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Fallout #0.5
The Last Day
From USA Today bestselling author of romantic suspense and medical thrillers, Lisa Harris, comes the prequel to a brand new series.
When Dr. Hope McQuaid stops at the scene of an accident on a lonely west Texas highway, she ends up being used as bargaining chip for two dangerous fugitives with nothing to lose. Officer Chase Beckett intervenes in the hostage situation, but he will have to risk his own life to save his high school sweetheart—the one woman he’s never been able to forget.
When Dr. Hope McQuaid stops at the scene of an accident on a lonely west Texas highway, she ends up being used as bargaining chip for two dangerous fugitives with nothing to lose. Officer Chase Beckett intervenes in the hostage situation, but he will have to risk his own life to save his high school sweetheart—the one woman he’s never been able to forget.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2021
61 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Harris
128 books1,288 followersLISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Vendetta, and Port of Origin, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times.
She has fifty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.
She has fifty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 27, 2024
This is the prequel (novella) to the Fallout series. I received this copy for free by signing up for the author’s newsletter.
Synopsis:
“When Dr. Hope McQuaid stops at the scene of an accident on a lonely west Texas highway, she ends up being used as a bargaining chip for two dangerous fugitives with nothing to lose. Officer Chase Beckett intervenes in the hostage situation, but he will have to risk his own life to save his high school sweetheart—the one woman he’s never been able to forget.”
Set in Shadow Ridge, west Texas, this series introduces readers to the McQuaid family through the main character, Hope. Returning home to assume a position in a family medical practice, Dr. Hope McQuaid is prepared for an awkward reunion. After all, she didn’t leave on the best of terms. What she hasn’t counted on is running into Chase Beckett (the one who got away) and armed fugitives on her first day back.
I loved this enough to continue with the series and I’m excited to try a new subgenre and continue with a new-to-me author who writes fantastic adrenaline-fueled action.
Synopsis:
“When Dr. Hope McQuaid stops at the scene of an accident on a lonely west Texas highway, she ends up being used as a bargaining chip for two dangerous fugitives with nothing to lose. Officer Chase Beckett intervenes in the hostage situation, but he will have to risk his own life to save his high school sweetheart—the one woman he’s never been able to forget.”
Set in Shadow Ridge, west Texas, this series introduces readers to the McQuaid family through the main character, Hope. Returning home to assume a position in a family medical practice, Dr. Hope McQuaid is prepared for an awkward reunion. After all, she didn’t leave on the best of terms. What she hasn’t counted on is running into Chase Beckett (the one who got away) and armed fugitives on her first day back.
I loved this enough to continue with the series and I’m excited to try a new subgenre and continue with a new-to-me author who writes fantastic adrenaline-fueled action.
June 13, 2022
This quick read gives a glimpse at the Fallout series set in Shadow Ridge, in west Texas; a rough land filled with desert, cactus, and danger. The series is centered around the McQuaid family, consisting of the parents, three sons, and two daughters. In this story, we meet Hope, a daughter returning to become the town family doctor and her old boyfriend, Chase Beckett, who returned to work with Hope's father, the police chief as his only deputy. They get a tense reunion as they encounter some dangerous fugitives. Will they get through the danger and rekindle their relationship? I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
December 23, 2021
This prequel delivers plenty of action and gives readers a glimpse of what's ahead in the series. Look forward to reading book one!
June 12, 2022
Prequel novella to the Fallout series and it starts out with all the intensity and action I've come to expect in a Harris novel. I have read the second book and am now backtracking and then continuing on with the series in order.
Love the ominous tone to the title because what's about to hit this rural and very isolated small town is incredibly angsty even though the last 'normal' days in Shadow Ridge are anything but normal!
This series explores the many facets of law enforcement when the power grid inexplicably goes down. No technology, crime labs or forensic tools. Just good ol' police work like they did a hundred years ago in the Wild West! But we're not there yet...this novella sets the stage and introduces us to the some of the key players and already has me on tenterhooks for what's to come next.
And it has it's own kind of drama -- escaped convicts, kidnapping, hostage taking! Just the routine 'day in the life' stuff that comes with small town living. :-) And Hope McQuaid gets caught up in it all on her first day back home where she's accepted the position of town doctor.
Hooray for the intense reunion romance that stirs up its own kind of drama! Love the impeccable pacing Harris brings to this story, expertly interweaving action and romance while leaving enough loose threads at the end that I've already ordered the next book. This goes beyond unputdownable and into the insatiable -- must have more now -- realm!
Love the ominous tone to the title because what's about to hit this rural and very isolated small town is incredibly angsty even though the last 'normal' days in Shadow Ridge are anything but normal!
This series explores the many facets of law enforcement when the power grid inexplicably goes down. No technology, crime labs or forensic tools. Just good ol' police work like they did a hundred years ago in the Wild West! But we're not there yet...this novella sets the stage and introduces us to the some of the key players and already has me on tenterhooks for what's to come next.
And it has it's own kind of drama -- escaped convicts, kidnapping, hostage taking! Just the routine 'day in the life' stuff that comes with small town living. :-) And Hope McQuaid gets caught up in it all on her first day back home where she's accepted the position of town doctor.
Hooray for the intense reunion romance that stirs up its own kind of drama! Love the impeccable pacing Harris brings to this story, expertly interweaving action and romance while leaving enough loose threads at the end that I've already ordered the next book. This goes beyond unputdownable and into the insatiable -- must have more now -- realm!
March 17, 2022
4.5 stars!
Characters: I enjoyed reading Chase's and Hope's perspectives. Even though this was a novella, Chase and Hope were well-developed.
Language: Clean.
Moral: I can't remember a specific moral. Yeah, I'm a bad reviewer. :)
Plot: That was suspenseful! This novella started off with action and drew me right in. I didn't want to stop reading, and because it was a shorter story, I didn't have to.
Romance: Clean. Just kissing. I liked that Chase and Hope had grown up together and previously dated. If they hadn't had that backstory, their romance would've seemed really rushed.
Writing: Lisa Harris's fast-paced writing worked great for this novella.
Overall: The Last Day was an exciting, quick read, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy Christian fiction and romantic suspense. I'm looking forward to continuing the series!
Characters: I enjoyed reading Chase's and Hope's perspectives. Even though this was a novella, Chase and Hope were well-developed.
Language: Clean.
Moral: I can't remember a specific moral. Yeah, I'm a bad reviewer. :)
Plot: That was suspenseful! This novella started off with action and drew me right in. I didn't want to stop reading, and because it was a shorter story, I didn't have to.
Romance: Clean. Just kissing. I liked that Chase and Hope had grown up together and previously dated. If they hadn't had that backstory, their romance would've seemed really rushed.
Writing: Lisa Harris's fast-paced writing worked great for this novella.
Overall: The Last Day was an exciting, quick read, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy Christian fiction and romantic suspense. I'm looking forward to continuing the series!
March 4, 2022
This is the second book I’ve read by Lisa Harris, (I read this out of order and the review for the other book will follow) but it won’t be my last. A quick, enjoyable read, it offered a fine blend of action and character development. Though, short, I think it is a great introduction to the town of Shadow Ridge and several of its inhabitants prior to the EMP that begins the series. Clean with Christian themes, this checks all the boxes for me. Recommended.
February 28, 2023
This little novella packs a big wallop with suspense, romance and intense action! It is a perfect introduction to a new series, with a new hero, Deputy Sheriff Chase Beckett. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and how they were able to outsmart the bad guys. There are chase scenes, a kidnapping, hostages and a jail break, all in this little book. And when Chase meets up with a former girlfriend named Hope, romance comes into the picture, too. This is a perfect prequel for the Fallout series and enticed me to preorder the “Dangerous Pursuits” set of novellas that this short book is part of. This was like a Wild West movie in which the director yelled, “Action” and it just started on page one and continued to the end. Loved it!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
July 21, 2023
Exciting beginning to a series about Shadow Ridge, a small town with only 2 officers.
Dr. Hope McQuaid is returning to her hometown to become the local General Practitioner. She wonders if she will meet childhood sweetheart Chase Beckett who is the sole deputy for her Sheriff father. They re-meet under dangerous circumstances.
Small town connections are important as two bad guys ride into town. Complications arise with spotty cell phone service as Chase and Hope try to outwit the criminals.
Fast paced and well plotted. The relationships are good and the story showed a progression of faith as well as background for the next stories about the McQuaid family.
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
Dr. Hope McQuaid is returning to her hometown to become the local General Practitioner. She wonders if she will meet childhood sweetheart Chase Beckett who is the sole deputy for her Sheriff father. They re-meet under dangerous circumstances.
Small town connections are important as two bad guys ride into town. Complications arise with spotty cell phone service as Chase and Hope try to outwit the criminals.
Fast paced and well plotted. The relationships are good and the story showed a progression of faith as well as background for the next stories about the McQuaid family.
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
March 17, 2023
Review originally written September 16, 2021
I just finished The Last Day with my coffee this morning. It was a quick read full of action that definitely has me excited for her new series releasing this fall.
Lisa Harris is a must read author for me and one of my favorite suspense authors. In this story like her other books, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the small town in western Texas desert setting was perfect. I love stories centered around families so I am looking forward to getting to know more members of the McQuaid family.
This novella is releasing on October 11th as part of the Dangerous Pursuits boxed set which you can preorder today. Book One in the Fallout series titled Survival releases on October 26th.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of the story. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I just finished The Last Day with my coffee this morning. It was a quick read full of action that definitely has me excited for her new series releasing this fall.
Lisa Harris is a must read author for me and one of my favorite suspense authors. In this story like her other books, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the small town in western Texas desert setting was perfect. I love stories centered around families so I am looking forward to getting to know more members of the McQuaid family.
This novella is releasing on October 11th as part of the Dangerous Pursuits boxed set which you can preorder today. Book One in the Fallout series titled Survival releases on October 26th.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of the story. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
September 13, 2022
I've had the opportunity to read The Last Day by Lisa Harris. It is the prequel to her new Fallout series.
Hope McQuaid is heading home after years of being gone and swearing she would never grow old in a small town, but circumstances have a way of changing life long plans. If her first day back is any indication of what small town living is like maybe she has had it wrong all of these years.
Chase Beckett now a deputy in his hometown after returning following a breakup that he never saw coming. He finds himself face to face with his past when Hope is taken hostage by two suspects on the run and wanted for a long list of crimes including murder.
I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher, but all conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Hope McQuaid is heading home after years of being gone and swearing she would never grow old in a small town, but circumstances have a way of changing life long plans. If her first day back is any indication of what small town living is like maybe she has had it wrong all of these years.
Chase Beckett now a deputy in his hometown after returning following a breakup that he never saw coming. He finds himself face to face with his past when Hope is taken hostage by two suspects on the run and wanted for a long list of crimes including murder.
I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher, but all conclusions are mine and mine alone.
March 1, 2023
The story hits hard and fast, and keeps the reader hanging on, wondering what is going to happen next. The chase scene in the opening chapter gets the blood pumping and then leaves you hanging. Then in the next chapter, Hope is driving a deserted stretch of desert highway when she comes upon a car on the shoulder of the road with the hood up and two men standing beside it. I started to cringe the moment she slowed down to stop. What was she thinking? One woman, two men, and a deserted road. This has bad news written all over it. The daughter of a sheriff should know better. Then the excitement ramps up even more and the action escalates, barely slowing down until the end of the story. I could have kept on reading for hours. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
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August 1, 2024Breve apreciação sobre a Série "Fallout" (#0.5, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6)
Foi interessante acompanhar os personagens num mundo em que um "Apagão Geral" fez com que regredissem no tempo.
Sem electricidade, tudo o que damos por garantido, deixou de estar acessível: iluminação, hospitais com todos os equipamentos e medicação necessários, redes de transportes, supermercados, internet, telemóveis, métodos de conservação de alimentos, etc etc. Até o próprio dinheiro deixou de ser útil.
Ao longo da série vamos acompanhando os esforços de uma comunidade para combater o crime e salvar vidas, sem acesso às ferramentas a que estavam habituados.
Gostei desta série. Admito que, alguns aspectos do desenlace não me conquistaram a 100% mas, em geral, foi uma agradável experiência de leitura.
Julho 2024
Foi interessante acompanhar os personagens num mundo em que um "Apagão Geral" fez com que regredissem no tempo.
Sem electricidade, tudo o que damos por garantido, deixou de estar acessível: iluminação, hospitais com todos os equipamentos e medicação necessários, redes de transportes, supermercados, internet, telemóveis, métodos de conservação de alimentos, etc etc. Até o próprio dinheiro deixou de ser útil.
Ao longo da série vamos acompanhando os esforços de uma comunidade para combater o crime e salvar vidas, sem acesso às ferramentas a que estavam habituados.
Gostei desta série. Admito que, alguns aspectos do desenlace não me conquistaram a 100% mas, em geral, foi uma agradável experiência de leitura.
Julho 2024
May 2, 2025
This was my first book by Lisa Harris, and it intrigued me enough that I’m already considering reading the rest of the series. I absolutely love small-town romances—especially when they feature men in uniform—and this one did not disappoint.
The story was packed with action from beginning to end, centered around the main characters, Chase and Hope. Their journey was both intense and heartfelt, with just the right amount of suspense to keep things moving. The icing on the cake for me? Some genuine laugh-out-loud moments that brought a perfect balance to the tension.
The scenes and situations felt very realistic, making it easy to connect with the characters and their challenges. Although it was a short read, it lacked nothing. Highly recommend it if you're looking for a quick, satisfying escape with romance, action, and charm.
The story was packed with action from beginning to end, centered around the main characters, Chase and Hope. Their journey was both intense and heartfelt, with just the right amount of suspense to keep things moving. The icing on the cake for me? Some genuine laugh-out-loud moments that brought a perfect balance to the tension.
The scenes and situations felt very realistic, making it easy to connect with the characters and their challenges. Although it was a short read, it lacked nothing. Highly recommend it if you're looking for a quick, satisfying escape with romance, action, and charm.
July 15, 2022
When picking up a Lisa Harris book, I know that it will be a great story. This novella, The Last Day, a prequel to the Fallout series, is no exception. It is fast-paced and full of intense suspense, danger, lots of action, and a second chance at romance. What more could a reader who loves the mystery & intrigue genre in books ask for? The Last Day quickly pulled me into the story and characters of a small town in Texas and left me anxiously looking forward to reading the rest of the series. It is a great beginning. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.
February 8, 2022
Short Quick Read
Lisa Harris Mystery Romances never fail to please. Except this one was way too short. Curled up with a blanket in Florida (a rare moment) recovering from surgery and this author’s books are a perfect distraction. I always enjoy her books and this is no exception. I’m not one to give stories away in reviews so my hope is you will join me in reading her books so she can continue writing. You won’t regret that decision.
Lisa Harris Mystery Romances never fail to please. Except this one was way too short. Curled up with a blanket in Florida (a rare moment) recovering from surgery and this author’s books are a perfect distraction. I always enjoy her books and this is no exception. I’m not one to give stories away in reviews so my hope is you will join me in reading her books so she can continue writing. You won’t regret that decision.
July 25, 2025
This book started out promising with an action filled car chase between police and attackers, then it morphed into a small town where two people couldn't make up their minds about each other.
As this is a prequel, there is still the possibility of the following books drawing me in more, as I did enjoy her relaxed writing style. I must also point out that this is the first book I have read from this author.
I received a copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.
As this is a prequel, there is still the possibility of the following books drawing me in more, as I did enjoy her relaxed writing style. I must also point out that this is the first book I have read from this author.
I received a copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.
February 14, 2022
What....
Why wasn't this available before Survivor? I've already read Survivor and Hunted, ready for the third installment, and this comes along! While I am glad to know how things started, and what happened to Chase, it would have been great to have this info beforehand. Anyway, it's good but way too short. Thinking i maybe overpaid fof 76 pages.
Why wasn't this available before Survivor? I've already read Survivor and Hunted, ready for the third installment, and this comes along! While I am glad to know how things started, and what happened to Chase, it would have been great to have this info beforehand. Anyway, it's good but way too short. Thinking i maybe overpaid fof 76 pages.
March 1, 2023
I liked Hope and Chase and their reunion. The action kept me engaged and the set up for the series was well done. I'm intrigued by the Grid going down and how the series played out. This was a great start to the series and keeps the reader engaged and wanting more.
February 28, 2024
Lots of spelling and grammatical errors. I thought the beginning of the book was engaging and it held my attention, but then it kind of petered out and by the abrupt ending I lost interest. I’m not going to continue reading the other books. This ends on a cliffhanger very suddenly.
July 28, 2024
This is the prequel to this fabulous series.
This book features Chase and Hope and how they were high school sweethearts, but went different paths. Then they meet again only to be torn apart by criminals.
This book features Chase and Hope and how they were high school sweethearts, but went different paths. Then they meet again only to be torn apart by criminals.
October 16, 2025
This prequel novella is free if you sign up for the author’s newsletter. While I feel like the writing quality doesn’t match some of Harris’s older works, I found the premise intriguing — more so than the plot of this novella.
May 20, 2022
Riveting.
Full of plot twists.
Full of plot twists.
August 19, 2022
Looking forward to the rest of the story.
October 21, 2022
At under one hundred pages this story goes fast—maybe too fast. Desperadoes, hostages, and rekindling an old romance. Harris primes the pump of her Fallout series with this quick prelude.
February 15, 2023
A little romance before the lights go out.
February 27, 2023
Love Hope and Chase…now on to the next …first novel! Love Lisa Harris novels and on a binge with this series!
March 22, 2023
The Last Day
This prequel is a very exciting start to a new series. I can’t wait to get started on the series.
This prequel is a very exciting start to a new series. I can’t wait to get started on the series.
November 28, 2023
This was a fast paced second chance romance. It had good elements of faith and romance.
January 18, 2024
Great introduction to this author - enjoyable story, few surprises - recommended
March 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and will probably buy the rest of the series. This is the first book by Lisa I've read and she sold me on her books. Fast paced, great characters and spiritual content.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews