Cut loose from the CIA after a devastating injury, Ember Hendryx only wants one thing—to live long enough to find her missing sister. The clock is running down. She’s got the skills to do this, but she’ll need the one thing she can’t do for herself if she’s going to succeed. With no leads and little idea what her sister was into, this just might take everything she’s got. And give her a future she can’t even dream of.
An EMT with a choice to make.
Trey Banning got sidelined after he was stabbed a few weeks ago. Now he wants back on the ambulance so he can be who he a hero just like his dad. Except all his attempts to get his life on track again get him is social media attention he doesn’t want. His reputation is under fire, and for the first time Trey realizes he needs to change the way he lives. Helping Ember has nothing to do with furthering his career, but this side gig with Vanguard could save a life.
When the search for Ember’s sister lands them in the middle of a deadly scheme, there’s more than just one future on the line. Can they get to the bottom of it before it’s too late?
Each Benson First Responders book is a stand-alone Christian Romantic Suspense.
Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
Continuing to enjoy this series! And book two pulled me in from the beginning.
Ember's heart is giving out but she is desperate to find her sister as a final task. EMT Trey is temporarily sidelined to paperwork and jumps at the opportunity to leave his desk and help Ember locate her sister.
Bella storia, con un finale quasi ovvio, ma soddisfacente. Il libro si legge tranquillamente come un stand-alone, sebbene faccia parte di una serie. Si fa spesso riferimento a un'altra località: ho controllato e ho scoperto che è sede di un'altra serie che dovrebbe essere simile a questa. Credo che leggerò entrambe.
"Blackout" by Lisa Phillips has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster.
First of all, the pace is so fast that I'm pretty sure I got a cardio workout just from reading it. And the characters? Let me tell you, they're not your typical cookie-cutter romance characters. Ember Hendryx is a tough girl who knows how to hold her own, and Trey Banning is a flawed hero who's trying to get his life back on track. Honestly, I was rooting for them from the get-go.
Overall, "Blackout" is a total five-star read for me. It's got everything you could want in a romantic suspense novel - action, drama, romance, and even a bit of faith thrown in there. So if you're looking for a book that will keep you on your toes, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Ember has it rough. Her story is sad and overall tragic, but she remains a strong character fighting for family. Trey is healing from his injury in book one and is dealt a bad hand with social media and his dating reputation. Clare is fascinating and I love her take no prisoners approach. The illegal adoption ring is scary sounding but makes for a fascinating storyline. Faith is featured heavily again, but it flows better with the struggles of the two characters. The resistance to try a relationship and to live was odd, but made for one heck of a close call. Overall a good read.
Oh my stars, I just finished Blackout by author Lisa Phillips. We met Trey Banning in Allegiance (he is Freya’s EMT partner). Now, forced to desk duty due to an injury, he signs on to help Ember Hendryx, a friend of Claire, the head of Vanguard. Ember, former CIA, is looking for her missing sister, but time may be running out for her. As they uncover nefarious goings-on in Benson while they investigate, they also both wrestle with their feelings toward the Lord…and each other. This story will give you ALL the feels…happiness, heartbreak, trepidation, and that heart-swelling swoony (let’s pretend that’s a real word) feeling. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series!
3.5 stars "He'd lived his entire life in a blackout."
Trying to re-group after a social media fiasco, EMT Trey Banning attempts to fly under the radar. His work schedule has been reduced to filing paperwork while he recovers from a serious abdominal injury, sustained while responding to a crime scene. Thankfully his side job with a private investigation firm has the potential to break the monotony, but he never expected to land an assignment lending medical supervision for an ex-CIA agent with a critical heart condition . . . and a missing sister. Ember Hendryx is one of a kind.
"In reality, he needed to let God light up everything."
Trey and Ember are wonderful characters, caught up in the most unusual of circumstances while racing against the clock; Ember's heart could literally stop beating at any moment and she is determined to locate her sister before that happens. The circumstances surrounding Annalise's disappearance are murky, but even cloudier are the prospects for any lasting relationship between Trey and Ember. It would take a miracle they are not certain God can provide.
This was another thrilling read. It might be my favorite of the series. It was so unique to have such a strong FMC - former CIA - but to also have her weak because of heart failure. And our hero! I love his tender heart! A search for her sister, danger, mystery, family, and faith. This Christian romantic suspense had it all! It was a wonderful read and I just cannot wait for more.
Lisa Phillips does a great job of creating story universes… in Sanctuary, Last Chance and now Benson.
The story premise is unique and multi-faceted. There is plenty of intrigue and the storyline was well spun. I was constantly trying to sneak this book in whether it was at lunch time, between household chores, etc. because I was invested in what was happening with the characters. I’m really trying to not give away any spoilers here so I’ll just say that I really loved Trey’s struggle/revelation… it’s not that I personally have dealt with exactly what he has but I think there’s something to be said about perception vs reality for all of us - whether it is how our own perception can be distorted or we are giving the wrong impression to others.
The Benson First Responders series is another solid hit. No clue who will be featured in Book 3 yet, but I’ll be sure to pick it up! (Also, are we going to get a series for Vanguard?!? hint, hint)
Blackout is the second book in the Benson First Responders series and is so good. EMT Trey Banning is assigned to accompany former CIA agent Ember Hendryx as she searches for her sister Annalise due to Ember's heart issue. Blackout is filled with twists and turns, suspense, and romance and will definitely keep you turning the pages until the end. I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Two words... "soap opera." Ordinarily I hate soap operas, but this one wasn't too shabby. Very suspenseful story. Plenty of intrigue. Likable characters. But there's a severe medical condition involved in the story that was a bit much for me. However, the resolution was quite nice.
Christian fiction is wonderful in that it covers some of the toughest concepts of Christian theology. I have read so many Christian fiction books. Most of them have similar themes, but they're so relatable. Forgiveness, trusting God, faith, surrendering control of your life to God... when you live in such an evil world it's very difficult to follow these things. When we face trauma, death, and suffering that just destroys us, finding refuge in God seems impossible. But when you let go of control and hand that over to God, truly trusting in things you can't see or explain, it is nothing short of liberating. That's when the healing truly begins. This book, in particular does a beautiful job with showing how much better life becomes when God is handed the reins or wheel or whatever metaphor you prefer.
“...no intention of thinking about all those could've, should've, would'ves, might have beens, and possibilities.”
I was captured by the action from the get go, and had to stay of up late reading to find out just how all the threads would weave together. So much to excitement and adventure. I was riveted with each page. Here are just a few of the amazing quotes I enjoyed from this book. "Draining fatigue weighed on her like a bomb suit." "...didn't want to get into all that, Why, God? Why me? stuff." "She also had no time to worry about pangs of her conscience--something she'd been trained to sear." "...stared at the contents of the fridge because that's what everyone did at three in the morning." "Anger was often simpler than the hard work of getting to a good place." This book is definitely worthy of a repeat read!!
I liked reading this second book in the series. It was interesting to focus on Trey in this book and I really enjoyed seeing how his life changes and how his priorities turn to something more long term. I liked seeing how both Trey and Ember go from not believing that God cares about them because God didn't answer some of their prayers in the way that they would have hoped for, to understanding that God always has control of everything even when things don't go how we want. The mystery and suspense was pretty good and it kept me intrigued. The ending was a little different than what I thought it was going to be like but I still really liked the ending and how Trey and Ember had their little family happy ending. I can't wait to continue this series and find out who the next book will focus on!
Trey has been a ladies man until he meets Ember, who is dying of heart failure caused by a co-agent's purposeful release of chemicals. She has one job on her mind, to find her missing sister who dropped off the map six months ago. Trey is tasked with keeping Ember alive while they search for her sister. In the process they stumble across an illegal black market baby selling business. This was an excellent storyline, but marred by misspellings, wrong words, and a dearth of proofreading/editing. It feels like it is a voice-to-computer rendition, where the computer misinterpret the words. If I hadn't been a professional proofreader for 40 years plus another 30 as a reader, it probably wouldn't bother me. I feel it's not up to the usual high standard of the author (and I've read almost all of her books.)
Ember Hendryx’s career at the CIA was cut short after a devastating injury on the job, leaving her with lasting health issues. But, with her sister missing, Ember is determined to bring her home, no matter what impact it has on her health.
After being stabbed, Trey Banning was forced to take a step back from his job as an EMT. When a storm of social media influence continues to tarnish Trey’s reputation, he’s determined to pull his life around.
When Trey and Ember work together to find Ember’s sister, things take a much more sinister turn and they find themselves in an illegal operation that could change everything.
Can they bring Ember’s sister home, or will they end up dead before it can happen?
WOWZA🤯🔥
I read this book so fast! I couldn’t put it down and loved every second of it!😍
Ember was such a resilient MFC. She had gone through so much with her health and her sister’s disappearance, but she never gave up searching for her. I loved how hard-headed she was with a tough exterior, but that she also had a sweet and sensitive side❤️
Trey was a fantastic balance for Ember! He wanted to redeem himself and did so by finding God and being there to protect Ember. I also really liked the relationship he had with his mom!🥹
Now, the suspense in this book was Off. The. Charts.🔥
I never knew what was going to happen next, constantly found myself gasping, and on the edge of my seat because of the plot twists in this book. This was a gripping and emotional read of the realities of some devastating events that unfortunately happen today. I never saw the ending coming but oh my goodness, it was perfection!😱
Lisa did such a great job of crafting a story that shows the harsh reality of what happens behind closed doors, but also how there is hope for every circumstance and that God truly uses all things for our good.
This is definitely one of my new favorite books by the author and I am looking forward to book 3!😍
“Blackout” by Lisa Phillips is book 2 of the Benson First Responders series and features Ember Hendryx and Trey Banning.
Ember is former CIA and Trey is an EMT. Both have injuries that have them no longer able to do their jobs while questioning their purpose. Though, at the moment, Ember’s purpose is to find her missing sister and Trey’s is to keep watch over Ember. As they find out the truth, both Ember and Trey discover who they are really meant to be.
Ms. Phillips has the uncanny ability to create plot twists. Just when you think you know what is going on, she’ll surprise you with something new. She is definitely on my list of must-read authors.
Enjoyed being back in Benson again. Trey and Ember story was exciting from start to finish. Trey became Ember wingman protector and helper in finding her sister. Who ended up being a part of something not good. Trey had a great support system behind him in Lucas, Eric, Freya and his Mom. Ember needed all of them plus a man who loved her that was Trey. So happy that she took the chance on a new heart. Trey needed her and so did baby Cassie. So glad I read Allen and Pepper story first. Will read more in this series. Because I'm sure that Lucas and Freya and Trey and Ember will continue to make an appearance
This book is really good story full of suspense and danger. Ember was a CIA operative until an injury during an operation that went wrong sidelined her for good. Now she is dying and searching for her sister who went missing six months earlier. Trey has also been sidelined by an injury while working as an EMT earlier. He is just waiting for approval to to get back on the ambulance. When he is asked to help Ember stay alive long enough to locate her sister, he agrees. Will these two be able to do the seemingly impossible?
Ember was dying from heart failure but was determined to find her missing sister. Trey was an EMT recovering from an injury who got caught up in social media drama. He was tasked with keeping Ember alive during her search and neither had time.e for God. I really liked how both family and friends kept encouraging them to pray and seek God's will, and when all else failed and there was nothing they could do, God was there waiting to help even if they didn't get the answer they wanted. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
This is the second book in the series, and it did not answer some of the questions I had from the other book. However, I enjoyed this installment and would recommend it. It was filled with suspenseful situations up to the end.
Trey and Ember's story was peppered with characters from book one, but it enhanced the story instead of distracting from it. It was a story involving the heart literally and figuratively. There were realistic situations and characters.
I am about to delve into book three and wonder whose life I will be diving into.
Trey is an EMT injured in book 1 in the series. He is impatiently awaiting the time when he can get back on the ambulance and off paperwork duty. When a beautiful young woman with severe heart trouble shows up at Trey's side gig looking for help to find her missing sister, Trey volunteers. I love the romance and suspense but especially the growth in the characters as they turn their faith toward God and pray for his protection and guidance.
I really enjoyed this book! Suspense, romance, deep subjects handled with care, faith-based. Stayed up late to finish; I couldn’t stop reading it! Although this 2nd Benson Responders book had some of the same characters from the first book, it can be read as a stand alone! Looking forward to the next one!
When I started reading the story, my thoughts were about how anything good could possibly come out of this story. But the story was so well crafted I couldn't put it down. So I kept reading and reading and was amazed at how everything worked out. But that's all I'll say as I don't want to spoil the story for you.
Loved book 2, and read it in two sittings... Loved the characters, especially Trey and the way he changes. Great to see all the other characters from book 1 as well, and can't wait to find out who book 3 is about! The story is gripping, with a few unexpected twists and turns. Love Trey's mum, and need her recipe...
The story was excellent and drew me into the many layers of details. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because the book was not an easy flow book. The editing was poorly done with words missing, and grammar errors. I even had to take a pause from the story to read a book, that flowed easily . And then come back to it.
Sometimes the super spies and marines can seem like they can do just about anything. I loved that the spy was struggling and the hero wasn't a trained soldier. It put a twist on the whole story which made it amazing as it unfolded. Definitely going to need tissues for the ending though.
I loved this story. It's my favorite in the series so far. Ember is a former CIA agent and Trey is an EMT. Ember has a life threatening illness and needs Trey's help to keep her alive while she searches for her sister. This story has lots of twists and turns and plenty of action.
Ember is broken, and running out of time; Trey is the not-so-perfect hero. What a wonderful book of suspense and action, yet filled with characters that look like you and me and need God's grace, guidance, and mercy just like we do. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover!
Ember felt like she had been to hell and back trying find her sister. Plus she had been exposed to a chemical that messed up her heart and she could die at any moment.
Not telling you any more of this story. You have to read this book ASAP!!!!!!
The first three chapters set up the people and the situation then the action begins. This book has my three best qualities in a good book, faith, action and romance. I couldn't put it down.