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Finnegan First Responders #1
Explosive Truth
Walking the line between danger and love!
Stalked by a bomber!
When Devon Thompson’s car explodes at the click of her key fob, she doesn’t want to believe she was targeted on purpose. But when the next bomb is found in her apartment, she can’t ignore the fact that someone wants her dead. Trusting Captain Rhyland Finnegan with the truth isn’t easy, but soon she realizes Rhy is an honorable man who will go above and beyond to keep her safe.
As the oldest of nine kids, Rhy has spent the ten years since his parents’ death keeping the Finnegan family together. His personal life has been on hold, until now. Keeping Devon alive is a priority, yet he can’t ignore the attraction between them. When the bomber succeeds in wiring Devon to a suicide bomb, there isn’t a second to lose. Rhy risks his life for hers, but if they manage to survive, Rhy knows his next job will be to convince Devon to join the Finnegan family . . . forever.
Stalked by a bomber!
When Devon Thompson’s car explodes at the click of her key fob, she doesn’t want to believe she was targeted on purpose. But when the next bomb is found in her apartment, she can’t ignore the fact that someone wants her dead. Trusting Captain Rhyland Finnegan with the truth isn’t easy, but soon she realizes Rhy is an honorable man who will go above and beyond to keep her safe.
As the oldest of nine kids, Rhy has spent the ten years since his parents’ death keeping the Finnegan family together. His personal life has been on hold, until now. Keeping Devon alive is a priority, yet he can’t ignore the attraction between them. When the bomber succeeds in wiring Devon to a suicide bomb, there isn’t a second to lose. Rhy risks his life for hers, but if they manage to survive, Rhy knows his next job will be to convince Devon to join the Finnegan family . . . forever.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2022
474 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 2, 2025
This story grabbed from the first scene and kept me engaged to the end. Devon Thompson met Captain Rhy Finnegan when he investigated the explosion of her car. Upon taking her home, he finds her apartment wired with a bomb so he took her to his family home. The oldest of nine, he feels the need to make sure she is safe. He and three other siblings live in their large home so there is plenty of room. Their parents died in an auto accident years ago. But someone wants her dead and is able to find her wherever she goes. Who could hate her so much? This suspenseful story has action, danger, faith, and romance with great characters and lovely ending. I look forward to more of the series. I listened to it via Chirp.
October 15, 2023
Audiobook (narrated by Alex Knox)
Great start to a new series. It was so easy to fall in love with Rhy and the rest of the Finnegan family (nine of them, all in some kind of first responder job). The story is full of tension, along with a sweet and very quick romance that was believable to me because of the extreme danger.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved/enjoyed it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Great start to a new series. It was so easy to fall in love with Rhy and the rest of the Finnegan family (nine of them, all in some kind of first responder job). The story is full of tension, along with a sweet and very quick romance that was believable to me because of the extreme danger.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved/enjoyed it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
January 11, 2023
Magari non proprio 5 stelle piene, ma questo libro mi è davvero piaciuto. È il primo di una serie che vede protagonisti nove (nove?!) fratelli, tutti impegnati come poliziotti, pompieri o infermieri a parte l'ultimogenita. Sono davvero intrigata da questa idea. Poi, per chi la ha letta, ci sono diversi riferimenti a un'altra serie, che vedeva protagonisti solo sei fratelli. Non c'è che dire, sono prolifici questi americani! E propensi agli innamoramenti rapidi, ma questo è tipico di questi romantic suspense brevi.
June 24, 2023
Great! Suspense, action, clean romance
I love this book. It's the first one I have read by this author. It has everything I love: great characters, a whole family of them, suspense, action, a clean romance, and a happy ending. Very enjoyable! I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
I love this book. It's the first one I have read by this author. It has everything I love: great characters, a whole family of them, suspense, action, a clean romance, and a happy ending. Very enjoyable! I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
January 12, 2024
Contemporary romantic suspense. Clean read. Devon has changed her name and moved to try to escape her past as the daughter of a convicted bomber. But her past catches up with her and someone is trying to kill her.
April 14, 2023
Not much to sink your teeth into
This book had a lot of promise with intrigue, suspense & romance, but it happened all too quickly, making it unrealistic & bland. It’s like the author reached her word limit & had to suddenly end & wrap up the story. I loved how God was brought into the story, and was eager for more Finnegan family development - which I guess will be explored in subsequent books, but not enough to tempt me to buy another book anytime soon.
This book had a lot of promise with intrigue, suspense & romance, but it happened all too quickly, making it unrealistic & bland. It’s like the author reached her word limit & had to suddenly end & wrap up the story. I loved how God was brought into the story, and was eager for more Finnegan family development - which I guess will be explored in subsequent books, but not enough to tempt me to buy another book anytime soon.
January 19, 2023
My review today is on the Christian Romantic Suspense, Explosive Truth. This is the first book in the series Finnegan First Responders. I'm a big fan of Laura's work and I was glad to find this story. It's well-written, action-packed, and full of faith. I already pre-ordered the next book. I know you are going to love it.
Devon Thompson is working in a bar. She is basically hiding from her past and the father known as the Stealth Bomber. As she leaves work she press the remote for her car only to see it blow up before her very eyes. Has this something to do with her father or just random?
Milwaukee Police Task Force Captain Rhyland Finnegan is notified of the explosion and goes directly to the bar. After asking her his questions he drives her home only to find another bomb at her door. He takes her to his home. He has eight sibling, three of which still live there so it shouldn't be a problem.
An exciting journey running from one explosion to another. Who in her past was trying to kill her. God has a plan for these two, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan for peace and an expected end.
Devon Thompson is working in a bar. She is basically hiding from her past and the father known as the Stealth Bomber. As she leaves work she press the remote for her car only to see it blow up before her very eyes. Has this something to do with her father or just random?
Milwaukee Police Task Force Captain Rhyland Finnegan is notified of the explosion and goes directly to the bar. After asking her his questions he drives her home only to find another bomb at her door. He takes her to his home. He has eight sibling, three of which still live there so it shouldn't be a problem.
An exciting journey running from one explosion to another. Who in her past was trying to kill her. God has a plan for these two, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan for peace and an expected end.
November 12, 2024
Rhyland (Rhy) Finnegan, a Captain of the Milwaukee Police Department's Tactical Team took the lead in providing protection for Devon Thompson, a.k.a. Jennifer Rowe. Bombs exploding in places that were convenient to locate Devon, we're just too much to ignore. Taking Devon home to The Homestead, brought danger to the home front. After most of his siblings rallied around him, danger still existed until it reached a point of devastating his heart and mind -- along with the possibility of termination of Devon's life. I loved this story, as Scott wound danger after danger through Devon's life the clues and answers were still there. After finding the people responsible, evidence backing up that finding, a plan was initiated to stop the devastating plot. In the end, faith, hope and love won the day and love brought an additional joy into the lives of each sibling as Devon joined in camaraderie of a huge, Irish, loving family.
January 13, 2023
Fast paced and exciting Christian suspense
Wow!! Devon meets Rhy Finnegan after her car blows up from a bomb. Then he discovers another one as he takes her to her home. The action doesn't stop from there. We don't get to meet all the Finnegans in this story but we do see many of them. There are 9 in all, and every one is in a First Responder field! I can't wait to see what happens next!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has some kisses but no steam. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are a solid part of the whole story. This is a wonderful introduction to a new series. I am excited to read the rest when they come out. If you like Christian romances with lots of hard hitting action, fun family dynamics and plenty of twists and turns, then this is for you. Enjoy!
Wow!! Devon meets Rhy Finnegan after her car blows up from a bomb. Then he discovers another one as he takes her to her home. The action doesn't stop from there. We don't get to meet all the Finnegans in this story but we do see many of them. There are 9 in all, and every one is in a First Responder field! I can't wait to see what happens next!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has some kisses but no steam. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are a solid part of the whole story. This is a wonderful introduction to a new series. I am excited to read the rest when they come out. If you like Christian romances with lots of hard hitting action, fun family dynamics and plenty of twists and turns, then this is for you. Enjoy!
September 15, 2023
The oldest son of nine kids finds love with someone he's protecting.
Loved being with this author again. Rhyland and Devon story was exciting from start to finish. Devon was a gal on the run from her past. Rhyland was a Capitan on the police force looking into why she was being targeted. As they were together in his family home because she needed his protection. Love started to spark and grow. Devon was determined to be part of the investigation. It put her in harms way many times. But Rhyland was there as her hero and protector.Rhyland and Devon made a good team so happy they got together . She needed him and his big family she really had no one. Looking forward to the rest of the Finnegan siblings stories. All look to be very exciting.
Loved being with this author again. Rhyland and Devon story was exciting from start to finish. Devon was a gal on the run from her past. Rhyland was a Capitan on the police force looking into why she was being targeted. As they were together in his family home because she needed his protection. Love started to spark and grow. Devon was determined to be part of the investigation. It put her in harms way many times. But Rhyland was there as her hero and protector.Rhyland and Devon made a good team so happy they got together . She needed him and his big family she really had no one. Looking forward to the rest of the Finnegan siblings stories. All look to be very exciting.
January 12, 2026
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Devon Thompson becomes the target of a determined bomber and is forced to trust Captain Rhyland Finnegan to keep her alive as the threats escalate from her car to her own body. As Rhy risks everything to save her, their growing bond turns a fight for survival into the beginning of a forever-kind of love.
MY TAKE
I think this is my first Scott book, and I enjoyed it. The characters were interesting, and the Finnegan clan was fun. My heart went out to Devon. What a terrible position to be in, and it was lovely how Rhy (and later his family) came to her support.
This is a Christian romantic suspense, but it's not preachy, so people who aren't into that kind of thing shouldn't be put off by the occasional pray.
Devon Thompson becomes the target of a determined bomber and is forced to trust Captain Rhyland Finnegan to keep her alive as the threats escalate from her car to her own body. As Rhy risks everything to save her, their growing bond turns a fight for survival into the beginning of a forever-kind of love.
MY TAKE
I think this is my first Scott book, and I enjoyed it. The characters were interesting, and the Finnegan clan was fun. My heart went out to Devon. What a terrible position to be in, and it was lovely how Rhy (and later his family) came to her support.
This is a Christian romantic suspense, but it's not preachy, so people who aren't into that kind of thing shouldn't be put off by the occasional pray.
January 6, 2023
What a great start to a new series by Laura Scott. The action started off with an explosion in chapter 1 (no pun intended). Someone is after Devon Thompson. Devon has changed her name because of her past. Her dad was convicted of bombing several government buildings several years ago.
Captain Rhyland Finnegan, the oldest of 9 in his family, protects Devon after more bombs are found. Is this a copycat bomber? Is it someone who has a grudge against Devon?
This story was action-packed and suspenseful and filled with twists and turns as Rhyland and Devon, with the help of some of the other Finnegans, uncover who is after Devon.
Looking forward to the rest of this series.
Captain Rhyland Finnegan, the oldest of 9 in his family, protects Devon after more bombs are found. Is this a copycat bomber? Is it someone who has a grudge against Devon?
This story was action-packed and suspenseful and filled with twists and turns as Rhyland and Devon, with the help of some of the other Finnegans, uncover who is after Devon.
Looking forward to the rest of this series.
September 21, 2024
I am buddy reading this Christian fiction romance series by Laura Scott with my mom and really enjoying it. EXPLOSIVE TRUTH is book one in the saga of the Finnegan family, a family of nine first responders who have all grown closer after the deaths of their parents. Rhy is the oldest and a bomb squad investigator. He meets Devon Thompson after her car explodes outside her workplace and it soon becomes clear that she is the target of a serial bomber who has it out for her because of someone in her past. I enjoyed this first book in the series and found the suspense plotline to be fast paced and exciting. I liked meeting the other Finnegan family members and look forward to future books. 4/5 stars.
October 18, 2023
Really liked this one. Devon had been hiding for eight years because the sins of her father and yeah it wasn't fair. Now, someone is trying to kill her and Rhy comes to her rescue. Neither of them thought they would fall in love nor did they wanted it but you can't help how you feel, you just do. Rhy was doing everything he could to protect her and Devon was doing the same in return, it was cute. I loved the whole sibling dynamic, can't wait to see more of that in each of their books. I loved this couple despite their love story happening to fast but alas, I am used to it so it's fine
March 15, 2024
Devon Thompson isn’t her original name, and she realizes someone has found her the night her car blows up. Rhyland Finnegan is a captain in the police and handles explosive investigations. He helps Devon but he has a lot of questions for her.
I like both main characters. I think the Finnegan family is fun - 9 kids. Rhy raising them after their parents are killed in a car accident.
I really like romantic suspense that are like this. There is light even in a bad situation. I think I can handle explosives better than psychological suspense.
I like both main characters. I think the Finnegan family is fun - 9 kids. Rhy raising them after their parents are killed in a car accident.
I really like romantic suspense that are like this. There is light even in a bad situation. I think I can handle explosives better than psychological suspense.
October 28, 2023
action packed clean novel
This first novel in a new series grabs you from the first page and does not stop until the very last word. Action packed, sprinkled with humor, and filled in with the nine siblings love and devotion for one another. Left orphaned after their parents death, they work together as a family unit and hold fast to their faith in God to see them through life’s journeys. A must read if you like action filled suspense.
R. Fody
Oct. 27, 2023
This first novel in a new series grabs you from the first page and does not stop until the very last word. Action packed, sprinkled with humor, and filled in with the nine siblings love and devotion for one another. Left orphaned after their parents death, they work together as a family unit and hold fast to their faith in God to see them through life’s journeys. A must read if you like action filled suspense.
R. Fody
Oct. 27, 2023
February 3, 2025
Fast-paced suspense! The Finnegan's - 9 siblings, all first responders - begin a new series by Laura Scott. Rhyland, the oldest, is investigating a bombing when he comes in contact with Devon. When her car is blown up at work, questions concerning her past arise and she suddenly becomes a target in a deadly game of cat and mouse. I was hooked from page one and can't wait to continue the series with Book 2!
June 28, 2025
I normally am not a fan of suspense books, but this one gripped me and kept me reading. I finished it in a day! Haha!
The mystery of the crime and process of solving it kept me on my toes. I thought it was very well written. While I did enjoy the romance part of the book, I do think it was a little too fast paced for me. I also think the Christian faith aspects of the story were not very deep. It didn’t quite touch my heart in that regard.
Overall, I enjoyed this book!
The mystery of the crime and process of solving it kept me on my toes. I thought it was very well written. While I did enjoy the romance part of the book, I do think it was a little too fast paced for me. I also think the Christian faith aspects of the story were not very deep. It didn’t quite touch my heart in that regard.
Overall, I enjoyed this book!
February 12, 2023
Finnegan the Fire Captain
This first story in Finnegan First Responders tell how Rhy Finnegan met his future wife, the disasters they had with her family, and introducing the dinghy other Finnegan siblings. This series is a delight to read. Laura Scott sets us on a wild tale that is tough to put down. Enjoy!
This first story in Finnegan First Responders tell how Rhy Finnegan met his future wife, the disasters they had with her family, and introducing the dinghy other Finnegan siblings. This series is a delight to read. Laura Scott sets us on a wild tale that is tough to put down. Enjoy!
May 15, 2023
2.5 stars.
not a bad story, but it was hard for me to really get in to. It didn't make me anticipate reading the next book in the series and I'm ambivalent about reading it again. I have a feeling this will be a book I will remember vaguely after a couple of years.
Recommended? Sure. It wasn't bad, I was able to finish it's just not in my top ten.
Buy/Borrow? Borrow
not a bad story, but it was hard for me to really get in to. It didn't make me anticipate reading the next book in the series and I'm ambivalent about reading it again. I have a feeling this will be a book I will remember vaguely after a couple of years.
Recommended? Sure. It wasn't bad, I was able to finish it's just not in my top ten.
Buy/Borrow? Borrow
July 8, 2023
Good clean fun. This story had great suspense as they uncovered who was stalking/trying to bomb the main character. It was sweet to see a book where characters pray in hard times. The love plot was an added bonus. I listened to this audio book (free on YouTube!) while meal prepping and it was the perfect afternoon story. One star off for being a bit cheesy.
July 10, 2023
Boom!
This book is page to page explosive action, explosive suspense, explosive emotions, explosive Truth...and just plain deadly explosions! I enjoyed the story and definitely the Finnegan siblings as they do whatever is necessary to protect Devon from a determined bomber. Great opening to a series!
This book is page to page explosive action, explosive suspense, explosive emotions, explosive Truth...and just plain deadly explosions! I enjoyed the story and definitely the Finnegan siblings as they do whatever is necessary to protect Devon from a determined bomber. Great opening to a series!
September 12, 2023
There is a lot that happens quickly in this story. Who's trying to kill Devon using bombs? That is the mystery. The love part is between Rhyland & Devon. This story reminds me of Dee Henderson's O'Malley series. It is well worth the time to read (both series, actually). I am eager to read the next book.
September 18, 2023
This book explores a variety of emotions While heading towards love
An only child on the run with the name change meets And officer Who saves her life. From there things go up and down and around with bombings, car chases.... I found a story to be interesting, exciting and couldn't put it down.
An only child on the run with the name change meets And officer Who saves her life. From there things go up and down and around with bombings, car chases.... I found a story to be interesting, exciting and couldn't put it down.
September 20, 2023
Decent, Clean, & Enjoyable
This story offered a good dose of suspense and a couple of sweet MCs who were easy to get invested in. I thought the hero's faith showed in his behavior, which I loved. This was definitely an inspirational story, but without being preachy. So if you're looking for an inspirational suspense romance which isn't preaching at you, you might like this book.
This story offered a good dose of suspense and a couple of sweet MCs who were easy to get invested in. I thought the hero's faith showed in his behavior, which I loved. This was definitely an inspirational story, but without being preachy. So if you're looking for an inspirational suspense romance which isn't preaching at you, you might like this book.
September 25, 2023
this is a wonderful story devon if going home from work and hits the fab and the car blows up,then with the policeman, rhy and the apt is compromised then the mail box has a bomb in it he has her come home with him while they hunt for the bombers if you like suspense stories you will want to read the book
September 30, 2023
A father tries to seek revenge.
Explosive, fast paced reading that was hard to put down. Captain Ryeland Finnegan steps outside his regular job description to help protect Devon Thompson from the bombings that were set to kill her. Falling in love wasn't part of the job description.
regular job description
Explosive, fast paced reading that was hard to put down. Captain Ryeland Finnegan steps outside his regular job description to help protect Devon Thompson from the bombings that were set to kill her. Falling in love wasn't part of the job description.
regular job description
October 11, 2023
'Explosive Truth' was thrilling. Moreover, its pulsating page-turning plot was filled with intrigue, suspense, tension, bomb-exploding action, interesting family dynamics, spirituality, and love. Rhyland and Devon, the protagonists, were ideally suited for each other and oozed chemistry. Overall, I liked the captivating narrative.
October 16, 2023
great book
Loved the way that Ryh watched over his family and Devan with such dedication and love. Enjoyed the description of all the relationships of the family and the sad description of Devan’s family trying to kill her just for the cache of guns her father promised them. Really great book .
Loved the way that Ryh watched over his family and Devan with such dedication and love. Enjoyed the description of all the relationships of the family and the sad description of Devan’s family trying to kill her just for the cache of guns her father promised them. Really great book .
October 25, 2023
It's happy, sad, exciting and romantic.
A warped, evil family makes the mistake of getting caught up with a good, loving, caring family. Law enforcement and medical people make up a family willing to help a troubled young lady. The result is a great story that is too good to put down.
A warped, evil family makes the mistake of getting caught up with a good, loving, caring family. Law enforcement and medical people make up a family willing to help a troubled young lady. The result is a great story that is too good to put down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews