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Chevalier Protection Specialists #1
Last Taste of Freedom
The fight is coming home.
For trophy daughter Nora Gladstone, life isn't as perfect as it appears. When her only ally is suspiciously killed the truth of her father's treachery leaks through the cracks of the facade that is her whole world.
Zander O'Connell and his team of former soldiers and spies accept a mission from the director of the Department of Clandestine Services. A quick search of the objective before they destroy it reveals a sinister picture.
Determined to bring her father down, Nora may be the key to the question at the core of Zander's existence. But when a man thought dead resurfaces, the threat becomes far more dangerous than any of them expected.
Unless they survive, this will be their Last Taste of Freedom.
Book 1 in the Last Chance County spin-off series featuring Zander and his team of protection specialists.
**Christian romantic suspense**
For trophy daughter Nora Gladstone, life isn't as perfect as it appears. When her only ally is suspiciously killed the truth of her father's treachery leaks through the cracks of the facade that is her whole world.
Zander O'Connell and his team of former soldiers and spies accept a mission from the director of the Department of Clandestine Services. A quick search of the objective before they destroy it reveals a sinister picture.
Determined to bring her father down, Nora may be the key to the question at the core of Zander's existence. But when a man thought dead resurfaces, the threat becomes far more dangerous than any of them expected.
Unless they survive, this will be their Last Taste of Freedom.
Book 1 in the Last Chance County spin-off series featuring Zander and his team of protection specialists.
**Christian romantic suspense**
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2021
468 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Phillips
167 books871 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 74 reviews
tbr-1
May 12, 2022Free on Amazon!
August 23, 2021
This new series featuring Zander and his men is amazing. I love the camaraderie among them and the characters. Last Taste of Freedom is filled with twists and turns and surprises. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
January 29, 2022
Could have been good.
This could have been a great story...but oh! I am so sorry, the writing is atrocious. So poorly written...I think the content is there, the plot (sort of), some character development, but just cringy grammar, structure, style, dialogue and narrative. I think this author has potential. She has great story ideas, but needs to take some time to learn effective written communication. I stuck with it till the last 50 pages, and then just couldn't grit my teeth any longer. Sad, because it could have been a really good story.
This could have been a great story...but oh! I am so sorry, the writing is atrocious. So poorly written...I think the content is there, the plot (sort of), some character development, but just cringy grammar, structure, style, dialogue and narrative. I think this author has potential. She has great story ideas, but needs to take some time to learn effective written communication. I stuck with it till the last 50 pages, and then just couldn't grit my teeth any longer. Sad, because it could have been a really good story.
February 4, 2024
OMG, I loved this book so much. Everything in it, the scenarios, the characters, the dialogues, the banter, the found family, the romance, literally all of it. Nora has been manipulated her whole life by her father and she finally breaks free after discovering what a terrible person he really is. She was broken and was innocent, but she wanted to live and make a life for herself. Zander and the guys helped her in that, they were there for her. I loved how Zander was so into her, he tried not to be but it was useless. I loved them together so much and I just can't wait to read more from this series
November 13, 2022
Unrealistic, Nora ran a charity organization for six years, and had no idea where money was actually going, was there no board members. To finding an empty building when she did finally check. Her dad was a business man what was his involvement. He contacts Zander and his team to destroy the building. Nora seemed to be the socialite type woman not realizing what was going on in the real world or her father’s. Characters of Zander and his team I enjoyed. Nora was so so. Plot overall was good. Beginning of new series and she has written many series I have enjoyed.
June 3, 2022
Nora Gladstone has a reputation for being an ice queen. The truth is she is she is damaged and sensitive. Her health issues have kept her from experiencing life, but she finds joy and fulfillment in running a non-profit. When she begins to discover incriminating information about her controlling, manipulative father, however, her small world is shattered.
Zander O’Connell is a protector, ex-military, and leader of his own team of specialists. He keeps the truth of his identity a secret and exemplifies integrity. I loved his loyalty and honor.
When Nora and Zander meet, sparks fly on multiple levels.
This is fast paced story with twists that kept me reading. Though a bit confusing or repetitive in spots; and missing, incorrect, or added words in others, I still found the story intriguing. I appreciated Nora’s questions about faith and her growth as she came to terms with her father’s malicious nature.
If you are looking for a clean, fast-paced, military-action novel wrapped in a budding romance, consider this for your next read. I look forward to reading the next novel in this series soon since there are several characters on Zander’s team whose stories hold much promise.
Zander O’Connell is a protector, ex-military, and leader of his own team of specialists. He keeps the truth of his identity a secret and exemplifies integrity. I loved his loyalty and honor.
When Nora and Zander meet, sparks fly on multiple levels.
This is fast paced story with twists that kept me reading. Though a bit confusing or repetitive in spots; and missing, incorrect, or added words in others, I still found the story intriguing. I appreciated Nora’s questions about faith and her growth as she came to terms with her father’s malicious nature.
If you are looking for a clean, fast-paced, military-action novel wrapped in a budding romance, consider this for your next read. I look forward to reading the next novel in this series soon since there are several characters on Zander’s team whose stories hold much promise.
March 12, 2022
Didn't Want to Put It Down
Fast paced for most of the book, I really didn't want to stop reading. I read this aloud to my husband and we both enjoyed it. There were a few typos and a small section that was repeated, so I'm taking off half a star for that. One other thing I thought while reading was that the faith element was a tad light. It kinda seemed like the author almost got the message of salvation out there but skirted along the edges of it. Still, it was a clean story with lots of action and adventure. And it was certainly different than many of the suspense romance books I've read in the past.
If you're looking for a clean suspense romance which includes a light inspirational theme and a ton of action and adventure, this might be a good book to try.
Fast paced for most of the book, I really didn't want to stop reading. I read this aloud to my husband and we both enjoyed it. There were a few typos and a small section that was repeated, so I'm taking off half a star for that. One other thing I thought while reading was that the faith element was a tad light. It kinda seemed like the author almost got the message of salvation out there but skirted along the edges of it. Still, it was a clean story with lots of action and adventure. And it was certainly different than many of the suspense romance books I've read in the past.
If you're looking for a clean suspense romance which includes a light inspirational theme and a ton of action and adventure, this might be a good book to try.
November 21, 2022
good plot
I appreciate that it was clean and the Christian part was good but not overwhelming. The plot kept me reading, overall it was a good book, with plenty of action. It seriously needs editing, though. Not so much for spelling and grammar,but there were a few of those too, but more for the flow of the novel. Several times it seems like the author rewrote a bit or added or took away and didn't make sure it flowed smoothly. It was just confusing a lot of the time. and a lot of things were never resolved, but it is part of a series so I'm holding out hope for resolution. Also there wasn't ver much relationship building for the romance, there need to be more/better interactions for 2 strangers to be in love in a couple of days.
I appreciate that it was clean and the Christian part was good but not overwhelming. The plot kept me reading, overall it was a good book, with plenty of action. It seriously needs editing, though. Not so much for spelling and grammar,but there were a few of those too, but more for the flow of the novel. Several times it seems like the author rewrote a bit or added or took away and didn't make sure it flowed smoothly. It was just confusing a lot of the time. and a lot of things were never resolved, but it is part of a series so I'm holding out hope for resolution. Also there wasn't ver much relationship building for the romance, there need to be more/better interactions for 2 strangers to be in love in a couple of days.
August 28, 2021
Perfect beginning to a new series!
Perfect beginning to a new series! I had hoped that as many times as Zander and his team showed up in Last Chance County that they would get their own series, and here they are. And wow, are they ever kicking tails and taking names! I enjoyed the fast paced action, but that we also got to know a bit about the team, and that there was foreshadowing of things to come. Zander’s and Nora’s story worked well within the overall plot as well - no spoilers - of fighting against wrongdoing where you find it.
Thanks for a terrific read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Perfect beginning to a new series! I had hoped that as many times as Zander and his team showed up in Last Chance County that they would get their own series, and here they are. And wow, are they ever kicking tails and taking names! I enjoyed the fast paced action, but that we also got to know a bit about the team, and that there was foreshadowing of things to come. Zander’s and Nora’s story worked well within the overall plot as well - no spoilers - of fighting against wrongdoing where you find it.
Thanks for a terrific read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 11, 2022
I think this is one of Lisa Phillips better books. The suspense kept going throughout the book guessing who the main villian was: Dirr. Gladstone, Thomas or Patchuli. I liked that the romance wasn't most of the story like most romanic suspense books. I enjoyed seeing Nora get stronger throughout the book. I buy books for our church library and there are men who prefer to read without the romance and they are hard to find. Looking forward to the next Chevalier Protection Specialists book which I have on the way. I would recommend this book to young adults and older.
April 8, 2023
Loved the story (Book 1)
Wonderfully written and a must read. So many twists and turns. I could hardly put it down. I loved the characters and how they all had their interacted together and of course Lisa always leaves the end with a happy ending. I'm a Christian and I love how Lisa still brings God into the story. I can hardly wait to read Book 2. I highly recommend reading the entire series and I have only read book 1. I know there is more excitement coming along with love and Faith.
Wonderfully written and a must read. So many twists and turns. I could hardly put it down. I loved the characters and how they all had their interacted together and of course Lisa always leaves the end with a happy ending. I'm a Christian and I love how Lisa still brings God into the story. I can hardly wait to read Book 2. I highly recommend reading the entire series and I have only read book 1. I know there is more excitement coming along with love and Faith.
October 28, 2024
This was a thrilling beginning to a new series. I’ve been watching Zander for books now and have been getting excited for his own book. I’m even more thrilled to find out that it’s going to be an entire series of this team. These men all have wounds and broken pasts and I am excited to see the redemption and justice and good they do with their lives. This book took us through the wringer. There were many twists and turns that I could not have predicted and it was an awesome adventure. I am so excited to dive into the next one.
October 2, 2021
Last Taste of Freedom by Lisa Phillips is one non-stop action ride. Nora Gladstone has lived under her father’s control and when she starts to dig into his business dealings, she realizes her whole life might be based on a lie. Zander O’Connell and his team work for the Department of Clandestine services, but realize that the director has some shady dealings. The team rescues Nora and she teams up with them to stop her father before he destroys them one by one.
I love the action and suspense! Just when I think I’ve figured things out, Lisa throws some unusual twist and I’m thrown in a completely new direction. Definitely my favorite author for Kindle Unlimited recommendations, and this new series is going to be high on my must-read recommendation list! Now, on to binge-read book two.
Overall Rating:
5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense Rating:
5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
I love the action and suspense! Just when I think I’ve figured things out, Lisa throws some unusual twist and I’m thrown in a completely new direction. Definitely my favorite author for Kindle Unlimited recommendations, and this new series is going to be high on my must-read recommendation list! Now, on to binge-read book two.
Overall Rating:
5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense Rating:
5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
November 1, 2021
Wow, a lot happens in this story and it seems the bad guys are always one step ahead of the good guys, waiting to take them down!
I gave this four stars because there are a couple of crass or crude scenes in the story and the Christian theme is very weak, but I am grateful there was no bad language or sexual content (although one of the characters had a few lustful thoughts). Overall I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to reading book two.
I gave this four stars because there are a couple of crass or crude scenes in the story and the Christian theme is very weak, but I am grateful there was no bad language or sexual content (although one of the characters had a few lustful thoughts). Overall I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to reading book two.
November 22, 2021
Lisa Phillip's books are filled with suspense, danger, heroes and unimaginable plots. They're fun to read at the same time that they grip you and have you looking over your shoulder. My only critique is that her writing is choppy and hard to follow who is speaking/thinking and the editing is sloppy. I've read the Last Chance series and other books by this author and have wanted to know more about the bigger than life Zander. This series promises to open up the team of heroes as they fight through very imaginative plotting!
November 24, 2022
Really wanted to like this
I really wanted to like this book more and it had loads if action but seemed disjointed and vague. I had a hard time understanding the why of all that was going on and it was never explained! It had a nice ending but why did Nora's dad do the things he did? What was the point of Zander's team? The plot was hard to figure out, while everything was blowing up or being shot at.
I really wanted to like this book more and it had loads if action but seemed disjointed and vague. I had a hard time understanding the why of all that was going on and it was never explained! It had a nice ending but why did Nora's dad do the things he did? What was the point of Zander's team? The plot was hard to figure out, while everything was blowing up or being shot at.
March 4, 2023
Twists and Turns Abound
If you like action with twists and turns that make your mind whirl and your eyes cross, grab this page turner along with a cup of coffee and settle in! I would get lost, catch up and get lost again. While light romance is included, the theme revolves around intrigue, bad guys and good guys. Yes, the government is involved. So relax and enjoy. P.S. The good guys win. Surprise!
If you like action with twists and turns that make your mind whirl and your eyes cross, grab this page turner along with a cup of coffee and settle in! I would get lost, catch up and get lost again. While light romance is included, the theme revolves around intrigue, bad guys and good guys. Yes, the government is involved. So relax and enjoy. P.S. The good guys win. Surprise!
April 25, 2023
Great Christian Romantic Suspense
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. It has just the right mixture of suspense and romance to keep you engaged. It's a clean book with no swearing or sexual content. Having said that, the author does employ the usual weak girl needs rescuing trope. I see strength in "weak girl"and her developing into something in future novels. Still, it's a rescue story at heart. If that bothers you, this book isn't for you.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. It has just the right mixture of suspense and romance to keep you engaged. It's a clean book with no swearing or sexual content. Having said that, the author does employ the usual weak girl needs rescuing trope. I see strength in "weak girl"and her developing into something in future novels. Still, it's a rescue story at heart. If that bothers you, this book isn't for you.
January 17, 2022
so glad I gave this author another chance …
Awhile back, I had read a book of Ms Phillips and struggled getting through it. I left a so-so review saying it wasn’t for me, but someone would like it. LAST TASTE OF FREEDOM kept me glued to the story. Well defined characters , page turning suspense, a sweet romance, … truly a good read
Awhile back, I had read a book of Ms Phillips and struggled getting through it. I left a so-so review saying it wasn’t for me, but someone would like it. LAST TASTE OF FREEDOM kept me glued to the story. Well defined characters , page turning suspense, a sweet romance, … truly a good read
May 21, 2022
Sorry,...
-it needs serious editing. Wrong words and or wrong tense and poor transitions.
-author tries to tell you what's going on without really telling you what's going on.
- I had to force myself to finish as I stopped caring.
Difficult to see them as "honorable."
- Repetitive on clear concepts, but lacking clarity overall. Convoluted maybe.
-it needs serious editing. Wrong words and or wrong tense and poor transitions.
-author tries to tell you what's going on without really telling you what's going on.
- I had to force myself to finish as I stopped caring.
Difficult to see them as "honorable."
- Repetitive on clear concepts, but lacking clarity overall. Convoluted maybe.
June 5, 2022
Edge of your seat, page turning reading
Fast paced with surprising twists, a manipulative father also abuses his high level government position with multiple layers of insulation against anyone being able to prove his guilt. The interagency involvement, reaching across the globe, as well as growing romantic interests between unlikely characters keep the pages turning.
Fast paced with surprising twists, a manipulative father also abuses his high level government position with multiple layers of insulation against anyone being able to prove his guilt. The interagency involvement, reaching across the globe, as well as growing romantic interests between unlikely characters keep the pages turning.
July 28, 2023
Not a bad plot at all, which was unfortunately completely ruined by erratic, repetitive storytelling which included numerous thought processes by extremely unrealistic protagonists; it was as if someone just took pieces of a story and threw them together without rhyme or reason.
Sorry, just my personal opinion. I will definitely not get another one of this series or author.
Sorry, just my personal opinion. I will definitely not get another one of this series or author.
August 21, 2021
Freedom and loyalty
This book shows the camaraderie of teamwork, the importance of loyalty and trust and that true freedom for a person is found in allegiance to Christ. I have read many of her books and look forward to reading the rest of the series as it releases.
This book shows the camaraderie of teamwork, the importance of loyalty and trust and that true freedom for a person is found in allegiance to Christ. I have read many of her books and look forward to reading the rest of the series as it releases.
August 23, 2021
Riveting!
I’ve been waiting for Zander’s story and Lisa Phillips delivered in a big way. I love the characters and the action. This is one action packed story. I couldn’t put it down. It’s a great read. Now I’m excited for the next in the series.
I’ve been waiting for Zander’s story and Lisa Phillips delivered in a big way. I love the characters and the action. This is one action packed story. I couldn’t put it down. It’s a great read. Now I’m excited for the next in the series.
August 27, 2021
You will not put this one down!
I love fast paced suspense! This one kept me guessing just who the real bad guys were and the action never stopped! I stayed up late into the night because I could not put it down!
I love fast paced suspense! This one kept me guessing just who the real bad guys were and the action never stopped! I stayed up late into the night because I could not put it down!
August 27, 2021
Great story, real characters…
Real struggles, real trust, real questions, real faith in training. Life doesn’t go our way ever, and rarely goes in the direction we think it should, but God…..seeking Him through everything and trusting that He’s got this….gets us through.
Real struggles, real trust, real questions, real faith in training. Life doesn’t go our way ever, and rarely goes in the direction we think it should, but God…..seeking Him through everything and trusting that He’s got this….gets us through.
August 31, 2021
Wow!!! Wow!! Wow!!! Better than any block-buster action movie!!! Could not put the book down!! Expertly written!! Absolutely loved it!! Well done Lisa! Now I am waiting on pins and needles for the next book😉
September 27, 2021
Excellent Book
What a great start to Lisa's new series. After the end of the last series, I was so excited to know that Zander's team was getting their own stories. This was an excellent read and I can't wait to read the rest of the stories.
What a great start to Lisa's new series. After the end of the last series, I was so excited to know that Zander's team was getting their own stories. This was an excellent read and I can't wait to read the rest of the stories.
November 9, 2021
Fantastic!
The storyline was excellent, it kept pulling me in and needing to keep reading. So many twists that kept me going. A excellent read and looking forward to read the series.
The storyline was excellent, it kept pulling me in and needing to keep reading. So many twists that kept me going. A excellent read and looking forward to read the series.
November 22, 2021
So good!!
I loved this book! In the Last Chance County books, we only get bits and pieces of (mainly) Zander. This is a great story with a depth to the characters that you’ll truly appreciate.
I loved this book! In the Last Chance County books, we only get bits and pieces of (mainly) Zander. This is a great story with a depth to the characters that you’ll truly appreciate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews