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Last Chance Fire and Rescue #1
Expired Return
She’ll give everything to protect her family.
He always knew she was the one.
Veterinary tech Pepper Miller lives a quiet life in Last Chance County. She’s watching her niece until her sister shows up…if she ever does. When Victory’s father demands he take over her care, Pepper knows something has gone wrong. With a new drug in town, and her sister embroiled in a dangerous bargain, it’s up to Pepper to protect the people she loves.
Even if it costs every secret she’s ever kept.
Fire Department liaison Allen Frees lives with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong. He’s put his life back together but getting the truck crew and engine squad to succeed might be his toughest assignment yet. When Victory is nearly kidnapped at a community event, Allen steps in to help Pepper keep her niece safe. The one thing he couldn’t fix was the love he lost, but he isn’t going to let Pepper walk away this time.
No matter what walls he has to break down.
Last Chance County returns in this blazing new series from Sunrise Publishing.
He always knew she was the one.
Veterinary tech Pepper Miller lives a quiet life in Last Chance County. She’s watching her niece until her sister shows up…if she ever does. When Victory’s father demands he take over her care, Pepper knows something has gone wrong. With a new drug in town, and her sister embroiled in a dangerous bargain, it’s up to Pepper to protect the people she loves.
Even if it costs every secret she’s ever kept.
Fire Department liaison Allen Frees lives with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong. He’s put his life back together but getting the truck crew and engine squad to succeed might be his toughest assignment yet. When Victory is nearly kidnapped at a community event, Allen steps in to help Pepper keep her niece safe. The one thing he couldn’t fix was the love he lost, but he isn’t going to let Pepper walk away this time.
No matter what walls he has to break down.
Last Chance County returns in this blazing new series from Sunrise Publishing.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
524 people are currently reading
2550 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Phillips
167 books873 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 117 reviews
January 31, 2023
I was so excited to hear about another spin-off to the Last Chance County series which focuses on the fire and rescue squads of Last Chance County.
Pepper is taking care of her niece while searching for her missing sister. Fire Department liaison Allen is working on getting the Eastside department to become a success while working on rebuilding his life after he became partially paralyzed due to a raid when he was a police officer. Allen is tenacious as he works on building his strength back and refuses to let his disability hold him back.
Lisa Phillips crafted an amazing story. Filled with twists and turns, suspense, tension, and second chance romance, this novel is definitely a page turner. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Pepper is taking care of her niece while searching for her missing sister. Fire Department liaison Allen is working on getting the Eastside department to become a success while working on rebuilding his life after he became partially paralyzed due to a raid when he was a police officer. Allen is tenacious as he works on building his strength back and refuses to let his disability hold him back.
Lisa Phillips crafted an amazing story. Filled with twists and turns, suspense, tension, and second chance romance, this novel is definitely a page turner. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 31, 2023
This one is certainly action-packed and suspenseful. I enjoyed the fast pace and the plot. I hadn't read the other books in this series by Lisa Phillips in the Last Chance line, and I really felt as if I were missing something. However, it was a good read for a suspense fan. The author does not play around when it comes to creating an edge-of-your-seat read.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.
May 31, 2023
This was a phenomenal story! I had actually read book two, Expired Hope, first and Allen Frees was a side character in that one, so it was very fun to get to read his story in Expired Return. These books are connected to a previous series set in Last Chance County, but can be enjoyed even if, like me, you have not read those novels.
Two years earlier, Allen’s girlfriend, Pepper, broke up with him and then on the same day, Allen was injured in a life changing way. I admired both his determination and strength, as well as the way he treated Pepper when she ended up needing help and protection. He was clearly a very honorable man and that made reading about the way these two reconnected very special. I love second chance romances and this one was extremely satisfying.
Along with the second chance at romance theme, Expired Return has lots of action and many dangerous situations that the main characters must navigate. There is also a solid faith thread that works naturally within the storyline.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Two years earlier, Allen’s girlfriend, Pepper, broke up with him and then on the same day, Allen was injured in a life changing way. I admired both his determination and strength, as well as the way he treated Pepper when she ended up needing help and protection. He was clearly a very honorable man and that made reading about the way these two reconnected very special. I love second chance romances and this one was extremely satisfying.
Along with the second chance at romance theme, Expired Return has lots of action and many dangerous situations that the main characters must navigate. There is also a solid faith thread that works naturally within the storyline.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
January 28, 2023
Last Chance County is back, with more heat and action like the original series. Expired Return by Lisa Phillips brings readers back to Last Chance, but this time, the story focuses on the town’s new and improved Fire and Rescue team. No need to read the first series, but why not?
Allen Frees survived a fire that left him in a wheelchair. But that doesn’t stop him from taking a job as a liaison between City Hall and fire department. The job is challenging, especially after the last fire chief left the department in shambles. But his biggest challenge is when he discovers his ex, Pepper Miller, is back in town along with her niece she’s raising. They all wind up in danger when someone tries to kidnap Pepper’s niece.
I love a story with lots of secrets, and Expired Return has plenty. Pepper left Allen because of her family, and she must come to terms with her past if she wants Allen in her future. But Lisa Phillips packs in plot twists that will keep readers’ heads spinning. Lots of action and suspense make this a fast-paced story, but the characters will stick with you long after you’ve put the book down.
Definitely check out Expired Return for all the drama and suspense you remember from the original series and meet the new Fire and Rescue department of Last Chance.
Allen Frees survived a fire that left him in a wheelchair. But that doesn’t stop him from taking a job as a liaison between City Hall and fire department. The job is challenging, especially after the last fire chief left the department in shambles. But his biggest challenge is when he discovers his ex, Pepper Miller, is back in town along with her niece she’s raising. They all wind up in danger when someone tries to kidnap Pepper’s niece.
I love a story with lots of secrets, and Expired Return has plenty. Pepper left Allen because of her family, and she must come to terms with her past if she wants Allen in her future. But Lisa Phillips packs in plot twists that will keep readers’ heads spinning. Lots of action and suspense make this a fast-paced story, but the characters will stick with you long after you’ve put the book down.
Definitely check out Expired Return for all the drama and suspense you remember from the original series and meet the new Fire and Rescue department of Last Chance.
February 4, 2023
Readers first meet veterinary tech Pepper Miller. She’s been living a peaceful life in Last Chance County until her sister Sage shows up leaving her young daughter, Victory, with Pepper for a while, promising to be back in a week. These characters go through a lot as they deal with pain from the past and crisis situations in the present.
Pepper goes to the police station to fill out a missing person report. She’s hoping someone would help her. She knew the policemen weren’t fond of her because her break-up with Allen Frees. Right after their breakup, (no one knew about) Allen was caught in a fire where the roof caved in. It left him in a wheelchair. Everyone thought Pepper left him because of his injury had left him in a wheelchair. Allen never corrected this misunderstanding.
This book had a slow start as the author introduces her colorful cast of characters, and their unique situations. It was full steam ahead after everyone is met. You’ll want to buckle up after that, as the author sends readers on a journey filled with suspense, action, and adventure, with a splash of romance. I had to remember to breathe, because so much happens.as the story develops.
I felt for, and liked hanging out with little Victory while she navigated the trauma alongside her auntie Pepper. I liked to see that Victory loved animals just as much as Pepper did. This is an explosive kick-off to a brand-new series. If you like romantic, suspense, action-adventure novels, this is for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
Pepper goes to the police station to fill out a missing person report. She’s hoping someone would help her. She knew the policemen weren’t fond of her because her break-up with Allen Frees. Right after their breakup, (no one knew about) Allen was caught in a fire where the roof caved in. It left him in a wheelchair. Everyone thought Pepper left him because of his injury had left him in a wheelchair. Allen never corrected this misunderstanding.
This book had a slow start as the author introduces her colorful cast of characters, and their unique situations. It was full steam ahead after everyone is met. You’ll want to buckle up after that, as the author sends readers on a journey filled with suspense, action, and adventure, with a splash of romance. I had to remember to breathe, because so much happens.as the story develops.
I felt for, and liked hanging out with little Victory while she navigated the trauma alongside her auntie Pepper. I liked to see that Victory loved animals just as much as Pepper did. This is an explosive kick-off to a brand-new series. If you like romantic, suspense, action-adventure novels, this is for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
January 31, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by Lisa Phillips. I enjoyed the suspense, action and relationship dynamics found in the story and also the way other characters were introduced, which intrigued me enough to want to read the coming books in the series.
There was a lot of characters from the Last Chance County series making appearances and it felt like Pepper and Allen story continued from that series, so I might have felt more up to date and in the know if I read that series. However, it did not take away from enjoying this first book in this spin of series (I just have a series to try and catch up now before book two releases).
If you enjoy fast-paced action and suspense with romance, you should pick up this book. I liked the fact that Allen and Pepper had a history, that Allen was not your everyday hero and the fire rescue scenes (big men acting like kids until they are called out – then all business) and the lesson that your family’s mistakes do not define you.
*I received a complimentary book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
There was a lot of characters from the Last Chance County series making appearances and it felt like Pepper and Allen story continued from that series, so I might have felt more up to date and in the know if I read that series. However, it did not take away from enjoying this first book in this spin of series (I just have a series to try and catch up now before book two releases).
If you enjoy fast-paced action and suspense with romance, you should pick up this book. I liked the fact that Allen and Pepper had a history, that Allen was not your everyday hero and the fire rescue scenes (big men acting like kids until they are called out – then all business) and the lesson that your family’s mistakes do not define you.
*I received a complimentary book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Read
February 10, 2023Expired Return takes readers back to Last Chance County for a new series. This was my first book by Lisa Phillips so I can speak to the fact that you do not have to have read the other series to know what is going on in this new book. The author does a good job explaining enough history that readers will not be confused. This book starts during the aftermath of the crime and corruption from the original series and is filled with plenty of danger. I think the best part of the story was Allen because he is a strong character that did not let his disability stand in the way of doing his job. He was just an all around good guy. I also liked that the main characters had a history which made the development of their relationship in the book more believable.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
September 18, 2023
Good start to a spin off series. Expired Return takes readers back to Last Chance. This time to a cast of fire fighters.
February 5, 2023
I enjoyed this story and the wide array of characters! Lisa Phillips does a wonderful job of bringing them to life, with their different strengths and weaknesses. I felt for Pepper, with trying to do the best for her sister and niece, while also trying to survive the harsh criticism of the town. I felt like Allen should have been more forthcoming with the events surrounding their breakup, though I can see how that might not have been on his mind at the time.
This is a wonderful, high suspense read that is hard to put down! It's well written and very driven. I look forward to reading the other books in the series!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
This is a wonderful, high suspense read that is hard to put down! It's well written and very driven. I look forward to reading the other books in the series!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
December 31, 2022
Full of suspense, action, and unexpected twists--highly recommend! I was cheering for Allen and Pepper from the moment they walked on the page. The themes of family and second chances made this story hit home. It was so fun to see all the characters from the previous Last Chance County books make an appearance and see where they are at in life, too!
February 5, 2023
Can any of them handle the truth...?
I'm always up for a good Lisa Phillips book and they never seem to disappoint. Starting a new series in particular, is always fun as she never fails get things going with non-stop action and suspense – and a few explosions and car chases thrown in for good measure.
Expired Return lived up to all of my expectations as I knew it would. The romantic angst and family drama alongside murder, betrayal, and general mayhem keeps the story going a mile a minute. This first Last Chance Fire And Rescue novel kept me intrigued and turning the digital pages of my ereader and I think this was nearly the fastest that I have read a book by Lisa Phillips. There was just something that I liked about Pepper and Allen – not to mention Victory – and as secrets came to light I only liked them all the more.
The Last Chance Fire And Rescue series is off to a really good start with Expired Return and I am looking forward to reading more of it. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres and if it is yours as well you won't want to miss this series either...
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I'm always up for a good Lisa Phillips book and they never seem to disappoint. Starting a new series in particular, is always fun as she never fails get things going with non-stop action and suspense – and a few explosions and car chases thrown in for good measure.
Expired Return lived up to all of my expectations as I knew it would. The romantic angst and family drama alongside murder, betrayal, and general mayhem keeps the story going a mile a minute. This first Last Chance Fire And Rescue novel kept me intrigued and turning the digital pages of my ereader and I think this was nearly the fastest that I have read a book by Lisa Phillips. There was just something that I liked about Pepper and Allen – not to mention Victory – and as secrets came to light I only liked them all the more.
The Last Chance Fire And Rescue series is off to a really good start with Expired Return and I am looking forward to reading more of it. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres and if it is yours as well you won't want to miss this series either...
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
February 1, 2023
Expired Return by Lisa Phillips is my third book that I have read by Phillips. She does have the high-tension element of a suspense novel. Plenty of description. Nicely handled. One of the things that I have found that have irritated me when I read Phillips’s stories is when the heroine comes onto the page in the first chapter, they have all been very negative characters. She walks into a room and image that everyone hates her. Why? Phillips does not tell us. Of course, as the story moves along, readers are told why she feels this way. Is it justified? Personally, no. I know there are actual people that feel this way. My mother is one of them. But I really do not want to read a story where the heroine is a Debbie-downer. As the plot moves along, the heroine does show their strengths and makes them more tolerable. As for the romance, in Expired Return, the heroine and hero have to overcome issues from their pasts and their past relationship. In order for that to happen, they have to learn to trust each other by building down their separate walls. Overall, Expired Return by Lisa Phillips is a little hard to dive into, but after getting past the initial shock of the heroine’s attitude, the story moves into a romantic suspense pattern. I believe fans of Colleen Coble, DiAnn Mills, and Irene Hannon would enjoy this type of story.
I received a complimentary copy of Expired Return by Lisa Phillips from Sunrise Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Expired Return by Lisa Phillips from Sunrise Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
May 25, 2023
Loved this. Pepper really loved him but thought that their obstacules were too big when for him there weren't any obstacules at all. Allen was so determined, he would make her realized they loved each other, no matter what. Pepper was so strong, even after all the things that happened with her family, proud of her. I hated her sister, so much, ugh. I loved Allen and Pepper together and they deserved all the love on the world
January 30, 2023
Expired Return is a wonderful start to a new series from Sunrise Publishing and Lisa Phillips. There is danger, suspense, fire, and so much more in the pages of this novel. It did take me a little bit to get into it, but once the danger and action came into play, I was hooked. Phillips did a great job of keeping my on my toes, making me guess as to who was behind what, and moving the story along at just the right pace.
I also want to commend her on her hero. Allen had a disability yes, but he didn't let it stop him from doing what he needed to do. He didn't let it define him as a person. Instead, he found ways to work with it, and he pushed himself to keep moving forward. I loved that! He was strong, swoony, and the perfect match for Pepper.
Pepper had this background that we only get little bits of pieces of throughout the story, so for a while she was hard to figure out. I suspected some things about her past, and I was right about a few. Then, talk about plot twist (sorry can't reveal what it is!). Wow. I was not expecting that at all. But what Philips does is remind readers of a few things. 1 - We are not responsible for the actions of others. 2- Sin does have lasting affects on people in our lives. and 3 - Our family does not define us. We are our own people, and that's something I think Pepper struggled with. I loved seeing her growth near the end of the story.
I'm excited to see what happens next in this series. I think it's going to be fantastic. One to watch for!! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I also want to commend her on her hero. Allen had a disability yes, but he didn't let it stop him from doing what he needed to do. He didn't let it define him as a person. Instead, he found ways to work with it, and he pushed himself to keep moving forward. I loved that! He was strong, swoony, and the perfect match for Pepper.
Pepper had this background that we only get little bits of pieces of throughout the story, so for a while she was hard to figure out. I suspected some things about her past, and I was right about a few. Then, talk about plot twist (sorry can't reveal what it is!). Wow. I was not expecting that at all. But what Philips does is remind readers of a few things. 1 - We are not responsible for the actions of others. 2- Sin does have lasting affects on people in our lives. and 3 - Our family does not define us. We are our own people, and that's something I think Pepper struggled with. I loved seeing her growth near the end of the story.
I'm excited to see what happens next in this series. I think it's going to be fantastic. One to watch for!! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 11, 2023
This is my first romantic suspense by author Lisa Phillips and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment!
From the first line "Pepper pulled into the police department parking lot. She stared at the building and tried to figure out how long since she'd been inside for a visit." To the last line, there is non-stop action, camaraderie with her ex, (Fire Department liaison Allen Frees who is living with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong), over coming her dysfunctional past, all while she is taking care of her niece and people are trying to kill her. Allen is an upstanding man who still loves Pepper and is willing to do whatever he can to keep her safe. Pepper broke up with him because of her family and an incident from the past.
"They're trying to kill us and you're making jokes?" "It's called gallows humor."
I have not read any of the original series, Lisa Phillips’ original Last Chance County series, but now I want to! Expired Return is the first book in the spin-off series called Last Chance Fire and Rescue. I love stories of first responders and Expired Return is a fabulous first book in the series!
I highly recommend Expired Return for lovers of romantic suspense! Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
From the first line "Pepper pulled into the police department parking lot. She stared at the building and tried to figure out how long since she'd been inside for a visit." To the last line, there is non-stop action, camaraderie with her ex, (Fire Department liaison Allen Frees who is living with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong), over coming her dysfunctional past, all while she is taking care of her niece and people are trying to kill her. Allen is an upstanding man who still loves Pepper and is willing to do whatever he can to keep her safe. Pepper broke up with him because of her family and an incident from the past.
"They're trying to kill us and you're making jokes?" "It's called gallows humor."
I have not read any of the original series, Lisa Phillips’ original Last Chance County series, but now I want to! Expired Return is the first book in the spin-off series called Last Chance Fire and Rescue. I love stories of first responders and Expired Return is a fabulous first book in the series!
I highly recommend Expired Return for lovers of romantic suspense! Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2023
This was the first novel I've read by this author, and I think it's because I opened this book, being completely unfamiliar with the location and the characters, I found it a bit hard to get into it....
However, I do enjoy a good mystery story, so kept reading, and overall, enjoyed it.
Yes, This is a suspense novel, full of mystery. The story centers around Allen Frees and Pepper Miller. (I'm guessing some of their history was probably in an earlier novel, but I really don't know) They'd dated, and then Pepper had broken up with Allen. They both still cared for each other.
There are a lot of people to get to know, and in spite of it being a small town, there is lots of drug dealing going on, and unsavory characters showing up. Pepper's niece almost gets kidnapped, and Pepper also gets attacked, in her own home.
There is just, all around, lots going on, lots of action, suspense, and mystery.
This is also a story of second chances. The author gives a beautiful picture of redemption.
If you enjoy romantic suspense, don't be afraid to try this book.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
However, I do enjoy a good mystery story, so kept reading, and overall, enjoyed it.
Yes, This is a suspense novel, full of mystery. The story centers around Allen Frees and Pepper Miller. (I'm guessing some of their history was probably in an earlier novel, but I really don't know) They'd dated, and then Pepper had broken up with Allen. They both still cared for each other.
There are a lot of people to get to know, and in spite of it being a small town, there is lots of drug dealing going on, and unsavory characters showing up. Pepper's niece almost gets kidnapped, and Pepper also gets attacked, in her own home.
There is just, all around, lots going on, lots of action, suspense, and mystery.
This is also a story of second chances. The author gives a beautiful picture of redemption.
If you enjoy romantic suspense, don't be afraid to try this book.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
January 31, 2023
Expired Return by Lisa Phillips is a fantastic page turning book. The dynamic of Allen and Pepper was great. I loved the surprise background on Pepper, totally was not expecting that. I can't wait for the next one in this series.
March 6, 2023
I enjoyed this return to Last Chance County. This new series is off to an intriguing start with this entertaining book. However, I was a bit annoyed at the somewhat repetitive thought bubbles from one of the characters.
November 23, 2023
Christian-based mystery romance— exciting and engaging story with likable characters. Add a lot of cop action and it’s a “bumpy ride” but a fun time. Narrator is top notch adding some extra texture to the plot.
December 31, 2022
An explosive start to a new series. There were twists and turns but a simple clean story indicative of a classic Lisa Phillips story. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
February 20, 2023
Pepper's sister Sage is missing. After her niece Victory stayed with Pepper awhile, Sage was supposed to pick her up. But her sister hasn't shown up. Isn't answering her phone calls. Is nowhere to be found. So Pepper goes to the only place she can think of for help; the local police station. Unfortunately, when she broke up with the man she loved (who happened to be a cop), she became the enemy to his friends and coworkers. And while she's there, reporting her sister as missing, there he is, in his new wheelchair: Allen Frees.
It's not that she stopped loving him. She just knew that there were secrets in her past that would hurt him, deeply; that maybe he'd never get over. But now perhaps he's the one who can help her; not only to find her sister, but to stand with her to protect Victory (and maybe, Pepper too) from the dangerous criminals and felons who are suddenly causing them harm.
Why are they coming after Pepper and Victory? And where is her sister, anyway? Before they can discover the answers to those questions, it might be too late. For them, for love--and maybe for their lives as well. Don't miss Lisa Phillips' fantastic Expired Return. Like me, you'll race through it as quickly as you can. And then you'll be waiting impatiently for the next book in Lisa's new Last Chance Fire and Rescue series!
I received a copy of this book from the author. These are my own honest opinions and thoughts.
It's not that she stopped loving him. She just knew that there were secrets in her past that would hurt him, deeply; that maybe he'd never get over. But now perhaps he's the one who can help her; not only to find her sister, but to stand with her to protect Victory (and maybe, Pepper too) from the dangerous criminals and felons who are suddenly causing them harm.
Why are they coming after Pepper and Victory? And where is her sister, anyway? Before they can discover the answers to those questions, it might be too late. For them, for love--and maybe for their lives as well. Don't miss Lisa Phillips' fantastic Expired Return. Like me, you'll race through it as quickly as you can. And then you'll be waiting impatiently for the next book in Lisa's new Last Chance Fire and Rescue series!
I received a copy of this book from the author. These are my own honest opinions and thoughts.
February 21, 2023
Wow. Wow. Wow!
What a ride! I could not stop reading this book! The story had me intrigued from page one and I just had to know everything that was going to happen next! The story was action packed and just when you thought these characters couldn't escape more danger, they did it again!
Allen and Pepper's relationship had me hooked just as much as the mysterious happenings in the novel! I loved learning about their histories, together and apart. And watching their journey as they found their way back to each other was great too! Victory was another added delight and I loved having her as part of the book!
All in all, I loved this story and I cannot wait for the next book of this collection!
What a ride! I could not stop reading this book! The story had me intrigued from page one and I just had to know everything that was going to happen next! The story was action packed and just when you thought these characters couldn't escape more danger, they did it again!
Allen and Pepper's relationship had me hooked just as much as the mysterious happenings in the novel! I loved learning about their histories, together and apart. And watching their journey as they found their way back to each other was great too! Victory was another added delight and I loved having her as part of the book!
All in all, I loved this story and I cannot wait for the next book of this collection!
March 5, 2025
Going back and forth between Last Chance County and the Benson location gets me a bit confused on who is where at times. Once I settled in and reoriented myself, I realized this book must connect some series back and it wasn’t that I haven’t finished the Benson First Responders series (I was told to read this series before that one) that caused me to feel like I was missing things. And, some of those mysteries were explained later in the book.
Our hero has a disability that keeps him in a wheelchair caused by previous work as a police officer. Our heroine is taking care of her niece and her sister is missing. In this Christian romantic suspense, our characters find second chances, both in love and in life. Our heroine spends much of the book being hated by the town. There is danger and suspense, a sweet little girl, politics, family, faith, and more. This was a good read and I’ll be continuing this series.
Our hero has a disability that keeps him in a wheelchair caused by previous work as a police officer. Our heroine is taking care of her niece and her sister is missing. In this Christian romantic suspense, our characters find second chances, both in love and in life. Our heroine spends much of the book being hated by the town. There is danger and suspense, a sweet little girl, politics, family, faith, and more. This was a good read and I’ll be continuing this series.
February 6, 2023
Wow! This book had my stomach in knots. I feel like I have ran a marathon with them as they have been on the run for their lives. Pepper Miller is a vet tech who wants to live quietly in the shadows while she takes care of her sweet niece, Victory. Pepper is a not a spotlight kind of girl. She has too many secrets in her past that she prefers to keep in the past, so she quietly goes about her life. That is until her sister, Sage, goes missing. This starts a domino effect of destroying everything in her life she holds dear. The quietness is shattered when there is an attempted kidnapping of Victory at a community event at the local fire station which sets into motion the need for protection.
Allen Frees is the fire department liaison who was given the job after his partial paralysis from a devastating injury while he was serving as a police detective. Pepper broke his heart before, but he knows he is the only one who can truly protect her and Victory from this unseen enemy. This is a book about second chances and learning that we are not responsible for the actions of other people in our family. It was jam packed with action as they try to stay ahead of these vicious people. I loved the character of Allen. He was in a wheelchair trying to regain some use of his legs, but instead of feeling sorry for himself, he was working to build up his upper body and working toward eventually being able to walk with assistance. He would not be defeated. The character of Pepper was an interesting woman who just wanted to do what was best for her niece, Victory. She was so afraid of her past that she could not enjoy her present and the future. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in Lisa Phillips' newest series. I look forward to reading the next installment as the story continues.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Allen Frees is the fire department liaison who was given the job after his partial paralysis from a devastating injury while he was serving as a police detective. Pepper broke his heart before, but he knows he is the only one who can truly protect her and Victory from this unseen enemy. This is a book about second chances and learning that we are not responsible for the actions of other people in our family. It was jam packed with action as they try to stay ahead of these vicious people. I loved the character of Allen. He was in a wheelchair trying to regain some use of his legs, but instead of feeling sorry for himself, he was working to build up his upper body and working toward eventually being able to walk with assistance. He would not be defeated. The character of Pepper was an interesting woman who just wanted to do what was best for her niece, Victory. She was so afraid of her past that she could not enjoy her present and the future. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in Lisa Phillips' newest series. I look forward to reading the next installment as the story continues.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
January 30, 2023Expired Return was my first experience with a Lisa Phillips novel. Right from the start this book throws the reader into the aftermath of corruption and criminal activity that this community has suffered prior to this story taking place. I’m assuming that these things were featured in previous novels by this author and fans of Lisa Phillips will likely recognize old characters and references to previous books. The author spends a fair bit of time providing details and introductions for different characters as they pop up throughout the course of this book, which likely will help fans new to this series. The writing style of this author was completely different than most of the suspense books that I typically read and it did take me a while to adjust to the feel of her writing. There are plenty of moments of danger and surprise as these characters try to determine why Pepper is being targeted and if there is more to the story. Allen was a genuinely likable character who was a bright spot in this book. His positivity and dependability were my favorite parts about him and I loved that he was strong and capable in spite of his challenges. This book keeps the danger pumping until the conclusion!
January 27, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. Several characters from the Last Chance County series show up, but you don't have to have read that series to understand what is happening in this book. I felt the book was well written with plenty of twists to keep you guessing. I did figure out the secret about Allen's dad, but that wasn't a detraction of my enjoyment of the book. I did feel like Victory seemed more like a six year old than an eight year old (especially given she was in 1st grade) There was a biblical faith thread and the characters grew through the book. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
January 31, 2023
Return to Last Chance County!
Fans of Lisa Phillips's Last Chance County will celebrate this beginning to a new series! This fast-paced suspense tale focuses on former LCCPD officer Allen Frees and veterinary nurse Pepper Miller. Frees has been a side character throughout the original series, so I am thrilled he finally got his own book, especially after the events in book 8, Expired Betrayal. You don't need to have read the original series to read this book, but if you have, you'll enjoy many look-ins on favorites from Last Chance, even as a new cast of characters from the LCC Fire Department take center stage for this series.
Fans of Lisa Phillips's Last Chance County will celebrate this beginning to a new series! This fast-paced suspense tale focuses on former LCCPD officer Allen Frees and veterinary nurse Pepper Miller. Frees has been a side character throughout the original series, so I am thrilled he finally got his own book, especially after the events in book 8, Expired Betrayal. You don't need to have read the original series to read this book, but if you have, you'll enjoy many look-ins on favorites from Last Chance, even as a new cast of characters from the LCC Fire Department take center stage for this series.
February 1, 2023
WOW!! What a ride! This book is full of action, suspense, drama, and enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. Highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 9, 2023
Wow! This book had my stomach in knots. I feel like I have ran a marathon with them as they have been on the run for their lives. Pepper Miller is a vet tech who wants to live quietly in the shadows while she takes care of her sweet niece, Victory. Pepper is a not a spotlight kind of girl. She has too many secrets in her past that she prefers to keep in the past, so she quietly goes about her life. That is until her sister, Sage, goes missing. This starts a domino effect of destroying everything in her life she holds dear. The quietness is shattered when there is an attempted kidnapping of Victory at a community event at the local fire station which sets into motion the need for protection.
Allen Frees is the fire department liaison who was given the job after his partial paralysis from a devastating injury while he was serving as a police detective. Pepper broke his heart before, but he knows he is the only one who can truly protect her and Victory from this unseen enemy. This is a book about second chances and learning that we are not responsible for the actions of other people in our family. It was jam packed with action as they try to stay ahead of these vicious people. I loved the character of Allen. He was in a wheelchair trying to regain some use of his legs, but instead of feeling sorry for himself, he was working to build up his upper body and working toward eventually being able to walk with assistance. He would not be defeated. The character of Pepper was an interesting woman who just wanted to do what was best for her niece, Victory. She was so afraid of her past that she could not enjoy her present and the future. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in Lisa Phillips' newest series. I look forward to reading the next installment as the story continues.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Allen Frees is the fire department liaison who was given the job after his partial paralysis from a devastating injury while he was serving as a police detective. Pepper broke his heart before, but he knows he is the only one who can truly protect her and Victory from this unseen enemy. This is a book about second chances and learning that we are not responsible for the actions of other people in our family. It was jam packed with action as they try to stay ahead of these vicious people. I loved the character of Allen. He was in a wheelchair trying to regain some use of his legs, but instead of feeling sorry for himself, he was working to build up his upper body and working toward eventually being able to walk with assistance. He would not be defeated. The character of Pepper was an interesting woman who just wanted to do what was best for her niece, Victory. She was so afraid of her past that she could not enjoy her present and the future. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in Lisa Phillips' newest series. I look forward to reading the next installment as the story continues.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2023
The kick off to a new series in Last Chance County. We get to reconnect with characters from the other books and meet completely new heroes and heroines in this series. Allen Frees is a former police officer for Last Chance County and because of an injury is now the liaison with the fire department. Pepper Miller is the woman who stole his heart. After an attempted kidnapping of Pepper's niece, the two of them work together to find out who is behind it and stop it from happening again. The author does a fantastic job of keeping the action going throughout the book and developing characters with believable lives. An inspirational, fast paced, suspense filled story!
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