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She'll never agree to stay.

He'll never stop trying to protect her.

History Professor Ellie Ridgeman is back in her hometown for the reading of her grandfather's will. She only has to face her fears this one last time, and then she's off on sabbatical. But the former police chief's last words come with a cryptic instruction Ellie can't ignore. Even when it puts her life in danger.

Dean Cartwright is the town's unofficial medic, but that's not the lasting good he wants to do in Last Chance. When it's clear Ellie is being targetted, Dean puts aside his goal and steps in to protect her. Even when the truth threatens everything they thought they knew.

Someone doesn't want Ellie to uncover the truth. And they'll stop at nothing to keep her from finding what was buried.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2020

368 people are currently reading
137 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Phillips

167 books870 followers
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.

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5 stars
298 (62%)
4 stars
138 (28%)
3 stars
35 (7%)
2 stars
4 (<1%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Staci.
2,294 reviews663 followers
November 16, 2020
Continuing to enjoy the cast of characters in Last Chance. This suspense novel included a cold case dating back to the Vietnam War and the founding of the town.
Profile Image for Mark.
2,480 reviews53 followers
July 30, 2022
Great read. Dean has made appearances in other books, and it was cool to finally have him have his own story. Great plot and characters. I like the setting of this series, and bought all 10 books in paperback after reading the first in ebook form that I got free.

I was disappointed that the author used "pissed" and someone said something "hurt like a mother".
49 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2020
I have been looking forward to this 3rd book in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are complex and well developed and ... even though it is the 3rd in the series, this book can be read alone. Since I have read the previous books, it was nice to revisit characters I still like to know more about. Always finding their faith in times of trouble but learning that God is faithful - Biblical truths are expressed but never delivered in a "preachy" way. Once again, flawed people are finding a faithful God and ... finding one another - with LOTS of adventure along the way. I highly recommend this book but don't read it if you have to put it down for any reason! I couldn't stay away!
Profile Image for Flor Gisela Vázquez.
44 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2021
“A strategic retreat doesn’t make you weak. It makes you smart. You know what you can handle, and what you can’t. And yet, I’m guessing right now you’re blowing though everything you thought you could do... You confronted gruesome...”

Although not as great as the second book in the series, Expired Cache is a good read. The romance part felt a little forced. But the mystery was awesome! Since few clues are given as to the actual secret that Ellie must expose, you’re left to wonder every step of the way.

Lisa Phillips is a great author and I forward to reading her next book in this series.
Profile Image for Laura Hamby.
190 reviews11 followers
January 20, 2021
Hidden Secrets

Sometimes secrets are buried physically and other times buried in our minds. When we try to hide the hurtful ones it can be like an infection that doesn’t want to heal. We try to deny it is there instead of treating or facing it so healing can take place. This book is filled with both kinds. Though it is part of a series it stands alone quite well. As I leave this book behind I am reaching for book 4!
Profile Image for Laura Bowman.
307 reviews10 followers
December 4, 2022
The third book of Lisa Phillips Last Chance County takes a twist. Ellie Ridgeman, a college professor, comes home to help her sister police officer Jess Ridgeman, settle her grandfathers affairs.

He leaves Ellie a mystery to solve which puts her in danger. EMT and counselor Dean Cartwright, also a former Navy SEAL, becomes her security and becomes a target also.

Lisa always hold you captive until the end.
Profile Image for Michaela | Reading in the Heartland.
3,678 reviews68 followers
May 16, 2024
Wow! This series mystery just adds more depth and complexity and history each book we encounter. I really loved how this book had such a strong familial emphasis. It was awesome getting a look at Dean and his house and to start uncovering the mystery there too. I’m hoping we get a story for Ted and Jess next, fingers crossed. This Christian suspense had faith, family, danger, and so much more. We talk about Vietnam and the war and the foundations of this very town. A thrilling read.
52 reviews
June 9, 2020
An Exciting Read

I love this series. It's been a thrill a minute and lots of merry. Dean and Ellie's story was a suspenseful one that had me eager to turn to the next page, but worried because of what would happen next. I highly recommend this book to all who like a mystery with their suspense.
Profile Image for Janet Merrell.
647 reviews7 followers
May 18, 2023
The premise for book 3 sounded interesting, and I really wanted to like this author's writing. Unfortunately I had to force myself to muddle my way through it, and plan to give up on the series. I began reading this author strictly because of Susan May Warren's endorsement, but I have no interest in continuing.
666 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2020
WOW!!!!!!

This series has been really awesome!!!! Each book has been full of twists and turns and the unexpected!!!!! I've really enjoyed this series because it brings out surprises you'd never expect and you'd have a hard time guessing what is really going on!!!!!
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
September 30, 2020
A Very Good Christian Romantic Suspense

This was a very good Christian romantic suspense filled with plenty of suspense plus romance and inspiration.
I loved the storyline and the characters.
This book is highly recommended.
3 reviews
January 15, 2021
Excellent read. There is never a dull moment in the lives of these characters in this book. Once you start reading this book you won't want to put it

down! I look forward to reading more in the series no matter how many more there are in this series.
Profile Image for Susan.
2,448 reviews13 followers
February 4, 2021
Mystery and excitement!

This book is really non-stop mystery with lots of excitement and a developing clean romance woven in. The characters are wonderful and their struggles are realistically portrayed. This is a very enjoyable book! I will read the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Barbara Carter.
452 reviews17 followers
June 9, 2021
Definitely Hooked!

So glad I have money in my “hobbies” budget! Expired Hero here I come. Getting to know the Last Chance residents has been an ongoing adventure. Looking forward to more!!
241 reviews
October 22, 2021
Another excellent read

Each one of the books in this series has been an excellent read. This one is no exception. Dean and Ellie are so likeable, with their own demons and foibles to conquer. I enjoyed this book very much.
632 reviews8 followers
June 18, 2023
I am totally captivated by the people who live in Last Chance County…so glad there are more books to read in this series! Great story….a tad violent….but it is the people I’m here to read more about. Thank you for a great series!!
Profile Image for Lisa.
617 reviews25 followers
December 30, 2023
Elle returns to Last Chance after her grandfather’sw death. She receives the cabin in the will, but Dean receives the land. She is also charged to find out a mystery and if her grandfather’s integrity is intact.
29 reviews
May 11, 2025
Dialogue is hard to follow in some places. Which seems to be a recurring theme for her books. Great plot and good action just gets funky in spots and you feel like you have to reread cause you missed something.
Profile Image for Megan Cockerham.
22 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2020
I have been so excited for the book to come out. I really enjoy the journey the characters go on. I definitely recommend this series. You won’t regret it.
66 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2020
Awesome

This is a great read! Action you don’t see coming and love that is still only hinted at... and love that bloomed...
1,793 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2020
While a part of the series, this one was a nice break from the main mystery, focusing instead on the mystery surrounding the town. Loved it.
Profile Image for Sue Stinnett.
1,374 reviews3 followers
Read
December 11, 2020
Outstanding

Plenty of mystery and suspense in this book but it's not without romance as they try to determine the legacy their grandfather left them.
Profile Image for Kath.
1,066 reviews28 followers
December 31, 2020
Wonderful series with characters you want on your side, if for no other reason than to keep their nemesis looking at them and not you.
19 reviews
February 14, 2021
Great series

Lisa Phillips is a new favorite author of mine. Her books are page turners. I can’t wait to read the rest of the story of Last Chance County.
4,374 reviews28 followers
August 5, 2021
Good

a book where two sisters are brought by to the death of their grandfather. the will leaves many questions and
Profile Image for Naomi Shores.
533 reviews9 followers
August 17, 2021
This was my favorite so far, the action never stops and you never know when or where a bad guy is going to show up. Excellent suspense!
Profile Image for Karolyn .
164 reviews
February 28, 2024
I feel like this 3rd book in the series finally gave me something to look forward to for the rest. It was just really good.
320 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2024
Wow! Great read I didn't see that ending coming. I love the ones that keep you guessing until the end.
783 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2024
Suspense with a dash of romance. 3rd in the Last Chance series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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