Book Reviews

Phoenix: Rise from the Ashes (Recovery 1) by Angelique Jurd

Genre Gay / Contemporary / Romance
Reviewed by Lena Grey on 17-September-2018

Book Blurb

For over a year, Connor has served the guy with the sad eyes one drink a night. He drinks it, pays, then leaves. One night he orders two and Connor finally gets him to talk. Little by little, week by week, Connor coaxes Lucas to open up - and falls in love with him along the way. But is love enough to help Lucas overcome the physical and emotional pain of what he's been through? And can Connor really understand the horror of what happened?

 

Book Review

“Hope rises like the phoenix from the ashes of shattered dreams.” ~ S.A. Sachs

Often bartenders, like Connor of 'Phoenix: Rise from the Ashes' by Angelique Jurd, listen to people’s problems while they drink. Connor doesn't mind. He is good-hearted and a great listener. He can tell who needs to talk and who doesn't. When a guy, Lucas, starts coming to his bar every night, for just one drink, Connor is curious as well as concerned. It is clear that Lucas is in pain and needs someone to talk to, but it is just as obvious that he isn't ready.

One rainy night, Lucas comes in and has his normal one drink. Connor starts a conversation with him. This night, Lucas stays to have another drink. After his shift, Connor runs into Lucas who encourages Connor to join him in a booth. During their pizza, Lucas conveys to Connor how he was caught in a fire and, while trying to save a small boy, suffered, extensive burns that still plague him. Connor understands how much it's taking for Lucas to confide in him and appreciates the trust he is putting in him. After eating, Connor walks Lucas home. To Conner's amazement, a few days later, Lucas asks him out to dinner! Lucas and Connor become very close but that's as far as it goes. When Lucas asks Connor to come to his apartment, Connor and Lucas have amazing, but Connor is concerned that being with him will freak Lucas out.

This book is intense and the characters are wonderful. I love Connor for his strength and understanding and Lucas for his bravery. This is a powerful beginning to a new series. I can hardly wait for the story to continue. Thanks, Angelique, for an intriguing start.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format ebook
Length Short Story, 49 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date 23-July-2018
Price $0.99 ebook
Buy Link https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Rise-Ashes-Recovery-Book-ebook/dp/B07FM5WDCV