Lisa Phillips’ brand new #2 in the Last Chance Fire and Rescue Series: “Expired Hope”

#sponsor #partner

I know that y’all know how much I love Lisa Phillips’ suspense thrillers–and I of course also loved the first book in her Last Chance Fire and Rescue Series (Expired Return). Now book 2 in that series is available, cowritten by Lisa and Megan Besing, and I have the privilege of sharing a book excerpt from Expired Hope. I know they’ll whet your appetite (if you’re a suspense lover), plus you can enter to win a giveaway! Keep reading for more!

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Expired Hope by Megan Besing & Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Expired Hope Series: Last Chance Fire and Rescue #2 Authors: Megan Besing & Lisa Phillips Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Release Date: April 25, 2023 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

She battled every fire she ever faced.

He’s risking everything for the chance to belong. Veteran and therapist Natalie Atkinson watched her Army career explode in her face. All she ever wanted was to help people carry their burdens. Seeking a new future in Last Chance County doesn’t start so well when she’s the one being rescued from a client’s burning house. To make matters worse, now she’s stuck evaluating the truck and rescue squads for the fire department. When the chief overhears why she left her last job, she’s determined to prove to him and her boss that she’s still the right therapist to assess his crew. No matter if success takes everything she’s got. Fire Chief Macon James is the right man for the job. He doesn’t need a therapist interfering with the running of his crew or putting his position in jeopardy when a counselor is what tore his family apart. He’s got to get his firefighters to be a team, and he can do it without Natalie’s help. After an explosion destroys her car, it quickly becomes clear she might need him as much as everyone thinks he needs her. If these two stubborn hearts will surrender, they could have everything they want. Or it could all go down in flames.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

More Books in this Series

---

About the Authors

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 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). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians.

Connect with Lisa by visiting authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.  

Despite adoring happily-ever-afters, Megan Besing didn’t unlock a love for reading until her mid-twenties, which quickly expanded into writing. Her stories have won many awards, but her most cherished achievements are being a wife and mother. She lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, centered around extended family. She’s always planning a road trip with a view, yet her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea.

Connect with Megan by visiting meganbesing.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. Discover the world of Last Chance County at www.lastchancecounty.com.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback of Expired Hope and a $10 Gift Card to the Sunrise Shop!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 26, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 3, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Here is a book excerpt for you to enjoy!

He paused before opening the main office door and glanced at the counselor through the glass window. She was seated in a chair, looking down at her phone. Her blonde hair was in a loose bun on the back of her head, and a thick pile of bangs covered most of her forehead. She had on a navy silk shirt and black pants. 

Her foot bounced up and down as she scrolled on her phone. If she was nervous, that could be encouraging. Possibly cut down on the questions she might ask. Get her to sign off on their evaluation quickly.

Macon opened the door, and the woman glanced up. 

It was like he was in a smoke funnel. His knees locked beneath him as he blinked at the same blue eyes that had hung around in his dreams. They belonged to the woman he’d rescued out of the fire.

As if they’d never met, she stood and extended her hand. “Good afternoon, I’m Natalie Atkinson from the Ridgeman Center. I’ll be the counselor assessing you and your firefighters.”

His lungs ached at the memory of her collapsing and him cradling her. Natalie. The name suited her, but this was not how he’d imagined them meeting.

He wrapped his hand around hers and, for a moment, they stared at each other, until she slipped her hand away. She’d been beautiful yesterday, but with her hair up and the spark in her eye, he wished they were introducing themselves during dinner at Backdraft Bar and Grill instead of a professional meeting.

Macon cleared his throat. “I’m Chief Macon James.”

She studied him, yet said nothing about yesterday. Not that he expected a thank-you when he rescued someone, but it was strange she didn’t even bring it up. Maybe she was self-conscious about how she’d fainted.

She glanced left and right before picking up the notebook from the chair beside her. She hugged it to her chest. “Do we have a more private place for your session?” Her voice had a raspier tone than earlier.

“I’ll lead you to the conference room. We’ll address all the crew there. Rescue will go first with their individual sessions.” When he turned for the door, her hand landed on his arm. Her touch was like the strike of a match.

---

Because, did I mention, Lisa Phillips’ books also have some fabulous clean romance between characters in addition to her adrenaline-spike-causing scenes of danger, crisis, and peril? So you will get that for sure in this book, plus a wild ride of survival. SO readable!

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Lisa Phillips’ “Expired Return” ~ a review

#sponsor #partner

Several weeks ago, I was able to share some excerpts from Lisa Phillips’ fabulous new thriller, Expired Return. Now, I get to share more about that fantastic read with you, in my own review. Keep reading for more, and reasons why you need to check out this book as well as Lisa Phillips’ other suspense books that will absolutely keep you on the edge of your seat. Lisa’s Expired Return is the first in her new Last Chance Fire and Rescue Series, this time featuring protagonists Pepper Miller and Allen Frees. It’s an exceptional start to a series that I’m certain will continue to be as fantastic as this one is!

About Expired Return

Pepper Miller and Allen Frees have a past. There was love. And then, some judgments (and we know that those aren’t ever helpful); followed by an assessment that one of them was just not good enough for the other. Then, a breakup. And heartsickness and loss on both sides. Even though Pepper hid hers, gaining herself quite the reputation, since Allen (and in fact, injured Allen) is everyone’s favorite.

And now, Pepper has no choice but to go to the one place she’s avoided since their breakup (well, in addition to avoiding Allen himself); the police station where sides have definitely been taken. And everyone is naturally on Allen’s side (you know, the good guy); staring down Pepper, the heartbreaker.

She’s only there because someone is missing: her sister, Sage; Pepper’s niece Victory’s mama. She’s been keeping Victory while Sage took some time off. But her sibling should have returned by now. And while Pepper isn’t sure what could be keeping Sage, she’s worried.

Pepper whirled around at that voice. Heart. Breaking. She loved that gruff, commanding voice more than anything in the world.

Lisa Phillips, Expired Return

And whom does she see there, but the very man she’s been trying so desperately to avoid?

My thoughts about this book

Danger. Terror. Love. Faithfulness and devotion.

You’ll find all of that, and more, in Expired Return.

How I loved Pepper! Lisa Phillips is so gifted in creating strong female protagonists, who still have flaws, imperfections, hidden pains from the past. Pepper has all of those qualities (and yes, those do get in her way sometimes). But she is ethical, moral, and devoted to do what’s right, including caring for her beloved niece. And, even though it might not look like it, that unconditional love still beats in her heart and mind for Allen. She can show love to Victory; but she can’t openly show it to Allen. Because she doesn’t think, at heart, that she’s good enough for him.

Former police officer Allen Frees had both hands on the wheels of his chair. He wore a fire department uniform of slacks and a white shirt. Emblems. A badge. His life of service hadn’t ended when he landed in that chair after a building blew up over his head.

As far as she’d been able to tell, it barely slowed him down.

Lisa Phillips, Expired Return

But from Allen’s point of view? Pepper is the woman he never stopped loving. And while what he keeps seeing is her back as she walks away from him, he’s not giving up. Just like he hasn’t given up, even from his wheelchair, on riding a horse. Driving his rebuilt pickup. Fighting to stand again; and one day, Lord willing, to walk.

Allen and Pepper, and Victory too, are up against an enemy they don’t know. A violent, depraved killer who has no interest in saving human life; who indeed, has no compunction against wasting it. Ahead of them is terrible danger, like kidnappings. Missing persons. And murder. Can the two of them ally themselves together to survive these; and more than that, to discover that there’s a deeper love possible than the one they had before…if they can weather the dangers ahead?

Where you can purchase Expired Return

You can purchase Expired Return now! Just click on the highlighted purchase link below

Purchase Expired Return here (scroll down, then click through retailers’ button)

And–I can’t let you leave without mentioning these!

I fell in love with Lisa Phillips’ characters, books, and writing style the very first time I read one of her books. And I want to share those beloved reads with you! I’ve linked my reviews to those books below. Lisa is a phenomenal writer; so gifted at creating characters readers will love while also putting those strong men and women in terrifying situations. You’ll wish for happy endings for them–and you’ll keep reading, even though you might be anticipating the worst.

You’ll just have to keep reading to discover which one they’ll have!

Cold Dead Night, featuring PI and former FBI agent Kenna Banbury

Burn the Dawn, book 2 about Kenna

And last but not least, here’s my earlier post about Expired Return, where you can read excerpts from this fantastic book!

Don’t miss Lisa’s marvelous thrillers. You’ll love her characters, you’ll be terrified along with them at their antagonists who are literally life-threatening–and you’ll be absolutely gleeful at her humor and turn of phrase, in the midst of the terror, the faith, and the clean romance. I WISH I could share with you one of my favorite lines from Expired Return. But I try to avoid spoilers at all costs. Just keep an eye out for it, when you read this book. Hint: it’s early on, and it’s about one of Allen’s expressions.

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. These are all my own thoughts and opinions.

Brand-new from Lisa Phillips: “Expired Return”

#sponsor #partner

I love, love, love Lisa Phillips’ thrillers! And Expired Return, book 1 in Lisa’s “Last Chance Fire and Rescue” series, has introduced me to awesome characters that I fell in love with immediately. In addition, protagonists Pepper and Allen are strong and appealing (with just a little bit of mystery). Keep reading and you’ll get to read some excerpts of their story!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Expired Return by Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Expired Return Series: Last Chance Fire and Rescue #1 Author: Lisa Phillips Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Release Date: January 31, 2023 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

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. PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookBub

More Books in this Series

 

---

About the Author

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 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). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians. Discover the world of Last Chance Fire and Rescue at https://lastchancecounty.com/lc-fire

Connect with Lisa by visiting www.authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Expired Return, a $10 Amazon gift card, and sticker swag from Last Chance County!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 31, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 7, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

And now–a little of Expired Return for you to read!

In Excerpt One, you’ll meet the fabulous Pepper. And in Excerpt Two, you’ll meet Allen!

EXCERPT ONE

Eighteen months, and the police in Last Chance County still hated her.

“Come on. Let’s get this done.” Donaldson motioned her to a seat, unaware of his brash tone.

She settled into the hard plastic chair on the short side of the desk. The edge had a metal ring fixed to it for securing handcuffs. Great. She’d been given the criminal’s chair.

Go figure. How about they have a little trust?

Donaldson lifted his brows.

Pepper said, “Aren’t you going to ask me a question?”

Thankfully, no one else was around to see this. It was seven thirty in the morning, which was why she’d chosen this time. The police department wasn’t exactly on her way to work.

“I figured you knew how this worked.” Donaldson slid over a legal pad. “But okay, what did you want to report?”

Pepper held herself very still. “I came here because I need help, not to be browbeaten.”

“I apologize.” He didn’t look apologetic. He looked like he wanted to get this over with as soon as he could.

That was what her actions had accomplished.

She’d turned a perfectly nice family man and good cop into a guy with an attitude who wanted her out of here as fast as possible.

EXCERPT TWO

“Anyway, I might have something for you to look into. So give me a call back.” Allen tapped the dash screen and ended the call to Tate, where he’d left the local private investigator a message. Maybe his friend could help Pepper. It certainly wasn’t in Allen’s
purview as the City Hall liaison to the fire department.

He shoved the truck into park and let out a long sigh.

I have to go. And wasn’t that the truth? The woman did nothing but try to get away from him.

Instead of letting that go around and around in his mind, Allen shoved the door open. He moved his seat back and dragged the folded wheelchair across his body. He set it down on the ground beside his vehicle.

In the process, he got the thing mostly unfolded. Enough he could sit in it.

Allen shifted his body to the edge of the seat and clasped the tether that hung from the grab handle. He braced his foot and lowered himself hand over hand using the rope knots, so he didn’t fall too fast.

He’d learned that one the hard way.

He grabbed the last knot and lowered his butt into the chair. Shifted his foot. The other foot. Shut the door. Clicked his keys.

Done.

He thanked God every chance he got that he’d managed to figure this process out—with some modifications to his truck so it was drivable for him. People had tried to tell him the process was too convoluted or that someone with a disability like his couldn’t drive anything but a van—as if—or a tiny car. Barf. Well, they could quite frankly pry this truck from his cold dead hands. Or bury him in it.

Enjoy! And don’t forget to enter the giveaway so that you might win a copy plus book swag!

–Wren

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“Burn the Dawn” by Lisa Phillips: Book 2 in the Brand of Justice series (a review)

My friends! Do you love suspense? Do you love strong female characters that you can sympathize and root for? (And do you mind being scared just a little here and there?)

I have just the book for you then! Author Lisa Phillips provided a copy of Burn the Dawn for me. It’s the second of her books in the Brand of Justice books (the first one is Cold Dead Night, and that’s how I discovered Lisa and her fantastic protagonist Kenna!). Let me tell you more!

About the book

Kenna is still alone. But she prefers it that way. (Except for her AWESOME dog, Cabot.) Just as she did in her younger years with her famous author (and investigator) father, she travels the U.S., although she’s traded in her RV for a van that’s big enough to contain a kitchenette, mini-bathroom, and sleeping area. Just perfect for the two of them.

After her time with the FBI ended, Kenna was licensed as a private investigator. And she goes where others desperately need her help. Now, she’s in northern California. Where, in one small region, three young women have gone missing. One by one. Only to reappear, injured, dazed, and forgetful about what has happened to them. And no one knows who’s behind the abductions.

And now there’s another young woman missing.

My thoughts

Keenly observant. Slow to trust. Yet fierce and strong (her hand-to-hand combat skills!), especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable women and children.

Burn the Night begins with a search-and-rescue mission. Just outside of town, the pine forest begins, and a group of volunteers, including Kenna and Cabot, has gathered to receive last-minute instructions from the mission commander. But the two have noticed one man in particular. Perhaps it’s a gut feeling? But if both the dog AND the human have noticed him…

Let me tell you, you will NOT be able to put the book down from there. (And that’s just a few pages in!) It is gripping. Heartbreaking. And yet so encouraging to watch Kenna courageously, passionately, and fearlessly seek out the lost and target the criminals. It turns out that these abductions are not just the crimes of a single perpetrator. There is more than one person targeting these young women. And it’s not obvious who is on the side of the angels…and who isn’t.

In addition, Kenna discovers that her father just might have had connections in this town. But are they people that she can trust? And did they really know her dad, or are they just dropping names in order to gain Kenna’s loyalty?

I honestly could not predict what Kenna and Cabot were going to face next. She is so incredibly skilled as an investigator, even as she keeps her heart protected. But she’s going to need help from others in order to solve these crimes. Because the perpetrator has no qualms about killing those in the way, or those who aren’t of use anymore. (Or who’ve betrayed the organization.) She’s going to face killers. Kidnappers. The worst of criminals. Will she have to do it alone…or will she have allies? Besides her very, very good dog, Cabot.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough to you. Lisa Phillips is the most incredible storyteller–and Kenna is a fantastic protagonist. (I fell in love with her in Cold Dead Night, and I am ALWAYS going to be on the lookout for a new book about her!) If you love thrillers and, like Kenna, have a heart for the downtrodden and cruelly-used, you are going to love Burn the Dawn. You won’t be able to turn the pages quickly enough!

Visit the author, Lisa Phillips here

You can find the Lisa Phillips on social media on the following links:

Lisa Phillips’ author website

Facebook

Instagram

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed here are my own honest ones.

“Cold Dead Night” ~ a JustRead Blog & Review Tour (& giveaway, ends 9/12/22)

#sponsor #partner

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Cold Dead Night by Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Cold Dead Night Series: Brand of Justice #1 Author: Lisa Phillips Publisher: Two Dogs Publishing Release Date: August 25, 2022 Genre: Christian Suspense

The FBI betrayed her. Now they need her.

Private Investigator Kenna Banbury lost everything two years ago at the hands of a serial killer. From the ashes of that encounter, she’s built a life she believes in, searching for the lost and forgotten all over the western US. Bringing her own brand of justice. When a series of murders drags her into an FBI investigation, Kenna finds herself back in the place where it all went wrong. Struggling to make sense of the case, Kenna’s past and present collide in a deadly plot that risks another betrayal and threatens to shatter everything she’s built. Kenna faces the ultimate test in this first book of a brand-new series from Lisa Phillips. PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author Lisa Phillips is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then 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.

Connect with Lisa by visiting authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed hardcover copy of Cold Dead Night and merch including a custom pen and chapstick. (3) additional winners will receive an ebook copy of Cold Dead Night.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 5, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 12, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only except books available internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

My thoughts

I can’t tell you the last time I read a book and was afraid to go to sleep!

Well, actually, I can; it was the other night when I was about 1/3 of the way through Lisa Phillips’ Cold Dead Night. Phillips is an exceptional world-builder; she also tells her story with exquisite pacing. In this book, we meet Kenna; a woman who’s got some serious fears yet fights through them to rescue and to bring justice and closure to victims and families. She has incredible instincts and a law enforcement background and training to back them up, though she uses her skills as a private investigator these days.

But oh, the loss.

Kenna has packaged her loss into a tiny corner of her heart. That loss pushes itself to the forefront with dreams and nightmares, occasionally; yet most of the time she’s able to compartmentalize in an almost superhuman manner. (But no, this isn’t the story of a comic book superhero. Kenna is all too human.) Alongside that loss, Kenna has constructed a solitary life as a PI. She goes where she is needed, assists the police when she can, then moves on to the next location. Alone, still.

When something concrete seems to connect her to a crime in Salt Lake City, the town she avoids until she has to pick up her mail, she’s surrounded by former FBI and police contacts. And the secrets she’s hidden are written on the faces of the agents who despise her, for what they think she has done. Her only sources of support are a police lieutenant and a new special agent Jaxton. But despite that, the body count is rising. The perpetrators are hidden from sight. Kenna may not make it out of this one alive.

Here’s what I can recommend to you: if you love police procedurals, justice, or FBI novels, you will love this book. (Or suspense books or thrillers!) Phillips’ storytelling and character creation are marvelous. Kenna has untold depths to her backstory and inner life, even as she is an exceptional investigator and truly a strong woman. You will root for her, sympathize with her pain, and hope against hope that she’ll come out of this book alive.

Just don’t read it before bedtime!

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.