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SWAT: Top Cops #1

Wrongly Accused

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A DESPERATE FATHER

Only one thing matters to Caleb O'Malley: his daughter. Framed for his wife's murder, Caleb's only wish is to see his little girl. But Noelle Whitman, his daughter's foster mother, isn't buying his plea of innocence until bullets start flying and they're running for their lives. Staying one step ahead of the real killer proves nearly impossible, but former SWAT cop Caleb will risk everything to keep them safe. Because now there is nothing more important than Noelle and his daughter—not his freedom, not even his life.

SWAT: Top Cops—Love in the line of duty

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

97 people are currently reading
338 people want to read

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Laura Scott

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5 stars
237 (49%)
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164 (34%)
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60 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Megan.
1,724 reviews199 followers
September 29, 2015
I'm not a huge suspense fan, but if they were more like this I would be. This story was very well written and I read it almost straight through, didn't like putting it down. I liked all the main characters, a lot. However, the religious parts weren't the best I liked how I didn't figure out who was behind it all, though honestly not many clues were given so that I could anyway, but I still liked the surprise. There was also a big surprise at the end, and I really liked how it was handled. If you're a fan on Christian romantic suspense I recommend you read Wrongly Accused.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
Profile Image for Kate Vale.
Author24 books83 followers
August 11, 2014
First in a series about SWAT members, Caleb O'Malley wants only to be reunted with his 5-yr old daughter on being released from prison after being wrongly accused of his wife's murder.

Noelle Whitman is Kaitlin's foster mother. Just as Caleb arrives to take his daughter home, he's shot at. To protect his daughter, he insists that Noelle accompany them when they escape the bullets and whoever is out to kill Caleb.

How they escape and then convince his best friend that Caleb was framed forms the bulk of the story, which is laced with a gradual awareness by both Caleb and Noelle of their attraction for each other.
Profile Image for Rachel.
388 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2021
All I can say is Wow!

What a way to start a series. Cop accused of killing his wife gets out when the witness disappears. He goes to get his daughter and someone tries to kill him. The story follows the journey he takes to clear his name and reclaim his daughter, while falling in love with the foster mother. But the the true beauty is faith in God through the trials. Amazing!
Profile Image for Linda C.
2,415 reviews5 followers
June 7, 2023
After a year in jail waiting for his trial for allegedly murdering his wife, the eye-witness disappears and he is released. But when he shows up at the house where his daughter has been in foster care with Noelle Whitman he becomes the target of a sniper. He pushes Noelle and his daughter Kaitlin out the back door to safety. Again someone is trying to frame him as 2 more bodies turn up. This is a fast paced story of a couple on the run while trying to prove his innocence. Good read.
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,284 reviews36 followers
January 4, 2023
I loved ❤️ this book's storyline. I loved ❤️ the action in this story. I loved ❤️ the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. I loved ❤️ Caleb's character. I loved ❤️ Noelle's character. I loved ❤️ Kaitlin. I loved ❤️ the ending. Awesome job Ms. Scott.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2,322 reviews38 followers
April 2, 2014
3 1/2 STARS

I like the characters Caleb, Noelle and Kaitlin. Lots of action, drama, prayer and fast paced.
Parts I did not like was a few chapters close to the ending. I felt they were rushed and really left part of the story out. Like it was cut out or something. I needed to know more about the first murder and the revenge. I don't really want to say more in detail because I would be giving too much of the story away.

The plot was Caleb O'Malley was framed for his wife's murder. He got out of jail because the witness disappeared. When Caleb is going to pick his daughter up from her foster mother Noelle someone tried to kill him. He made Noelle, leave with him and his daughter and they took her car.

Who is trying to kill Caleb and why now? Who really killed his wife? Noelle does not trust Caleb but she loves Kaitlin. Kaitlin is scared of her father she has not seen for over a year.

Noelle was Kaitlin's preschool teacher and applied to get her as her foster daughter. She has taught her how to pray and taken her to church.

Caleb was a member of a SWAT team. He can not believe he was framed. He feels it must be a member of his team that framed him for his wife's murder. He goes on the run instead of calling the police to protect them. No one believed him even his best friend and fellow S.W.A.T. members.

I like how Caleb was so tender and loving with his daughter. He realized he had made mistakes with his marriage. How even though he never went to church he is grateful that Noelle took his daughter and taught her about faith.

This is a clean read. Talks about prayer and is not afraid to mention it more than once in the story.
I want to read the rest of the series and see how the different members of the S.W.A.T. team cope with the changes.

I was given this ebook to read and in exchange asked to give honest review by Netgalley and Harlequin.

publication: April 1st 2014 by Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense 224 pages ISBN 9780373445912
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,192 reviews592 followers
September 1, 2015
Wrongly Accused was a really good story! I enjoyed the mystery and couldn't figure things out ahead of time - which was nice. I liked the romance and there was even a surprise involving his daughter that I didn't expect. All in all, a very nice book! Great if you're looking for an inspirational romantic suspense novel.

*I received a complimentary e-copy for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
771 reviews8 followers
November 5, 2021
Wrongly Accused is the first installment in a new Series by Ms. Scott, SWAT: Top Cops. Caleb, Kaitlin and Noelle have a long journey before they can breathe and finally have a happily ever after. They will be running for their lives and Caleb will have to find evidence in his innocence but who could have killed his wife. He knew that she was cheating on him but he didn’t know her deepest secret and once he finds out things will finally fall into place. Noelle has also kept 2 key things from Caleb and with her help he can finally start his investigation. he will need help from some of his teammates but who can he confide in his best friend turned his back on him. I loved how Noelle was able to get Caleb to pray and believe that God would be there for him to protect him and guide him in the direction to keep them safe and to help clear his name. This was an interesting read that I enjoyed and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Scott has in store into this new series.
1,212 reviews8 followers
February 16, 2023
Exciting introduction to this series

Caleb is getting ready to see his daughter for the first time after 14 months of jail for a crime he didn't commit. When the foster mother opens the door, Noelle is holding into his daughter, Kaitlin, who drops her stuffed giraffe. As he bends down to pick up the stuffed animal, a bullet hits right where his head had been! From there, it is a nonstop battle to stay alive and figure out what's going on as well as who really did kill his wife. Can he figure it all out before he gets killed or ends up back in jail?

The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some kisses but no steam. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story, not just added in. This is book 1 of an exciting series. If you like your Christian romances with lots of action and plenty of twists and turns, then this is for you. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Paula Legate.
Author12 books25 followers
May 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the action and suspense, and the romance. Caleb O’Malley was falsely accused of the murder of his wife. He was let out of jail, when the eye witness came up missing. He went to go pick up his daughter from her foster mother’s house when bullets started flying. Caleb protected both his daughter, who stole my heart by the way, and her foster mom Noelle. The 3 went on the run. Not knowing who to trust. Caleb had to find out who killed his wife, and who still wanted him dead. This was an intense book.

34 reviews
February 15, 2025
Inspiring

I loved that both of the adult main characters had to learn to trust each other through actions, not words. I loved that Christ was the center of the setting right away. I couldn't put it down which meant my bath water got cold while reading the entire story. There were surprises both good, and bad, which kept the plot interesting. This book was exceptionally written. Mrs. Scott is one of my favorite authors.

Thank you again for the well written story.

me she I la Eberle
1,020 reviews
April 30, 2020
This is a very fast paced book that is pretty impossible to put down. Caleb O'Malley has just been released from 14 months in prison for a crime he didn't do: murdering his wife. He goes to pick up his young daughter at her foster mother's house and narrowly escapes being shot. He grabs Noelle Whitman and his daughter Kaitlin and they begin life on the run.
Profile Image for Judine Brey.
739 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2022
I appreciated how Caleb took charge when he was shot at. His protection of his daughter and her step-mother Noelle was skillfully portrayed. I liked how Noelle came to trust Caleb once she knew his personality. While the action was appropriately foreshadowed, some of Caleb's suddenness in his faith didn't quite ring true.
666 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2019
WOW!!!!!

What an amazing book. It shows that truth and love wins. Caleb and Noelle certainly went through the fire but God was there through it all and brought them through it all and the truth was brought to light.
Profile Image for Bonnie Drummond.
921 reviews19 followers
April 24, 2018
A fast past story of wanting to keep illegal activities quiet by framing a innocent man to jail. Know out of jail this man will have to keep his daughter and the women who was taking care of her safe until he can prove his innocent. With the help of his best friend and some of his teammates on the swat team they will find the answers he needs.
Profile Image for Dianne Sidebottom.
1,405 reviews15 followers
December 24, 2018
I didn't read these books in order but this is the last of 6 for me. Caleb and Noelle, Kaitlin story. title says it all?
Profile Image for Thebestdogmom.
1,281 reviews7 followers
May 28, 2021
Not bad. A little heavy on the religion. Not sure why as the book would have been fine without it.
441 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2021
very quick read, finished it in one day. I would say it was OK, nothing earth shattering just a nice story where you know how it is going to end.
Profile Image for Lydia Sadler.
183 reviews7 followers
Read
May 8, 2022
I liked this story because it was the old story of proving your innocence; it never gets old
Profile Image for Brenda Garvey.
14 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2023
Good plot

The story line was great, kept me to keep reading not put the book down. The next to last chapter was not what I thought it would be.
188 reviews
May 25, 2025
inspiring!

Laura Scott is an amazing storyteller! You can tell she writes with God’s hands on her! Truly inspiring, in the midst of danger and chaos, God is with us!
Profile Image for Sherry.
94 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2016
Caleb O'Malley is a SWAT cop who was framed for his wife's murder. When the supposed eyewitness is found dead, Caleb is released from prison. Only one thing really matters to Caleb and that is to see his sweet little daughter, Kaitlin. Noelle Whitman is a foster mom who has been caring for Kaitlin while Caleb has been in prison. She's not sure she believes in his innocence. But when shots are fired and they find themselves on the run together, she observes how he is with his daughter and begins to change her mind. All Caleb wants to do is keep them safe but it's hard when you're not sure who you can trust. They're running out of options though and in a step of faith Caleb decides to trust his once best friend. Will that prove to be a big mistake or will his friend help him prove his innocence?

WOW! This was a finely-tuned, tightly-written, edge-of-your-seat story that I could not put down. I seriously could not read fast enough. There were several places where the suspense had me holding my breath feeling anxious. In all fairness, this story should come with a warning label that once you start the book, all other tasks will be forgotten until you're finished! I loved getting to know Caleb and Noelle. Both were loving people but reserved and you understand why as the story unfolds. I love the way Noelle influenced Caleb, as well as Kaitlin, with her strong faith. Their relationship was a slow build that felt very natural. Kaitlin was a sweet little girl. You truly felt bad for the situation she was in. I can't even imagine being on the run or being framed but you sure get a taste of what that would be like to be Wrongly Accused. This is the first book in Laura Scott's new SWAT: Top Cops series and comes highly recommended. I am now anxiously awaiting Book 2, Down To The Wire.

*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

For more information about this book or other books by Laura Scott, I encourage you to visit her website
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,446 reviews82 followers
March 4, 2014
Caleb O'Malley has been in prison for the past fourteen months awaiting trial for murdering his wife. I crime he didn't commit. When the eyewitness who is the key to his prosecution disappears, Caleb is released. He immediately goes to the foster home where his daughter Kaitlyn has been living. He plans to pick up his daughter and get on with their life, but soon learns that it won't be that easy. Someone shoots at him right there on the doorstep and before he knows it Caleb is on the run with his five year old daughter and her foster mom, Noelle Whitman.
Normally when I read, I focus on the romance, that's my favorite part. In Wrongly Accused it was the mystery leading me on. Who is trying to kill them? Who can they trust? What will they do next? The relationship between Noelle and Caleb was sweet. I liked that she was the first person to finally listen to and trust him. I can imagine how frustrating it would be to have all of your former friends turn against you and have no one listen to you. I liked the relationship with Caleb's daughter, Kaitlyn, and how she brought Caleb and Noelle together.
The religious aspects of the story were also well done. I didn't feel like one character was trying to convert another, but like I was simply seeing a person who lived their faith, and turned to God in prayer during the good times, and the times when she is running for her life.
Overall, an enjoyable and fast paced read.
Content: talk of Caleb's deceased wife being involved in prostitution, and having affairs (none of which was described), otherwise, clean.
Disclosure: I got a copy of Wrongly Accused from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Connie N..
2,709 reviews
April 27, 2014
I'd rate this 3.5 stars, but since it kept my interest and had some suspenseful moments, I'm going to round it up to a 4-star read.

We first meet Caleb O'Malley, former SWAT-team member, as he gets out of jail for allegedly killing his wife. Sounds bad, but it's clear that he was framed and now has to try to clear his name. As a matter of fact, the only reason he's out of jail is that the key witness for the prosecution has been killed, so now there's nothing left to tie him to the crime. When he goes to pick up his 5-year-old daughter at the foster home, an unexpected gunshot barely misses him, and the three of them (Noelle the foster mother, Kaitlin his daughter, and Caleb) are forced to leave suddenly and without any preparations. Trying to avoid the unknown enemy, stay clear of the cops, and figure out who really killed his wife is definitely difficult, but they somehow have to manage it. Noelle's Christian faith is important to her, and through her example, becomes Caleb's support as well. Although I'm not usually a Christian romance fan, this was fairly subtle and certainly understandable under the circumstances they found themselves in. Who wouldn't pray for help and guidance in that situation? Caleb becomes fairly certain of the killer's identity early on, but it's suspenseful and exciting to watch them gather clues and try to contact the right people without getting caught by the wrong people.

First in a new series called SWAT: Top Cops!, this book sets the stage for more excitement within the ranks of these Wisconsin police officers. I will probably continue with this series as it becomes available.
Profile Image for Tania Godwin-evans.
178 reviews11 followers
March 21, 2015
I am not against a Christian themed book (being a Christian myself) but there is a time and a place for it and this novel was not it. I know some Christians pray at a drop of a hat but the ones included here did not read as sincere prayers and did nothing to the plot at all. Other than the prayers there was no other mention that Noelle was a Christian apart from visiting church there does not seem to be much else religious about the way she runs her life. These two elements do not a Christian make.

A flat novel with dim characters whose motivation lies flat. If Noelle had had a terrible experience at the hands of a male before; she is way too trusting of this strange male (recently released from prison) that she does not know. He is the same too.

The female lead is very mercurial (even at 8% of the book read) and is not a very likeable character. The child is really annoying too. The saving grace is Caleb and even he is a bit hollow.

There were elements that felt rushed such as Noelle’s previous experience and the first murder. It would have made such a better story if we had more details of these incidents and then perhaps the reader could more readily identify with the characters.

The addition of prayers etc is not realistic and seems false. The way he converts so easily also feels false.

I did keep going until the end just to find out who the killer was because it was sussed by the male hero.

A quick easy read with little thought required. If you want more than a surface friendly read this book is not for you but ideal for a holiday.

Full Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tammy Cox.
40 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and I couldn't seem to put it down. I absolutely fell in love the Caleb, Kaitlin and Noelle.

My only complaint concerning the book, and its minor, because it doesn't take away from what the story is trying to convey is the constant praying to God. Do I believe in God, absolutely. I'm just not one to think that I have to constantly pray.

Caleb goes to pick up his daughter after being in jail for the last 14 month. He is finally released from jail for a crime he didn't commit. He is hoping to figure out who killed his wife and tried to frame him for her murder, while raising his daughter. A few minutes after arriving to pick up his daughter from her foster mother the bullets start flying. Terrified that whoever tried to frame him is not only after him, but is now trying to harm or kill his daughter as well. The trio goes on the run.

Noelle is Kaitlin's foster mother, she isn't sure what to make of Caleb. He arrived to pick up Kaitlin and not 2 minutes later after opening the door, bullets start flying. Scared for Kaitlin she goes on the run with Caleb. Noelle is not a trusting person, and with good reason. She will have to put her faith into a man she doesn't know and has no desire to know and trust.

The pair make a good team, especially consider neither knows the other. They must stick together to not only stay alive, but to protect Kaitlin as well.
Profile Image for Alexa Verde.
Author110 books298 followers
April 12, 2014
WRONGLY ACCUSED is the first book in Laura Scott's brand new series SWAT: Top Cops. The series start with the story of Caleb O'Malley who used be a SWAT cop but was framed for his wife's murder. When Caleb goes to pick up his daughter Kaitlin from her foster mom Noelle Whitman, they find themselves under attack and have to go on the run. While Noelle doesn't believe Caleb's innocence at first, soon he earns her trust, and together they'll do anything to protect little Kaitlin and find the real killer.

WRONLY ACCUSED is a very fast-paced read, with danger and new twists around every corner. In addition to main characters, I loved the character of little Kaitlin, an adorable child who went through a lot. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the next book in the series, DOWN TO THE WIRE.
Profile Image for IrenesBookReviews.
1,039 reviews26 followers
May 16, 2014
I loved that this book had a child as an essential part of the story! It helped make the suspense even more exciting! The two main characters, Caleb and Noelle, are well written and their relationship is believable. I gave this book 5/5 stars. I thought the action and suspense was fun to read and kept me turning the pages. This is definitely a book I would read again. I would recommend the book to anyone who likes stories with children involved or who likes a page turner that is a quick read.

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
Profile Image for Jessica.
592 reviews19 followers
March 13, 2014
Wrongly Accused by Laura Scott is a fast-paced romantic thriller that does an excellent job of meshing inspirational elements with action. The characters were three-dimensional and the plot was interesting, with lots of twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The inspirational aspects of the story were just right; not once did any of the characters display a sanctimonious attitude, which is something that drives me batty! Overall, a delightful book that will leave readers wanting more.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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