action and danger. Loved the cast of characters.
February 14, 2020
Last Chance is the Best Yet!
Expired Refuge is the first book in Lisa Phillips new series, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. The characters blew me away. Phillips is good at writing strong believable women, but Mia is so real. The strengths, flaws, and twisted humor made me feel she would be one of my quirkier friends, even when we are irritated at each other. Her quick friendship with Savannah is no surprise and I’m guessing we’ll get to know much more about Savannah in this series. I can’t wait! Phillips is just as skillful in introducing us to Conroy. Strong, gentle, conflicted, — a great blend.
The balance between plot and relationship building was good, in my opinion. I like a good suspense/action story with strong characters, believable romance building, and faith issues that show characters realizing that a relationship with God is the most important part of life. (But a novel is not a sermon and shouldn’t be preachy.) This novel hit 5 stars in all of those categories.
Expired Refuge is the first book in Lisa Phillips new series, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. The characters blew me away. Phillips is good at writing strong believable women, but Mia is so real. The strengths, flaws, and twisted humor made me feel she would be one of my quirkier friends, even when we are irritated at each other. Her quick friendship with Savannah is no surprise and I’m guessing we’ll get to know much more about Savannah in this series. I can’t wait! Phillips is just as skillful in introducing us to Conroy. Strong, gentle, conflicted, — a great blend.
The balance between plot and relationship building was good, in my opinion. I like a good suspense/action story with strong characters, believable romance building, and faith issues that show characters realizing that a relationship with God is the most important part of life. (But a novel is not a sermon and shouldn’t be preachy.) This novel hit 5 stars in all of those categories.
September 11, 2020
I felt a little confused throughout this story. Just felt choppy to me, but I liked it.
Mia is an ATF agent and during her last bust she killed a man. Unfortunately his crazy brother wants revenge. She returns to her hometown and finds Conroy there to help her, but she really doesn't like Conroy since she believed he was partially responsible for the death of her sister in a car wreck. She knows he wasn't driving the car drunk, his best friend at the time was - why didn't he stop them???
He is there when someone tries to take her life, or perhaps they were trying to kill him? They are thrown together to try and catch the man before he can accomplish his end goal. Oh, and Mia's other sister is now with that drunk that killed her sister and he is one of the people they are trying to take down.
This is a clean read.
Mia is an ATF agent and during her last bust she killed a man. Unfortunately his crazy brother wants revenge. She returns to her hometown and finds Conroy there to help her, but she really doesn't like Conroy since she believed he was partially responsible for the death of her sister in a car wreck. She knows he wasn't driving the car drunk, his best friend at the time was - why didn't he stop them???
He is there when someone tries to take her life, or perhaps they were trying to kill him? They are thrown together to try and catch the man before he can accomplish his end goal. Oh, and Mia's other sister is now with that drunk that killed her sister and he is one of the people they are trying to take down.
This is a clean read.
May 2, 2024
His was a thrilling and intense start to this series. I loved getting a look into Last Chance County after hearing about them in the Northwest Counterterrorism Taskforce series. I was thrilled to find out that this series comes after that one rather than before. Even more exciting. This romance was swoony. Our hero is acting as the police chief and our heroine is on leave from the ATF following an injury. These two grew up together however it was her sister who was his girlfriend growing up. A girl who died while in his care. This creates a huge rift for our heroine. We have perpetrators coming out of the woodwork. Unknown origins and motives. Mysteries and guesses. Family strife and reconciliation. Friendships. I loved the camaraderie in the police department and look forward to seeing more of them.
September 1, 2021
A high-octane, action-packed story for fans of Christian romantic suspense!
Mia Tathers is a feisty ATF Special Agent back in her small-town home recovering from a troubling work situation that comes back to bite her.
When she crosses paths with Police Lieutenant Conroy Barnes, their bitter unresolved past seems ongoing—until it's clear that Mia has a target on her back and needs his help. Working together is not ideal, yet their feelings morph as the stakes increase and the truth is eventually revealed.
There are a number of intriguing characters to keep track of, hinting at many future stories to be unraveled... so if you enjoy this particular book—there are nine more in the series!
Mia Tathers is a feisty ATF Special Agent back in her small-town home recovering from a troubling work situation that comes back to bite her.
When she crosses paths with Police Lieutenant Conroy Barnes, their bitter unresolved past seems ongoing—until it's clear that Mia has a target on her back and needs his help. Working together is not ideal, yet their feelings morph as the stakes increase and the truth is eventually revealed.
There are a number of intriguing characters to keep track of, hinting at many future stories to be unraveled... so if you enjoy this particular book—there are nine more in the series!
April 14, 2020
Exciting new book by Lisa Phillips
This new adventure is a quick and easy read from start to finish. I enjoy the put together of this new series. Mia is not your typical heroine. She is conscientious to a fault and equally surprised when her nemesis turns out to the same. Not an entirely new theme, but enough twists in it to make it interesting I already bought the second book. An enjoyable read from start to finish. Especially with too much time on our hands during this Covid-19 stay at home.
This new adventure is a quick and easy read from start to finish. I enjoy the put together of this new series. Mia is not your typical heroine. She is conscientious to a fault and equally surprised when her nemesis turns out to the same. Not an entirely new theme, but enough twists in it to make it interesting I already bought the second book. An enjoyable read from start to finish. Especially with too much time on our hands during this Covid-19 stay at home.
March 16, 2021
The crime plot was good, but overall the writing left me wondering where I was in the story. It was difficult to follow; dialogue was disjointed; thought processes of characters were unnatural. The oddest thing about the whole story was the author's apparent need to weave a romance in the crime drama. It was forced. Who thinks of kissing someone during the middle of the occurrence of a crime? The timing of the romance was not well developed and should have occurred later in the timeline. I have read Lisa Phillips' books before and enjoyed them, but I was disappointed in this one.
July 15, 2022
A great story about love and forgiveness.
I really enjoyed this story, and trying to figure out who was trying to kill Mia was definitely a challenge. Then the background story of Mia's sister being killed by a guy who was driving drunk, but Mia blamed the guy in the backseat too! After she came home to recover from injuries sustained while an ATF agent, she sees her dad has forgiven Conroy, the guy in the backseat, but can she ever see herself being that forgiving? I recommend this book!
I really enjoyed this story, and trying to figure out who was trying to kill Mia was definitely a challenge. Then the background story of Mia's sister being killed by a guy who was driving drunk, but Mia blamed the guy in the backseat too! After she came home to recover from injuries sustained while an ATF agent, she sees her dad has forgiven Conroy, the guy in the backseat, but can she ever see herself being that forgiving? I recommend this book!
April 29, 2023
My thoughts: EXPIRED REFUGE is the first book in a ten book (and growing) series by Lisa Phillips. This is the second book of hers I've read. There is a lot of gritty writing in this series, the no-holds-barred type. The romance is weak, the faith message is weak, but there, but the non-stop action is very present. If you like police drama you will love this series and this book. You will also love the three new books coming out based on this series. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.
November 18, 2020
Couldn’t put it down!
This new series by Lisa Phillips grabbed me at the beginning and didn’t let up! Conroy is a top-notch hero and Mia had her work cut out for her in learning to forgive him for his part in her sister’s death. Mia comes to town wounded, both literally and emotionally, and has to face truths about herself, her family, and Conroy that rattles her world... all while trying to stay alive from someone who wants her dead! Highly recommended!
This new series by Lisa Phillips grabbed me at the beginning and didn’t let up! Conroy is a top-notch hero and Mia had her work cut out for her in learning to forgive him for his part in her sister’s death. Mia comes to town wounded, both literally and emotionally, and has to face truths about herself, her family, and Conroy that rattles her world... all while trying to stay alive from someone who wants her dead! Highly recommended!
March 4, 2021
Really good suspense novel. When Ed turns Mia over to Thompson and Conroy doesn't know where she is, I really wondered how they would make this book come out with a good outcome. A happily ever after ending with Rich surviving and Mia resigns with the AFT and comes to work for Conroy. Mia and Conroy admit their feelings for each other which isn't a surprise :) I can't believe that just let Meena (Mia's sister) off with no charges against her though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2023
I enjoyed this romantic suspense with its many twists and turns. Mia and Conroy are thrown together when danger comes after her. They have a past together that Mia is unable to forgive Conroy for. Police Lieutenant Conroy Barnes "is the one who fixes problems. . .and gets the results he needs in his own strength." Will that work this time? A fast-paced story that kept me glued to the pages! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 12, 2020
Good Police tale
Returning home to recuperate results in justice for her sister's death and finding the love of her life. My only problem with this well-defined story was the number of characters. They were mostly identified by last names, which I had trouble keeping straight. I wish this series has a list of characters like some books do.
Returning home to recuperate results in justice for her sister's death and finding the love of her life. My only problem with this well-defined story was the number of characters. They were mostly identified by last names, which I had trouble keeping straight. I wish this series has a list of characters like some books do.
September 20, 2020
Good, but
While the storyline was good, the editing should have tightened it up. There were also several typos that were quite irritating. For instance, using the word illicit instead of elicit. Also, in American English there is no s at the end of toward. Since the author lives in the USA, she should use American spelling.
While the storyline was good, the editing should have tightened it up. There were also several typos that were quite irritating. For instance, using the word illicit instead of elicit. Also, in American English there is no s at the end of toward. Since the author lives in the USA, she should use American spelling.
January 18, 2021
Healing forgiveness
Expired Refuge is the first book in the Last Chance County series. Once again Lisa Harris doesn’t disappoint in this story with the message of the freedom found when we let go of resentment, anger, bitterness and sometimes hate. I look forward to book 2 in this series and working my way through the rest!
Expired Refuge is the first book in the Last Chance County series. Once again Lisa Harris doesn’t disappoint in this story with the message of the freedom found when we let go of resentment, anger, bitterness and sometimes hate. I look forward to book 2 in this series and working my way through the rest!
January 19, 2021
Good action
This book had good action and I love that it was clean and no profanity but the main character had a bad attitude and almost seemed schizophrenic as one minute she hated a guy and the next minute she was so 'happy' he touched her. It was hard for me to finish this book. There was definitely a lot of action. She gets beat up and kidnapped multiple times.
This book had good action and I love that it was clean and no profanity but the main character had a bad attitude and almost seemed schizophrenic as one minute she hated a guy and the next minute she was so 'happy' he touched her. It was hard for me to finish this book. There was definitely a lot of action. She gets beat up and kidnapped multiple times.
February 15, 2021
Wholesome mystery reader, Expired Refuge by Lisa Phillips is full of suspense. It is hard to put down, adds new characters and situations as you progress through the chapters.I am anxious to read another in the Last Chance County series.
This book is appropriate for teens to reader's as well as adult readers. Great for these cold winter days we are experiencing now.
This book is appropriate for teens to reader's as well as adult readers. Great for these cold winter days we are experiencing now.
August 12, 2021
I really liked it. I'd never read any of her books before. I thought there were a few things that didn't line up like "how did the killer know that he/she would be in that spot at that time for a particular incident to happen" that happened several times. I liked all the characters, the spiritual aspect, the action, suspense, and just a touch of romance.
October 29, 2021
Oct. 22 began book
This #1 in the series didn’t have as high a rating as #2. I already owned the second one so I picked up the first to keep them in order.
Here we go…
…………. ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. …………...
Oct. 26
Well, I hope #2 is better than this was. Too much going on nearly every moment. My head was spinning over several people who changed their good guy or bad guy persona on a dime.. It was a bit bizarre.
And when someone is abducted and stuck in a trunk, is it really plausible for that character to be pondering their romantic feelings for another person? Rolling my eyes.
I’ll hold off reading #2 in the series for a bit.
Characters:
Mia Tathers: (27) ATF special agent
Conroy Barnes: Police Lieutenant
Tate Hudson: private investigator, Former FBI
Meena: Mia‘s sister, junkie, living with a bad guy
Ed Summers: Bad guy Mia's sister is living with
Savanna Wilcox: Conroy’s detective
This #1 in the series didn’t have as high a rating as #2. I already owned the second one so I picked up the first to keep them in order.
Here we go…
…………. ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. …………...
Oct. 26
Well, I hope #2 is better than this was. Too much going on nearly every moment. My head was spinning over several people who changed their good guy or bad guy persona on a dime.. It was a bit bizarre.
And when someone is abducted and stuck in a trunk, is it really plausible for that character to be pondering their romantic feelings for another person? Rolling my eyes.
I’ll hold off reading #2 in the series for a bit.
Characters:
Mia Tathers: (27) ATF special agent
Conroy Barnes: Police Lieutenant
Tate Hudson: private investigator, Former FBI
Meena: Mia‘s sister, junkie, living with a bad guy
Ed Summers: Bad guy Mia's sister is living with
Savanna Wilcox: Conroy’s detective
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews