From bestselling and multi-award-winning author Amanda McKinney comes a standalone romance in the bestselling Steele Shadows series.A man who cheated death.A woman hired to pick up the broken pieces.And an obsession strong enough to kill for.They told him he’d been given a second chance at life. Told him to count his lucky stars, to stop and smell the roses. Kind of hard to do when your body is … roses. Kind of hard to do when your body is bound by chains and cuffs. That’s what it felt like, anyway, when Phoenix Steele woke up from his coma to a life full of restrictions. Once known around town as the fearless, indomitable heir to the Steele fortune, the former Marine was suddenly labeled unstable, short-tempered, and loose cannon. Unwilling to accept his issues, Phoenix instantly clashes with his assertive therapist—the town’s most eligible bachelorette.
No one knew overcoming the odds like Dr. Rose Floris. Determined not to be a statistic, Rose lived her life under carefully constructed routines—until a gruesome murder and a series of mysterious events reveal she’s become the center of a madman’s obsession. Suddenly, Rose’s world is turned upside down and she finds herself under the watchful eye of her new patient, a broken man she’s been warned not to trust.
As the tables begin to turn on their client-patient relationship, Phoenix realizes he must battle his own demons before he can save anyone, including the woman who’s become his own obsession…
An obsession he’d kill for.
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I loved it. Not sure which one of the Steele Shadows books (or brothers) I like best, they are all equally awesome to me but this one definitely stands out. Maybe because it felt more touching and I could relate a lot more with it. The psychological bits were very intriguing and they gave a lot to mull over after I finished reading. Surprisingly even led to some more varied self awareness. Then again I always end up learning something new after reading Amanda’s books. She always sneaks some fun info in there along with the spine tingling suspense and the steamy romance. This book felt also more personal somehow, as if there was a lot more of Amanda’s personality that flowed into it. Fluffy robes and scented candles, Rose’s looks and of course the inspiring self help books. I’m pretty sure I’ve even heard Amanda use the following quote herself: “It’s okay to be happy even when the world tells you that you’re not supposed to.” Awesome! All in all it’s a haunting murder mystery with smart and powerful main characters and a touching romance. It’s completely CAPTIVATING. You don’t have to read the previous books but – really – you should. You’d be missing out if you’d skipped. If I could give 6 stars to “Phoenix” I would have.
Compelling Mystery Romance!
The chemistry between Dr Rose Floris and Phoenix Steele is off the charts. Phoenix has a knack for riling up Dr Rose but she gives it back in spades. The interaction between these two strong-willed, complex individuals is very engaging. Thank goodness they are able to put their differences aside and work together to solve the mystery of her stalker before it’s too late. A very intense read with plenty of action, suspense, drama, twists and great ending. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I received an advance copy and I’m happy to leave my honest review. Enjoy!
An emotional ride of healing and love
A story filled with suspense, danger, healing, heart break and love. The story started off with gripping tension that tied my gut up in knots. I was riveted from the beginning to the end and was begging for more. This author has a way with words and has an uncanny ability to bring her characters to life before my very eyes. I could feel their emotions, the dialogue and the thread of the incredible human mind was awesome. I found the bit about evolution a very interesting concept.
Phoenix, yes, was very hot, but a real character, one I could associate with. And Rose’s alter ego was fun, I loved her fighting spirit. On the surface they appear to be opposites but were really a great match for each other.
Highly recommend this book, ‘trust me on that’ you will not be disappointed. This is a stand alone book that was so well done given its own independence from the Awesome Cabin book series. I look forward to more of the Steel Shadows crew from this multi talented author.
It’s a HOT book! Did’nt want it to end.Then I wanted more. The characters are so thought out and wonderful, you get envious because you want to be friends with them.
5 + stars
*ARC kindly provided by the author Amanda McKinney and I’m leaving an honest review*
Suspenseful
Gripping
Gritty
Raw
Fast paced
Page turner
Dark storytelling
Unpredictable twists and turns
Hot, delicious, damaged alpha
Strong, vulnerable Heroine
Off the charts chemistry
Passionate
Intense
Heartfelt
Emotional
Amazing love story
Wow! Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect but this was completely brilliant, compelling, raw, breathtaking, at times heartbreaking story and such a wonderful read which I can’t express how much I loved. It is without a doubt one of my favorite books I have read this month and so far this year. It was well developed, well written and well thought out. The author knew how to develop, create the storyline and make you fall in love with her words, plot and the characters demanding your attention. What I love about Amanda McKinney’s writing is that she has a talent to keep your attention from start to finish while developing characters and context. I enjoyed every minute of it and never wanted it to end. It has so much depth, powerful, effortless and at times dark storytelling and elements. I loved that it was written in first person, dual POV so I know what both characters – Phoenix and Rose – were thinking at the specific time or moments. The characters are brilliant and so likeable.
Oh my heart Phoenix. My beautiful, tortured hero that has risen from the ashes and conquered his injuries and can finally start to heal. Military life was whole his life. He has a hard time settling back into his roots and figuring out how to cope with the loss of his father. As the oldest brother, he thinks it’s his duty to take care of everything, especially his brothers. He doesn’t like being vulnerable. Being injured makes him grumpy, vulnerable and less than because he thinks that his brothers will not look at him the same way and he will not be back at 100% or feel like old self. He lacks communication skills, but is very observant, charming, protective, loyal, possessive, loving, caring, vulnerable and tortured soul.
I loved our heroine Rose Floris. She had less than perfect childhood. But she survived and thrived; made something of herself. Rose is a therapist. She is strong willed, brave, sassy, feisty, loving, caring, vulnerable and insecure.
Phoenix and Rose stole my heart from the moment they met. They had a complicated, less than perfect start and meeting but after they got to know each other, they started to develop feelings and to see the real persons behind their mask and layers. They lit the pages with their chemistry, sassiness and the way they called each other out. They are each other’s match, sinfully sexy and intense. Neither of them in the beginning is looking for a relationship, but the feelings got involved. Their timing might be a little off with everything that was happening but they clicked and simply understand each other. Their journey together isn’t easy. It is filled with a few obstacles. Phoenix is so protective of Rose and wants to keep her safe. It showed that they are really meant to be. They are both flawed and complex. Their story is heartfelt, emotional and compelling. I loved that Rose loved him through it all, loved all his broken pieces and showed that she is exactly what he needs in order to heal and start their life together. I loved how they blossomed and thrived, got their chance at love and a new beginning. The ending was perfect for them.
INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL! It kept my attention at all times and I could not put it down. I completely adored Rebel Priest. It was addictive, angsty, slow burn, sinfully sexy and intense, suspenseful, dark, emotional, heartbreaking, enthralling and raw with real characters and a lot of heart and heartbreak. With relatable, wonderful and marvelous primary and secondary characters, an effortless writing, awe-inspiring details and a journey of self-doubting, love, secrets, lies, mystery, the author takes us on an emotional and beautiful journey of the characters, their struggles and their self-discovery. It’s filled with so much love, heart and heat, effortless and poignant writing with compelling, gripping storyline. Can’t wait for Jagg’s book. I highly recommend it.
This is book one in the Steele Shadows Investigations series and it features Phoenix Steele and Dr. Rose Floris. He’s been through hell! She is the therapist in charge of helping him find his way out. Their attraction was rocky but real. His recovery from the shooting was almost hopeless until Rose walked into his life. She wrestles with her own demons at the same time. Thank God she has June!
This story was so awesome that I truly hated coming to the end. I love the Steele brothers and the small town of Berry Springs. Even though the climax of the story was over too quickly, it’s still a five star read for me. I can’t wait to see what’s up next for this fabulous author.
I was never happier to know a character was still alive as I was for Phoenix. To see him overcome his injuries and become an even better version of himself is just awesome. Having a traumatic brain injury is not something that can be explained only experienced and I think the author has done an exceptional job of drawing this distinction. Rose is magnificent and the perfect foil for his character. They both desperately needed each other to heal. Their explosive arguments are epic. I certainly did not see who her stalker was coming, great job on that! This series goes down as one of my all time favorites ever.
A great story from Amanda. Couldn’t put it down.
Wow !! A very intens, emotional, steamy and thrilling story. It’s the first in the new Steele shadows rising series by Amanda Mckinney. You don’t have to read the Steele shadows security series before this book, since this can be read as a standalone, but I do reccomend it.
“ A man who cheated death” and
“ A woman hired to pick up the broken pieces “ This is what the blurb says, and made me want to read the story straight away. And wow, this is a real pageturner!
I couldn’t put it down, I loved Phoenix and Rose. The story is very emotional, great characters. I highly recommend this book. I received this ARC from the author. My review is my honest opinion.
Loved loved this book.. I always say one of the Steele brothers is my favorite every time I read a book, but I really love Phoenix.. he’s been through so much and still continues to push forward. I love Rose too.. they even each other out and continue to push each other to be a better.. the romance and suspense.. yess!
I also discovered Amanda McKinney and her Berry Springs world about a year ago. I wasn’t one for gritty reads and I hadn’t really read any gritty romance suspense reads before. I find the first chapter of Amanda’s books grab you and drag you in. Then you are just along for the ride, reading til the wee hours. I am a voracious reader, reading about 300 books a year and when Amanda has a book, I just grab it, no questions asked but, I was patiently waiting for Phoenix. When the Steele Shadows stories began with Cabin 1, 2 and 3, I was hooked. When cabin 3 finished it was clear if we’d ever know about Phoenix or what happened but Amanda listened to all our pleas and wrote an amazing book. We learn his battle after being shot and how it affected him not only physically but emotionally as well. This is my favourite book by this author. It is a must read and worthy of many more than 5 stars. I voluntarily received an arc copy of this book from the author.
Amanda has done another PHENOMENAL job !! Phoenix ‘Feen’ is such an Amazon character. I loved him in Cabin 1 and when the book ended I was mad I mean really upset. BUT Feen finally gets his story and boy is it a doozy. Phoenix is handsome, strong and oh so flawed. Both physically and mentally.
Rose ‘Flower’ wow she is such a strong, very strong, independent, beautiful, feisty and amazing woman. I absolutely loved her character. She is also a flawed woman that has overcome so many odds just like Phoenix.
Their chemistry is instant but of course they can’t act upon it. I loved how Amanda used mentally illness along with references to Veterans. I CAN NOT wait for her next book !! HIGHLY RECOMMEND READING !!
I received this as an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
The author has again given us wonderful characters. Strong, alpha male and an even stronger woman. The story grabs your attention on the first page and never lets go. The story is so intense that you cannot put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An Intense Tale!
“Phoenix” is a well-developed suspenseful, thrilling rollercoaster ride with twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the last page. Phoenix is a hot romance with drama, intrigue, and action that keeps coming. The main characters Rose and Phoenix have a stormy, steamy attraction that keeps this tale exciting. I enjoyed this intense tale. Recommended!
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
After quickly devouring the first 3 books in the Steele Security series, I couldn’t wait to dive into Phoenix’s story, While this story certainly stands fine alone, I do recommend picking up the other 3 books as they are not only great stories but also because you will understand the backstory as to Phoenix’s struggles.
Phoenix is trying so hard to return to every day normal life after a devastating gunshot wound to the head. Rose has major OCD and a rough childhood she has had to overcome. I enjoyed watching the sparks fly between these two.
An intriguing plot and great chemistry between the main characters made this a great addition to the series!
This is one series I liked following while waiting for the next one. With the men that are in this we now will get a closer look at Phoenix whom will own us in no time at all. The intimacy that will come out of this will grow from within. Rose has her own story but with them intertwined with Phoenix we will be transfixed with what will unfold before us. There is a fight that has us riding a wild one with the whips that cause the neck to roll. My favorites are contained within with that being murder and suspense along that passion that are just a few ingredients that can cause a combustion. Each one leaves you wanting more but satisfied with what you are given.
There aren’t words!
This is an “edge of your chair” read that is if you can even sit still to read it. There was so much going on that the intensity; mystery, emotion, and hot steam sex wore me out. This entire series has been unbelievable, but this one beats them all. The chemistry between Rose and Phoenix is off the charts as is their mutual respect for each other’s accomplishments in spite of obstacles they have overcome. There is a constant undertow throughout the book relating to a serial murderer that’s on the loose. Be prepared for an entirely unexpected culprit that absolutely no one suspected. The usual amazing characters and writing make this a familiar yet unimaginable read. If I could have given it more stars I definitely would have!
As usual wonderful! I love this series. The characters have depth and flaws and the storyline is well written and plotted.
Phoenix, the oldest Steele brother has cheated death. But if he wants to go back to living his life he needs his drivers license and concealed carry permit. If he wants those he has to complete therapy. He fights it every step of the way but before he knows it his therapist, Rose Flores has gotten into his mind and under his skin.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Once again Amanda McKinney gives us an inside look at the Steele brothers of Berry Springs.This is a great continuation of Cabin 1, 2 and 3. We know that Phoenix has miraculously woken up from his coma, now he needs to deal with the aftermath of his Traumatic Brain Injury. His brothers, Gunner, Alex and Gage have his back he knows this yet he feels as though has failed them. It takes the help of a therapist, Dr. Rose Floris, to explain what he needs to do to get his life back. Rose has her own issues. Can helping Phoenix help her overcome her own problems? Can these two find their own happily ever after?
I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the the Steele brothers stories. However Phoenix’s story was the one I was looking forward to reading the most. Amanda McKinney imbued the story of Phoenix and Rose with emotion, poignancy, drama, menace, chemistry laden interactions that cracked from the moment the pair met. A clash of wills between two strong individuals who have survived unthinkable acts. He strives to be the man he once was, and she is willing to breach his barriers to help him. Even as Rose uses her skills, he challenges her mind, and heart. Amidst the drama and heat an evil presence threatens their burgeoning relationship. Loved the elements of mystery, menace and romance making for an enjoyable story.I look forward to more stories with the characters of Berry Springs.