Storm and Tempest

Brand of Justice #13

by Lisa Phillips

Their enemy might have Kenna, but Jax isn’t backing down. Ever.
For two months, FBI Special Agent Oliver Jaxton has been searching for his wife. Even with the help of her friends and the Phoenix FBI office, he’s no closer now than the day she disappeared. Forced to face his weaknesses, Jax is ready to admit he needs help. But with no break in the case in sight, he’s about to lose hope. When evidence surfaces that Kenna now works for their enemy, he refuses to believe it, even if it puts his job in jeopardy. He won’t quit.

Even if he loses everything.
The more Jax and Kenna’s team dig into the evidence, trying to find her, the more it seems like they never will. Teaming up with Kenna’s extended family makes things more complicated when a drive-by shooting puts their lives in danger. With danger on their heels and no way to know who they can trust, Jax is forced into a choice that could either destroy his career or get Kenna back.

His Brand of Justice will save this family.

Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Romance

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[MyWeekendIsBooked7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 of 5 Stars.

This book is thrilling and intense. In this book we get to be in Jax's head as he navigates finding his wife. He works alongside the team, but there is some conflict. There are so many twists in this book and as Lisa Phillips shows how dark and evil the antagonist really is. But she also shows that God is still in control. This is an excellent addition to the Brand of Justice series that allows us to get to know Jax a little better.

I received an ARC copy from the author, but was not required to leave a positive review.

[Appalachianbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good!
Storm and tempest (brand of justice book 13)
When I tell you I was soo ready to read this 💯
Book 12 was such a cliff hanger and I flew through this book lol, so hard to put it down but was also worried it was gonna be a major cliff hanger also 🤣
We pick up here with Jaxs pov, and so much going on at once! Unlikely jobs and people working together for one common goal, Kenna. I was on the edge of my seat for this book and would definitely recommend getting a copy!

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm and Tempest is raw and relentless. Every chapter is soaked in emotion, truth, and the ache of waiting on God when nothing makes sense, including His timing. This story lives in that place where you're dripping wet with fear and asking Him to supply hope at the same time, begging Him to move before your heart gives out.

This novel didn’t let me stand dry on the shore. It pulled me into the middle of the downpour … battered, breathless, drenched in tension and truth. Jax is searching for his kidnapped wife and he’s holding on to the only true Anchor: the one true, living God who sees in the dark. Jax’s thoughts echo every storm-weary prayer I’ve ever prayed: “Whatever happened, the Lord was sovereign … this was only going to turn out to be a victory if God directed the outcome.”

That’s not polished theology. That’s survival.

Nothing comes easy here … not the answers, not the healing, not the peace. Just a man asking for supernatural strength: “He needed God to supply him supernaturally with the ability to keep the faith …” And still choosing,
“… no matter what, he would do his best to give glory to God. Your will be done.”

This story reached deep! Deeper than I expected. The pacing, the danger, the emotion; but most of all, the authentic surrender. The unshakable kind that trusts God's hand when the outcome is still unseen. The gut-wrenching kind that breathes through soaked prayers. The holy kind that stays bowed low and worships.

I wasn’t ready for how emotional this would be. I didn’t expect the spiritual gut-punch in the middle of so much urgency. But I’m grateful. So grateful for the reminder that faith isn’t found after the storm clears, but right in the middle of it, where surrender becomes sacred. So grateful for a story that didn’t just stir emotion, but stirred worship. So grateful for the reminder that the storm doesn’t silence Him … it makes His nearness clearer. So grateful for a book that left me soaked in truth and steadied by grace.

Perfect for readers who have cried in the rain, whispered prayers through the thunder, and worshiped anyway – because He never stops being worthy!

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.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Lisa Phillips' newest book, Storm And Tempest, had me fighting waves of exhaustion from the first page until the very end!! I just couldn't put it down. The action throughout this story, was neverending, as they dealt with it all -- crimes, violence, and all the destroyed lives. It seemed as with every single step forward in the search to find Kenna, there were one or two steps taken backwards as well. As Jax searched for Kenna, the team expanded until every rock was turned over, every tree was searched, and hope began to fade. This story was written with an extra serving of guts, emotional support, a twinge of faith and lots of love. These team members (official and unofficial) were a family -- not by blood, but by circumstance, hope, and love. Kenna's love. They threw everything they had into the search for her. Everything that she taught them was used, it either stuck to the wall or bounced off. But, the main thing she taught them, sometimes without many words, is that love can set you free. Kenna's faith, as well as her love, began sinking into the crevices of people's hearts. For that, it was decided she was worth the fight. Phillips did an excellent job portraying God's love. She painted an exquisite portrait that love, faith, and hope can even set the hardest of hearts free. I loved this book, cheered them on, and cried with Jax, internally, when it all seemed hopeless. But God - Jax got to that point and he handed over the reigns. Against all odds, the truth set him free and God restored the tatters Jax's faith had once been. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and loved the emotional rollercoaster ride ....

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Storm and Tempest was a fast-paced read with non stop action and danger. Storm and Tempest picks up from where One More Chance ended with that diabolical cliffhanger. This story is from Jax's point of view as he, his and Kenna's friends, and Kenna's extended family members search for Kenna who has been kidnapped. This story has it all—tension, Jax's job on the line, deception, and not knowing who to trust. Will Jax and the team figure out a way to stop the Dominatus who has been causing nonstop distractions and trying to stop Jax and the team from working together? Storm and Tempest has faith elements woven in, and Jax struggled with trusting God when things looked bleak.
I received a complimentary compliment for understanding this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an intense thrill ride into a tunnel of evil that just won’t let up. The hero is faced with difficult choices and has to make them quickly as the action is fast-paced and relentless. FBI Agent Jaxson is determined to find his missing wife Kenna, but the cost may be too great for him and the team he works closely with to bear. This is a book filled with twists, secrets that are layered and complex characters. I am sure that I would have understood more at the beginning of the book if I had read the rest of the series, and I could kick myself for missing them because this book was so good. I would not recommend it as a standalone, but I would definitely recommend it as part of a riveting series since I plan to go back and see what I missed previously. Great book, totally absorbing and a relatable story with characters that spoke light to darkness and truth to evil.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via BookFunnel. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been really looking forward to this book for a couple of reasons: #1 Because of the major cliffhanger ending of the previous book. #2 This book features Kenna's husband, FBI Agent Oliver Jaxton, and even has him on the cover. He has been appearing more and more as the series progresses, so it was really cool to have him take center stage for this book, and learn more about him and his life. It comes out right away that he has been addicted to pain killers. No spoiler there. The first sentence of the book is "My name is Oliver Jaxton, and I am an addict." He struggles a lot with God and faith throughout the book as he meets so many obstacles on the search for his wife. I really ended up liking his character a lot more the further I got into the book. I won't give any spoilers away, but when I say the book centers on him, I mean the book really centers on him.

It seemed there was a lot more action and drama in this one. A lot happens, and it is difficult to know who are the bad guys and good guys at times, especially when sometimes the good guys turn out to be bad. The plot is intricate, yet easy to keep up with, and the author really puts her characters through a lot in this book. And the suspense in this one is way up there.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and it had a great ending, as opposed to the cliffhanger ending of the previous book, but it still left me looking forward to the next book, whenever that is coming.

Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Joy Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviews are supposed to tell other readers what they think of a book. This is my honest opinion of this book. It was the first one that I have read from this author, and it is in a series. I think you should start with book one and read up to this one,I will be going back to catch up in this intense and gripping series. It did take a few chapters for me to really get into the story, but again I think I should have started with the first book. That way I would have known more about the characters and their back stories. I can't wait to read the other books in order and will be looking forward to more. In this story you have FBI Special Agent Jax looking for his wife, Kenna who has been taken. Just how far will Jax go to get his wife back? Who can he trust? Will he be able to find his wife and will she be alive? Hang on tight and settle into a comfy chair until you read the very last spine-tingling word. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was not required to leave a review.

[Jenny x Carolena · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI Special Agent Oliver “Jax” Jaxton has spent two months searching for his wife, Kenna, who was captured by Dominatus. When evidence suggests she’s joined the enemy, Jax refuses to believe it—even if it costs him everything. From deepfakes to doppelgängers, drive-by shootings to betrayals, danger closes in at every turn. With time running out, Jax and Kenna’s fractured team must unite before Dominatus wins.

This story is packed with nonstop action, layers of deception, and the perfect balance of danger and suspense. I loved the race-against-the-clock rescue mission, the “who can you trust?” tension, and the way Jax’s faith and redemption arc deepened the stakes.

If you love fast-paced Christian romantic suspense with danger at every corner and twists that keep you guessing, this one is a must-read!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, and this is my honest and unbiased review.

[Amy Bendura · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've been following the series...

NOTE SPOILERS IN MY REVIEW

I've been reading the series as the books have come out. They started great. A super strong female lead. A clean development of organic relationships.

However, as it progresses with Kenna, she has appeared to dim as a heroine. The story is getting to be repetitive with her or Maize getting kidnapped and sexually assaulted. It's time to end the storyline. It stopped being about a PI who was kicking ass and standing up for the voiceless, and had morphed into a reboot of a low-budget Marvel versus Hydra super soldier conspiracy, lacking any real research or scientific data.

It's also extremely frustrating and disappointing that another strong female character, gets married and pregnant. Just once I would love to get into a book with strong characters, that don't have to travel that path, normalize alternative ways for women.

[Terri Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI Special Agent Oliver Jaxton, aka Jax, has been searching for his missing wife for 2 months. Kenna was taken and there’s been no word from her or information on her whereabouts. This book shows the more human side of Jax instead of the brave hero to the rescue side. The reader is allowed to see the fear of permanent loss mixed with hope and faith that his wife will be found. Jax enlists the help of Kenna’s team and her extended family. I found this edge of your seat, twisty book to be extremely hard to put down and fast paced. The romantic element is minimal. Faith is tested and friendships forged between characters.

I received an ARC of Storm and Tempest. The opinions stated here are strictly my own.

[Dawn Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to wait…

Ok, I confess, I had to wait for this book to come out before I read the previous one. I can’t stand cliffhangers they drive me crazy! LOL. I really loved this one in that we got a good look at Jax. We already knew who he was with Kenna, but this was a new glimpse into why he was the way he was, and what needed to change. I always used the illustration of Atlas with the kids when they were young. Our problems always feel like the world is on our shoulders, but when we give them to God, they become like a grain of sand in his hand, so who better to handle them?

[Staci Troilo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was in Jax’s POV instead of Kenna’s, and I LOVED it. Seeing Dominatus, his family, and the family Kenna forged of outcasts from a different perspective really shed a lot of light on who all these people were. Especially Jax, who I never see enough of, and Ramon, who has a completely different relationship with Jax than he does Kenna. Watching everyone evolve was a treat, and Maisie’s come a long way. She’s going to be fun to keep an eye on.

Action was ramped up in this one, and the reach of Dominatus is finally becoming clear. Frighteningly so.

This may have been my favorite of the series. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Lyn Herbohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

I’ll admit that after three years of reading about these characters I’ve become rather attached to them, and sometimes get annoyed at everything this author puts them through! There was the usual non-stop action, drama and suspense. Old and new characters left me guessing which ones were friends (or not). And of course Jax got his story. I got to know more about him, witness his faith struggles, and see what he was prepared to give up in his search for Kenna. It was an amazing story and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Thanks for a great read!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fasten seatbelt!

Kenna has been kidnapped & missing for months when Jax finally finds out she is pregnant with their daughter. Dominatus is determined to eliminate all of Kenna's team, but they are a hard bunch to kill. Very exciting and fast moving, from Arizona to Seattle to Alaska back to Seattle. Constant movement! Never a dull moment. Don't try to read this book first. This is book 13 in a series of 15 or 16.

[Heather Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!!!

Wowza! This book really puts the team through SO MUCH, trying to put puzzle pieces together while figuring out who they can trust. I loved how the different members of Kenna's team/family danced around each other at first, but then stepped up amd in together to work the case from different angles. I also loved how Kenna obviously affected each one of them by seeing the good in them and giving them a chance.

Now I am anxiously awaiting book 14!!

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved that we got to see Jax struggle through this book. He has always been my favorite as he grounds Kenna, but we finally got to see behind the curtain and how much Kenna actually grounds him. This story will give him more character as the series continues. Although I wish they would take down the enemy already and get to their happily ever after.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwrenching

All of the main characters in this series have become like family and Kenna being kidnapped feels personal. Getting an inside track on Jax dealing with his despair as his world literally falls apart when he has always been the strong one is a nice twist. The author does a good job of balancing the dark with glimmers of light and hope that only faith can offer.

[Naomi Shores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jax and the team are in a race against time to find Kenna. Plenty of action and twists and turns. There is a strong faith element also. I love the characters and their development from when they first came into the series.

[Felecia B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm and Tempest

What a heart stopping ride this book is! Never knowing who to trust and what will happen next keeps you reading late into the night. Brand of Justice books just keep getting better!

[Lisa Milloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always so good.

Lisa Phillips is my favorite writer. All of her books are so good. This series has been so well developed and rich in all of its poignant facets. I hope there will be many more.

[Vicki Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome series

Suspense mystery romance on the edge of your seat. you cannot miss this series. GOD is in their lives moving. It burns an awakeness in your soul. Never want this series to end

[Anna D.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brand of Justice #13

Kenna is missing, and her team will stop at nothing to find her. After twelve books told nearly 100% from Kenna's POV, readers finally get inside Jax's head as he frantically searches for his new wife. Non-stop action.

[Barbara Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title is so right!

This novel had my heart in jitters, back and forth, around and around! Jax, Maizie, Kenna, Ramon, Bruce….Forgiveness comes hard sometimes. Friends and foes. Faith and trust when you need them the most!

[Candy gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

the tempest storm

If this book had been real life, I would have been scared to death that no one would survive. Was the Lord ending this world because of all the sin? Wow just wow.

[K G Wakeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm and Tempest



Such a good Title, Storm and Tempest….what Jax and the crew go through can only be called a storm and tempest. In all and all, Jax plans as much as he can in every way possible but he finds out God actually guides his steps. Brilliant x

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a greatvaddition to the Brand of Justice series. Danger, deception, action packed and faith based...this book has it all. Difficult to put it down as its that great of a read. 💯 reccommend.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good book. Enjoyed the story line and characters. Highly recommend reading. Love most all her books.

I received an advance ebook and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Mary E. Sears · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this series 10 stars if I could. Every book is fascinating, fast-paced, and meaningful. They would make a fantastic TV series. Can't wait to see how everything ends up!

[Mary]

Excellent story

This was a tension filled story. I liked that Jax never gives up looking for Kenna and works with her friends to keep looking.