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.
Now or Never seized my breath with that trembling awareness that danger is close… closer than anyone can measure… moving in shadows, waiting, circling. Every page felt like stepping across cracked ice; quiet underfoot yet groaning with something deadly beneath. Lisa Phillips writes suspense with a clarity that captures fear pressing in from every direction, known and unknown.
The spine-tightening pace made me whisper prayers between chapters, the kind that reminds you how real courage is shaped. There is danger in the alleys of Boston, danger in the political undercurrent of DC, danger in every unknown, and the most powerful tension rises from the spiritual battle pursuing Kenna’s heart. That is where this story becomes extraordinary. The kiss of perfection.
When Jax quietly says, “… we need to pray.” He bowed his head and spoke aloud, giving all their fear to the Lord. Asking for wisdom on how to fight this evil, and protection for every member of their family. I felt that. It is the kind of prayer that resonates through the chest because it names exactly what the story is doing… placing every fear in God’s hands.
Kenna’s inner journey moved me deeply. Her fear. Her hesitation. Her desire to step back from the weight of faith in the line of fire. Phillips captures this beautifully with one of the most piercing truths in the book: “She needed a firm foundation in the Lord… because God already filled her to the brim with everything she needed spiritually.” This is the kind of line that makes you pause and breathe.
Jax carries a steady, biblical clarity: “… let’s find it. Together. Rediscover what you believe and why and start to put that armor back on one piece at a time. When the next attack comes, you’ll be better protected.” A needed reminder for every believer.
Then Jesse’s gentle wisdom shifts everything: “But we drift. We forget. Or we mess up… Returning to the Lord can be a daily thing… or every minute… nearly constantly… to keep Him close.”
This is discipleship. This is spiritual warfare. This is grace in motion.
And when Kenna prays … She closed her eyes… determined to cling to the Lord in every situation. Even ones that didn’t seem scary. I whispered: Yes!
Explosions, political traps, layered threats, spiritual tension… every page carries weight, danger, and holy intensity. Yet faith stands strong and steady, rising with every chapter.
Five stars. Without hesitation. Without caveat. A masterful addition to an amazing series.
I received a digital ARC from the author. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
In my not so humble opinion, this may be the best book in the series so far. It is a toss up between this one and the previous book that featured Jax. This is the first book since Kenna and Jax got married that they were together for the whole book. Before they married, the together times were hit and miss, and then if you have read all the books, you know what the together times were like.
In addition to Jax and Kenna spending more time together in this book, so does the rest of Kenna's ragamuffin band. Phillips did a terrific job on creating Kenna's - and now also Jax's loyal band of merry men and women. They are all so different, and have their individual strengths, but they are all fiercely loyal to Kenna and Jax.
There is not a wasted page or moment in this book. A lot happens, and the reader - at least this reader - had a hard time knowing who was good and bad, and downright evil. It sure made it a more interesting read.
I like it when an author puts Christian content in their books. In this book, Kenna is a fairly new Christian, and has lost her faith because of what had happened to her in previous months. Her husband takes her to talk to an interesting friend of his - dude with no legs, previously arrested nd led to Jesus by Kenna's former FBI agent husband. The conversation between those fictional characters was something I needed to hear. God or the author might as well as put my name in there.
The book had a great non-cliffhanger ending that still left me eager to read the next book.
What a fantastic read. Now or Never had me hooked from start to finish. It includes a couple flashbacks in Kenna's POV from when she had disappeared. Kenna and Jax have to navigate fears and trauma after what happened in Storm and Tempest. Kenna struggles with her faith which has been affected by the trauma she endured by the Dominatus organization. Now and Never is a fast-paced read with twists and turns and surprises as the investigation into the death of a teen girl 6 years ago turns into something more sinister. Who can they trust? I enjoyed the husband and wife team working together, the team looking out for Kenna and Jax and working together, and the faith elements woven into the story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A thrilling new addition to the Brand of Justice series. After suffering at the hands of Dominatus, Kenna is struggling to adjust and feels as though she's lost her faith. As she and her team find themselves wrapped deep into this dangerous group with ties into many governments, she has to find her faith again and rely on her husband, Jax, and their team. They go on quite a wild ride, and I can't wait for the next book!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lisa Phillips penned Now or Never with danger, strategic implications of a traumatic conclusion and ongoing complications world-wide. Plus, there was a unified cohesion of the team to protect Jax and Kenna - as well as themselves. I loved how Now or Never could turn the world on its axis -- deliberately. I especially enjoyed how Jax and Kenna fell into preparing a place for their child, how willing they were to fight to ensure the world was a better place in the end. I particularly gave a mental thumbs up to the fact that family is not necessarily blood -- it's whatever you make it. Phillips scripted a well-thought-out plot where every single detail mapped the present here and now, as well as a glimpse of what could lie ahead. I gave Now or Never 5 out of 5 stars for action and suspense, as well as a cast of characters that have created a family built on love, hope, and trust in others.
Warning: Do not start this book unless you have dedicated time to finish it!
Brand of Justice is a fast-paced, high-octane thriller that demands your full attention. Lisa Phillips is a master of the "just one more chapter" feeling. I was hooked immediately by Kenna’s internal struggle - balancing her secret fear with the need to fight for justice alongside Jax. The political intrigue in Boston and D.C. added a complex layer that kept the plot moving at breakneck speed.
It’s a breathless read that perfectly balances action with the emotional push/pull of keeping a family safe in the face of evil. It definitely didn't disappoint, and I’m counting down the days until the next installment!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, and this is my honest and unbiased review.
Now or never - Lisa Phillips brand of justice book 14
We are 14 books deep into brand of justice now and it is still my favorite series of hers. As always you have your twists and turns, seeing Kenna getting used to being more of a family unit and actually preferring to be somewhat on the sidelines was something to get used to lol but, I really enjoyed it and need #15 in a hurry lol. I was so sure some major plots along the last few books were coming to a head in this one but, in true Lisa Phillips fashion, she threw in some new twists! Can't wait for the next one. Make sure to grab a copy today!
It was kind of cute how Jax and Kenna were attached at the hip for pretty much the whole story. As per usual a lot went on, but it wasn’t as heavy as some of the previous books. There were still some awful things, and bodies, and the usual “are they friends or foe” characters. And so many threads that I don’t know how the author keeps everything straight in her head! Kenna had to regain her faith and learn to trust God for her family and her future again before she could fight Dominatus some more. I’m going to miss all these characters once the series ends. :-(
Absolutely brilliant…..I was able to read the whole series of books one after another. Kenna’s journey from beginning to end. What a journey. As I said Absolutely Brilliant. Lisa Phillips has written an amazing set of characters with Kenna at the foremost. Everyone of the people she has met has become part of her journey. A fabulous set of books I really…..couldn’t put down. I highly recommend this whole set…Enjoy the journey..
I absolutely loved this book & didn't want it to end. There were so many crooks and turns that kept me on my toes and my eyes wide open. This series of books are the best out of all the series of books that I've read. Thank you so much for the entertainment that there books have brought me!
When I say there are numerous evil people in this story, that is putting it mildly. I still can’t wrap my mind around all of these crazy people wanting this person that person etc killed together their way into a leadership role. Read and do not put down until you have completed the entire novel.
This was another excellent story. I love how Kenna has to fight to keep her faith. That makes it so very real. The characters are great and it would be interesting to see where and what they wind up doing after this.
In love, faith, perseverance, trial by fire, and all those other things we go through in life. The Holy Spirit within guides and comforts us constantly! Praise God! A fun read too!
Lisa Phillips developed a deeper relationship among Kenna’s team. Which knitted them as a stronger family unit. Great twist and turn in this Book 14. I specially enjoyed Kenna’s spiritual transformation. I hope Book 15 is coming.
This book was filled with excitement, but mostly it was filled with the spirit of GOD. I felt GOD throughout this book. Lisa Phillips is such an inspirational writer.
Great book and great series of books. I feel like I know all these people personally. I have read all 14 books and will be sad when I reach the end of the series.
Kenna and Jax work on cold cases that is far from Dominatus. But they can’t stay away from them, this case once again winds back to Dominatus. Each one of their team, chosen family, works to keep her and the soon to be born baby.