What do you think?
Phoenix Immortal #2
Moonlight Phoenixes
"You know, I… this is going to sound insensitive, but I'm glad you got murdered, that day on the subway. I can't imagine my life without you. I don't want to. I'm really badly in love with you."
Amory has burned for his Soyer, and now, Amory is no longer what he was, no longer human. He has come to embrace both his change and the overprotective Soyer.
While Amory finds his footing in the supernatural world he is now a part of, things are not easy when you fall in love with a notorious witch hunter and assassin. Soyer’s past is looming, and to make matters more complicated, so is Amory’s birth family.
Dangers start encroaching on the both of them, and while Amory and Soyer are determined to hold on to one another, those who wish them harm want them apart. Will Amory and Soyer overcome their enemies unscathed?
Content violence, torture; allusions to conversion therapy and domestic abuse (side characters). Readers may find this book, outside of the main couple’s relationship, somewhat darker than the first.
Amory has burned for his Soyer, and now, Amory is no longer what he was, no longer human. He has come to embrace both his change and the overprotective Soyer.
While Amory finds his footing in the supernatural world he is now a part of, things are not easy when you fall in love with a notorious witch hunter and assassin. Soyer’s past is looming, and to make matters more complicated, so is Amory’s birth family.
Dangers start encroaching on the both of them, and while Amory and Soyer are determined to hold on to one another, those who wish them harm want them apart. Will Amory and Soyer overcome their enemies unscathed?
Content violence, torture; allusions to conversion therapy and domestic abuse (side characters). Readers may find this book, outside of the main couple’s relationship, somewhat darker than the first.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2023
About the author
Alexa Piper
83 books209 followersAlexa Piper writes steamy romance that ranges from light to dark, from straight to queer. She’s also a coffee addict. Alexa loves writing stories that make her readers laugh and fall in love with the characters in them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 3, 2023
As with book 1, this is beautifully written with expressive language that evokes a lot of feeling. I really got Amory's anxiety and saw the healing that he was doing over his past hurts.
Since this is a series, I would not recommend reading Moonlight Phoenixes without reading book 1 first. This one carries on pretty much straight away after the end of the first book so you won't get all that has happened.
More steam than in book 1. Plenty of romance - really, I just want a Soyer to dote on me like he does with Amory.
There are some new characters and I adore the little tease of a potential romance for Ben the bodyguard werewolf.
I'd also say this one is darker in tone and Amory does get hurt emotionally and physically.
Still, it was an absorbing read and I'm looking forward to more.
Since this is a series, I would not recommend reading Moonlight Phoenixes without reading book 1 first. This one carries on pretty much straight away after the end of the first book so you won't get all that has happened.
More steam than in book 1. Plenty of romance - really, I just want a Soyer to dote on me like he does with Amory.
There are some new characters and I adore the little tease of a potential romance for Ben the bodyguard werewolf.
I'd also say this one is darker in tone and Amory does get hurt emotionally and physically.
Still, it was an absorbing read and I'm looking forward to more.
June 5, 2023
Super excited to have more of Soyer and Amory. I'm also happy to report the swoony moments from book 1 continue in this one. I just love how poetic our little goth assassin can be. Amory is still precious. He's also gained quite a few new friends because people can't help but love him, humans and supernatural alike. The romance is definitely moving along nicely between these two. Soyer is working on hitting all those relationship milestones he's fond of giving Amory.
As many lovely moments there are in Moonlight Pheonixes, there are also some darker elements. I mean, Soyer is the black shuck so it's to be expected that not everything is going to be sunshine and rainbows in his life. This one ends with a feeling of more to come and there's also a little bonus you can download from Soyers POV which is such a treat. I'm crossing my fingers we get more of it in the next one!!!
As many lovely moments there are in Moonlight Pheonixes, there are also some darker elements. I mean, Soyer is the black shuck so it's to be expected that not everything is going to be sunshine and rainbows in his life. This one ends with a feeling of more to come and there's also a little bonus you can download from Soyers POV which is such a treat. I'm crossing my fingers we get more of it in the next one!!!
June 5, 2023
This is an amazing sequel to Moonlight Cherries.
It's very much the same when it comes to structure. For the most part, this is a sweet and steamy continuation of Amory and Soyer's relationship, mixed with minor danger, and major danger near the end (please mind the content warnings).
I'm usually not one for dark themes but the author writes in such a gentle manner that the darkness doesn't give me much tension. It's never hurried or filled to the brim with action. The author's characters are given time to breathe, eat, sleep and process what happened, all while supporting each other. And that is one of the most beautiful things in this story: how Amory and Soyer are there for each other. How they can heal in each other's arms.
It's like that. I can trust the author and the characters to comfort me when darkness falls. I'm never left alone with my hurt, and neither are the main characters.
Though I have to say, seeing Soyer more 'human' and vulnerable in his emotions, left me a bit unsettled. I liked to think of him as some invincible warrior but he is so much more than that and I love him even more for showing it.
I love Lucy and Nelly to death, but Amory and Soyer come very close to beating them as my favorite couple by Alexa Piper, especially in this book. They have so many sweet and beautiful moments apart and together that I'm going to stop now before I give away spoilers. Just read it already. <3
Oh, the romance! It makes me a little envious.
It's very much the same when it comes to structure. For the most part, this is a sweet and steamy continuation of Amory and Soyer's relationship, mixed with minor danger, and major danger near the end (please mind the content warnings).
I'm usually not one for dark themes but the author writes in such a gentle manner that the darkness doesn't give me much tension. It's never hurried or filled to the brim with action. The author's characters are given time to breathe, eat, sleep and process what happened, all while supporting each other. And that is one of the most beautiful things in this story: how Amory and Soyer are there for each other. How they can heal in each other's arms.
"Now you know a little more of what goes bump during your work night."
"That's fine though. Because I have you."
It's like that. I can trust the author and the characters to comfort me when darkness falls. I'm never left alone with my hurt, and neither are the main characters.
Though I have to say, seeing Soyer more 'human' and vulnerable in his emotions, left me a bit unsettled. I liked to think of him as some invincible warrior but he is so much more than that and I love him even more for showing it.
I love Lucy and Nelly to death, but Amory and Soyer come very close to beating them as my favorite couple by Alexa Piper, especially in this book. They have so many sweet and beautiful moments apart and together that I'm going to stop now before I give away spoilers. Just read it already. <3
"You are the air I need to breathe. I want you so badly, I'd grind myself into you until we stop being two separate people. I want you so much, and it hurts not to have you all the time.
Oh, the romance! It makes me a little envious.
May 3, 2026
4.5 star. Audiobook. Excellent narration by Michael Ferraiuolo, who gives such great personality to the characters and sets the tone of the scene so expertly. Urban fantasy-ish, paranormal romance, contemporary world with hidden creature like vampires, elves, werewolves. Rich assassin, poor waiter, lots of hurt/comfort, exceptionally like-able MCs. I don’t read any blurbs and adored the sense of WTH as the story unfolds, we learn of the magical world right along side the sweet, kind waiter. Wonderful wooing and attempts to spoil with gifts.
BOOK 3 - i like linear stories and would recommend reading book 3 (Black Heart Blooming) as book 1.5. Book 1 (Moonlight Cherries) is the main story from Amory’s POV and it has tons of holes as Sawyer goes off to “work” for days at a time and is filled with Sowyers friends. Book 3 (Black Heart) is the same timeline and events as book 1, but from Soyer’s POV and fills in all those holes and tells us much more about his friends. Book 1 and 3 both end in the same fire/flame event. Exceptionally well done, no major re-capping, the alternate POV actually feels like a totally different book, we get tons of new content as we see Soyer “working”. Book 2 (Moonlight Phoenixes) picks up after the fire and goes into new territory from Amory’s POV.
I read them as GR has them 1-2-3 and thoroughly enjoyed the series, but would have preferred reading them 1-3-2.
Must read book one AND two for the full story and the HEA, must be read in order. Book three is a rewind, covers the same time period as book 1/2, but from the assassins point of view.
BOOK 3 - i like linear stories and would recommend reading book 3 (Black Heart Blooming) as book 1.5. Book 1 (Moonlight Cherries) is the main story from Amory’s POV and it has tons of holes as Sawyer goes off to “work” for days at a time and is filled with Sowyers friends. Book 3 (Black Heart) is the same timeline and events as book 1, but from Soyer’s POV and fills in all those holes and tells us much more about his friends. Book 1 and 3 both end in the same fire/flame event. Exceptionally well done, no major re-capping, the alternate POV actually feels like a totally different book, we get tons of new content as we see Soyer “working”. Book 2 (Moonlight Phoenixes) picks up after the fire and goes into new territory from Amory’s POV.
I read them as GR has them 1-2-3 and thoroughly enjoyed the series, but would have preferred reading them 1-3-2.
Must read book one AND two for the full story and the HEA, must be read in order. Book three is a rewind, covers the same time period as book 1/2, but from the assassins point of view.
June 5, 2023
This is book two of the Phoenix Immortal series by Alexa Piper and should be read in order. I have been waiting patiently for this book and Alexa didn't let me down. I love how in love Soyer and Amory are. This story is darker than the first one but it just makes the story better. There is plenty of steam, romance, and love in this book. I love that we get to meet some new characters who I would like to know more. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
February 6, 2026
This is book 2! Amory has been made manager at the diner. The supernatural community have been coming in more, making it a hub of sorts. He starts navigating this new world more and Soyer proposes. There is a witch after them, as well as an ex (“not an ex”) of Soyer’s.
I really liked this book, even more than the first one. I was hooked on the story and the characters the whole way through!!
I really liked this book, even more than the first one. I was hooked on the story and the characters the whole way through!!
July 22, 2026
Jesus Christ, I was so scared for Amory at the end, that man can never get a rest 😭 I loved that it ended at a good note though. Amory and Soyer are still adorable together, Soyer's "proposal" was too cute 😅
Still don't like Amory's bio family. Seriously, they can go fuck themselves up to the moon and stay there.
Still don't like Amory's bio family. Seriously, they can go fuck themselves up to the moon and stay there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2023
Amazing
I loved this one even more than book one. I just could not put it down. I highly recommended this book.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I loved this one even more than book one. I just could not put it down. I highly recommended this book.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
May 31, 2023
I love Soyer and Amory!!!! They are now my favorite couple!!! Okay I know I always say that after every story of Alexa Piper’s. But she writes the most romantic and lovable main characters and couples.
And she writes the most riveting plots! You can never go wrong with any of her stories.
And she writes the most riveting plots! You can never go wrong with any of her stories.
August 14, 2026
Finished
Wow... this ended up being beyond disappointing 😬
We don't actually get a resolution nor is the "mystery" solved... it ends in suppositions & the MCs' assumptions!
Even with those, we don't know if the multiple antagonists WERE working together or what WAS the endgame...
It's all left up in the air & reading the synopsis for the next book, it's Soyer's POV for both books, which can be read as the start of the series, so it's hardly going to provide more answers... so WHAT exactly IS the point?!
His POV should've been mixed in with Amory's, like every other book out there... it's basically making me rehash what I've already gone through without providing answers... that's a waste of my time, so I'll end the series here!
I'd say if you're a woman & end up getting hurt in some way in this author's vicinity... do NOT count on help from her 😬
In the 1st book, Amory basically completely forgets that Jenny exists when they're being attacked in the diner, he needs to be reminded that she's in hospital & because her mental health suffered, clearly she's no longer useful, so she was pushed aside.
In this, a woman's throat is CUT, she's bleeding out & Soyer essentially tells Simon to leave the woman to bleed out because he wants him to look after Amory, who is NOT seriously hurt & Simon does... he literally leaves the woman bleeding out by herself to babysit Amory AND doesn't even concern himself with waiting to see that an ambulance does take her to hospital.
Nope... it's more important to get the uninjured Amory home... 😬😬😬😬😬
At the end of the book, Amory lists his newfound family, which includes Rae, but he doesn't even mention Rosa or Jenny... only men allowed 😬
No offence, but I didn't actually see or feel any real (friendship) connection with Rae.. he WAS just a completely inappropriate coworker who got away with too much shit, because Amory is a pushover, but it's all played off as though it was amusing... it wasn't IMO!
-start of original review as I was listening ----
I'm not hating it, but I can't say that I'm loving it either...
Oh boy... for somebody who is beyond overprotective, Soyer does drop the ball a few times by telling Amory to do one & then shit hits the fan.... 😬
Especially when he knows that they're both targets 🤦♀️🤦♀️
Amory is not exactly suffering from TSTL syndrome, but he has made or has nearly made some really dumb decisions or actions... I preferred his character in the first novel! Actually BOTH MCs have made some real stupid decisions in this book!
He's not exactly had a personality transplant as usually is the case either in interconnected series, where you fall in love with a character & when it gets to their book, the author strips them of everything which made them such an endearing character or in continuous series where suddenly one MC is unrecognisable.
It's not been that bad in this one, but Amory does feel stupider than he did in the first book, which was one of the reasons why I'd enjoyed his character so much!
I also dislike it when authors make a statement & because of plot dictates reasons, they immediately change their own lore. Amory made a point in the last book to say that he was an independent man & he did not wish to become a kept man... here it's feeling like that was just lip service.
Frankly, he got the manager position simply because he IS sleeping with the boss... even from the last book, there was absolutely nothing about his actions at work that made him a perfect candidate for a managerial position!
Doing loads of overtime does NOT make you manager material. Again, maybe he did display some leadership qualities, however not on paper nor even as a background piece of info & the fact thar he both takes advantage of his position on the very same day thar he gets his promotion AND has a freak out over the most absurd things, kinda proves my point.
Let's be honest here... he wouldn't have just walked like he does had it not been for his new role & frankly it's not even like he had a valid reason to do so or even a good reason!
That could've waited. I would've even preferred if he'd stumbled upon it by complete accident rather than because he was snooping for it... 🤷♀️ Also, he acted like he wasn't ready for it when the subject cane up,but because of his own irrationality, he ended up forcing the issue... 🙄
I don't know if it's because I'm the complete opposite, if someone either tells me or alludes that they have a surprise for me, I do everything in my power to respect it, including walking down the stairs with my eyes closed for one of my milestone birthdays, so that I wouldn't see what had been planned until it was the right time...
Or even if it was because I wasn't a fan of him walking out of work on his first day, when he was meant to be training someone else & he was rostered to work, but he just walked off without any valid reason IMO. In any other company, that would be a dismissible offence as that's gross misconduct!
Again... had he had a legitimate or valid reason for it rather than just because he couldn't wait a few more years until his shift finished ot even on his break, but it did feel like he felt entitled because of his new role... I wasn't a fan!
I'm absolutely HATING that all of his original work colleagues are being replaced in favour of having paranormal characters. Those people took him in, cared for him & became his family when he had no one...
The fact that the author is choosing to replace them as they don't fit the supernatural side of the story isn't sitting too well with me!
I already wasn't a fan of the disregard that Amory showed for Jenny's wellbeing at the dinner & his excuses why he'd kept his distance afterwards, but it's unforgivable IMO that he hasn't even TRIED to make amends!
I WAS hoping that the start of this novel would explain exactly HOW did Ben & Jenny survive when the building burned down?!? 🤔
Also, WHY did that vampire target Jenny... was it merely a coincidence or deliberate?!? 🤔 & I'm sorry, maybe it's just me, but I'm really struggling to believe that someone with such a good intuition like Jenny, who simply couldn't shake off her bad feeling about Soyer because he is NOT a good person, would then fall for somebody who intended to harm her & her kid!
Even if the excuse was that she became too enamoured... I don't belive for a second that she wouldn't have seen it when it concerned her kid!
Regardless, I'm really not a fan that the people who took Amory in when he had no one are being pushed our & replaced by characters, who frankly I'm finding more irritating than endearing & are being treated like besties instead of the real best friend who was ready to go to war for Amory as she was concerned with him!
Rosa hadn't been a major character in the previous book, but she'd been the grandmother figure.
Dwayne had been the father figure & Jenny the mother figure... their roles could've been kept & other characters introduced!
Honestly, I thought Jenny & Ben were going to get it on... they'd had that mild flirtation going on & I thought the fire at the diner was going to be the catalyst to get them together.
The writer could've been paired up with the new server... who is way TOO OTT! There was already Elias, we really didn't need another OTT character IMO! I work in customer service & flashing customers is NOT even remotely amusing IMO 🤷♀️
I honestly thought that as this was a continuous series NOT an interconnected series that there would've been a better balance between gay and straight characters... unfortunately, it's now going the same way that MM Romance interconnected series go...
Because the main pairing is gay, EVERYONE else in their vicinity & social bubble must also be. Usually even their parents, their siblings, their colleagues, their local shopkeepers, their teachers, Fuck it, even their milkman/deli, I'm sure... also has to be gay 😒
I'm not a fan of that trope, both because it's unrealistic AF, but also because it makes NO sense whatsoever!
I've still only halfway, so hopefully it will improve 🤞🤞🤞
It didn't!
Wow... this ended up being beyond disappointing 😬
We don't actually get a resolution nor is the "mystery" solved... it ends in suppositions & the MCs' assumptions!
Even with those, we don't know if the multiple antagonists WERE working together or what WAS the endgame...
It's all left up in the air & reading the synopsis for the next book, it's Soyer's POV for both books, which can be read as the start of the series, so it's hardly going to provide more answers... so WHAT exactly IS the point?!
His POV should've been mixed in with Amory's, like every other book out there... it's basically making me rehash what I've already gone through without providing answers... that's a waste of my time, so I'll end the series here!
I'd say if you're a woman & end up getting hurt in some way in this author's vicinity... do NOT count on help from her 😬
In the 1st book, Amory basically completely forgets that Jenny exists when they're being attacked in the diner, he needs to be reminded that she's in hospital & because her mental health suffered, clearly she's no longer useful, so she was pushed aside.
In this, a woman's throat is CUT, she's bleeding out & Soyer essentially tells Simon to leave the woman to bleed out because he wants him to look after Amory, who is NOT seriously hurt & Simon does... he literally leaves the woman bleeding out by herself to babysit Amory AND doesn't even concern himself with waiting to see that an ambulance does take her to hospital.
Nope... it's more important to get the uninjured Amory home... 😬😬😬😬😬
At the end of the book, Amory lists his newfound family, which includes Rae, but he doesn't even mention Rosa or Jenny... only men allowed 😬
No offence, but I didn't actually see or feel any real (friendship) connection with Rae.. he WAS just a completely inappropriate coworker who got away with too much shit, because Amory is a pushover, but it's all played off as though it was amusing... it wasn't IMO!
-start of original review as I was listening ----
I'm not hating it, but I can't say that I'm loving it either...
Oh boy... for somebody who is beyond overprotective, Soyer does drop the ball a few times by telling Amory to do one & then shit hits the fan.... 😬
Especially when he knows that they're both targets 🤦♀️🤦♀️
Amory is not exactly suffering from TSTL syndrome, but he has made or has nearly made some really dumb decisions or actions... I preferred his character in the first novel! Actually BOTH MCs have made some real stupid decisions in this book!
He's not exactly had a personality transplant as usually is the case either in interconnected series, where you fall in love with a character & when it gets to their book, the author strips them of everything which made them such an endearing character or in continuous series where suddenly one MC is unrecognisable.
It's not been that bad in this one, but Amory does feel stupider than he did in the first book, which was one of the reasons why I'd enjoyed his character so much!
I also dislike it when authors make a statement & because of plot dictates reasons, they immediately change their own lore. Amory made a point in the last book to say that he was an independent man & he did not wish to become a kept man... here it's feeling like that was just lip service.
Frankly, he got the manager position simply because he IS sleeping with the boss... even from the last book, there was absolutely nothing about his actions at work that made him a perfect candidate for a managerial position!
Doing loads of overtime does NOT make you manager material. Again, maybe he did display some leadership qualities, however not on paper nor even as a background piece of info & the fact thar he both takes advantage of his position on the very same day thar he gets his promotion AND has a freak out over the most absurd things, kinda proves my point.
Let's be honest here... he wouldn't have just walked like he does had it not been for his new role & frankly it's not even like he had a valid reason to do so or even a good reason!
That could've waited. I would've even preferred if he'd stumbled upon it by complete accident rather than because he was snooping for it... 🤷♀️ Also, he acted like he wasn't ready for it when the subject cane up,but because of his own irrationality, he ended up forcing the issue... 🙄
I don't know if it's because I'm the complete opposite, if someone either tells me or alludes that they have a surprise for me, I do everything in my power to respect it, including walking down the stairs with my eyes closed for one of my milestone birthdays, so that I wouldn't see what had been planned until it was the right time...
Or even if it was because I wasn't a fan of him walking out of work on his first day, when he was meant to be training someone else & he was rostered to work, but he just walked off without any valid reason IMO. In any other company, that would be a dismissible offence as that's gross misconduct!
Again... had he had a legitimate or valid reason for it rather than just because he couldn't wait a few more years until his shift finished ot even on his break, but it did feel like he felt entitled because of his new role... I wasn't a fan!
I'm absolutely HATING that all of his original work colleagues are being replaced in favour of having paranormal characters. Those people took him in, cared for him & became his family when he had no one...
The fact that the author is choosing to replace them as they don't fit the supernatural side of the story isn't sitting too well with me!
I already wasn't a fan of the disregard that Amory showed for Jenny's wellbeing at the dinner & his excuses why he'd kept his distance afterwards, but it's unforgivable IMO that he hasn't even TRIED to make amends!
I WAS hoping that the start of this novel would explain exactly HOW did Ben & Jenny survive when the building burned down?!? 🤔
Also, WHY did that vampire target Jenny... was it merely a coincidence or deliberate?!? 🤔 & I'm sorry, maybe it's just me, but I'm really struggling to believe that someone with such a good intuition like Jenny, who simply couldn't shake off her bad feeling about Soyer because he is NOT a good person, would then fall for somebody who intended to harm her & her kid!
Even if the excuse was that she became too enamoured... I don't belive for a second that she wouldn't have seen it when it concerned her kid!
Regardless, I'm really not a fan that the people who took Amory in when he had no one are being pushed our & replaced by characters, who frankly I'm finding more irritating than endearing & are being treated like besties instead of the real best friend who was ready to go to war for Amory as she was concerned with him!
Rosa hadn't been a major character in the previous book, but she'd been the grandmother figure.
Dwayne had been the father figure & Jenny the mother figure... their roles could've been kept & other characters introduced!
Honestly, I thought Jenny & Ben were going to get it on... they'd had that mild flirtation going on & I thought the fire at the diner was going to be the catalyst to get them together.
The writer could've been paired up with the new server... who is way TOO OTT! There was already Elias, we really didn't need another OTT character IMO! I work in customer service & flashing customers is NOT even remotely amusing IMO 🤷♀️
I honestly thought that as this was a continuous series NOT an interconnected series that there would've been a better balance between gay and straight characters... unfortunately, it's now going the same way that MM Romance interconnected series go...
Because the main pairing is gay, EVERYONE else in their vicinity & social bubble must also be. Usually even their parents, their siblings, their colleagues, their local shopkeepers, their teachers, Fuck it, even their milkman/deli, I'm sure... also has to be gay 😒
I'm not a fan of that trope, both because it's unrealistic AF, but also because it makes NO sense whatsoever!
I've still only halfway, so hopefully it will improve 🤞🤞🤞
It didn't!
Read
March 4, 2024Cuteness galore with these 2. Soyer is still overprotective in a good way.
January 4, 2026
moonlight
This could not hold my interest. I did try to read it. I read the others and they were good. This one was not good.
This could not hold my interest. I did try to read it. I read the others and they were good. This one was not good.
January 15, 2026
The plot could’ve been waaaay better, but thankfully Soyer and Emory have enough presence to keep the book interesting
February 23, 2026
I went into Moonlight Phoenixes expecting a bit more spark, and while I genuinely enjoyed my time with it, it ultimately settled into that space of being perfectly fine. It was good. The characters were undeniably cute and gooey in the best way, and I found myself smiling at their interactions more than once. There is something very comforting about spending time with characters who feel safe, soft, and easy to root for. That warmth carried me through the story.
At the same time, I could not shake the feeling that the plot never fully took off. The stakes were there, but they never felt sharp or urgent. Everything unfolded in a way that was pleasant and smooth, but also predictable and low intensity. I kept waiting for a moment that would truly grip me, something that would elevate the story from enjoyable to memorable, and it never quite arrived.
Still, I do not regret listening to it. Sometimes a comfortable read is exactly what I need. This was one of those audiobooks that I could sink into without stress. It did not demand much from me emotionally, and maybe that was part of the appeal. It just did not leave a strong impression once it was over.
Michael Ferraiuolo, the narrator, did a great job as usual. The performance added life and polish to the characters, and I think the audio experience elevated the material. Even when the plot felt a bit average, the narration kept me engaged and made the emotional moments land better.
In the end, I would call this a solid three star listen. Enjoyable, sweet, and easy to consume, but not quite powerful enough to stand out in the crowded fantasy romance field.
At the same time, I could not shake the feeling that the plot never fully took off. The stakes were there, but they never felt sharp or urgent. Everything unfolded in a way that was pleasant and smooth, but also predictable and low intensity. I kept waiting for a moment that would truly grip me, something that would elevate the story from enjoyable to memorable, and it never quite arrived.
Still, I do not regret listening to it. Sometimes a comfortable read is exactly what I need. This was one of those audiobooks that I could sink into without stress. It did not demand much from me emotionally, and maybe that was part of the appeal. It just did not leave a strong impression once it was over.
Michael Ferraiuolo, the narrator, did a great job as usual. The performance added life and polish to the characters, and I think the audio experience elevated the material. Even when the plot felt a bit average, the narration kept me engaged and made the emotional moments land better.
In the end, I would call this a solid three star listen. Enjoyable, sweet, and easy to consume, but not quite powerful enough to stand out in the crowded fantasy romance field.
June 7, 2023
"I'm here, my heart"
"It opened with a satisfying noise, a noise of confidence and certain outcomes but the sound I made was...F**k."
"Bodily fluids have no place in this friendship, Amory. It won't do."
"Can you blame me for wanting to carpe the f**k out of this diem? And all the ones after, of course."
"I want real consent or nothing...This is real consent, Soyer. It always was with you. It always is."
"and like fire, it was glorious."
"You can't have my happiness."
"You're such a rude gay, but I really, really love you."
As spare and evocative as the first Moonlight was, this wonderful followup is just as evocative but so lush. It's like comparing Nighthawks to Saturday in the Park, so lush but as you look closer, the dots, the story is so precisely lovely. The diner is back with our boys, Soyer and Amory, moving forward with their relationship. Both take steps to move it, moving in together and something else, no spoilers here! Piper gives us more of the world outside the diner, more friends, more family. But it all comes back to the diner. We get more of Elias, Rae, Deacon and Lynn, Ben and the writer....Alexa, we need their HEA. And we need details of the unapproved Halloween party. Ben's cousin, Anton, the new sous chef, oops, cook, Kasey (and friends)join the Moonlight family. There's more villiany but dealt with so satisfactory. Just such a great read. And Alexa has promised more of our favorite diner.
"They were the moonlight phoenixes, and they always had each other."
"My Soyer, my phoenix"
"It opened with a satisfying noise, a noise of confidence and certain outcomes but the sound I made was...F**k."
"Bodily fluids have no place in this friendship, Amory. It won't do."
"Can you blame me for wanting to carpe the f**k out of this diem? And all the ones after, of course."
"I want real consent or nothing...This is real consent, Soyer. It always was with you. It always is."
"and like fire, it was glorious."
"You can't have my happiness."
"You're such a rude gay, but I really, really love you."
As spare and evocative as the first Moonlight was, this wonderful followup is just as evocative but so lush. It's like comparing Nighthawks to Saturday in the Park, so lush but as you look closer, the dots, the story is so precisely lovely. The diner is back with our boys, Soyer and Amory, moving forward with their relationship. Both take steps to move it, moving in together and something else, no spoilers here! Piper gives us more of the world outside the diner, more friends, more family. But it all comes back to the diner. We get more of Elias, Rae, Deacon and Lynn, Ben and the writer....Alexa, we need their HEA. And we need details of the unapproved Halloween party. Ben's cousin, Anton, the new sous chef, oops, cook, Kasey (and friends)join the Moonlight family. There's more villiany but dealt with so satisfactory. Just such a great read. And Alexa has promised more of our favorite diner.
"They were the moonlight phoenixes, and they always had each other."
"My Soyer, my phoenix"
June 16, 2023
(4.5)
This book is a continuation of Moonlight Cherries, so this isn't a standalone.
After I was finished with reading Moonlight Cherries I was very excited to read this book. I was looking forward to what was going to happen to Amory and Soyer next. Were they going to catch the man trying to kill Soyer? Were they going to find the witch? I needed to know!
And while we did get some of those questions answered we are still left with some question marks after this book, so.. having said that, I really hope there is going to be another book! I need more books that take place in the magical world full of different creatures and a diner I would love to visit!
Alexa has such a way of taking creatures that already 'exist' and making them her own, she gave these creatures their own history that's completely unique to this series. I really enjoyed the slow burn of Ben and the mysterious writer that sits at a certain booth. I hope that at some point they get their own story. And Rae! And Kasey! I need all of their stories and I need more books to take place in this incredible world Alexa has developed.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend you to read both Moonlight Cherries and Moonlight Phoenixes.
This book is a continuation of Moonlight Cherries, so this isn't a standalone.
After I was finished with reading Moonlight Cherries I was very excited to read this book. I was looking forward to what was going to happen to Amory and Soyer next. Were they going to catch the man trying to kill Soyer? Were they going to find the witch? I needed to know!
And while we did get some of those questions answered we are still left with some question marks after this book, so.. having said that, I really hope there is going to be another book! I need more books that take place in the magical world full of different creatures and a diner I would love to visit!
Alexa has such a way of taking creatures that already 'exist' and making them her own, she gave these creatures their own history that's completely unique to this series. I really enjoyed the slow burn of Ben and the mysterious writer that sits at a certain booth. I hope that at some point they get their own story. And Rae! And Kasey! I need all of their stories and I need more books to take place in this incredible world Alexa has developed.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend you to read both Moonlight Cherries and Moonlight Phoenixes.
June 6, 2023
My Soyer, My Firebird
“You are, by and large, the first really good thing that has come my way. You are better than I deserve.”
“Soyer-“
“No, let me finish, and don’t you dare argue. Don’t you f-ing dare say I’m saying this because I am emotional, or I will use my emotional blackmail skills to feed you all those dumplings. I don’t want to get a witch blade through the heart, because I have you now, and you are all this perfection.”
My god can Alexa Piper write and amazing story. Each word is carefully crafted to create a unique world where her characters can find love, but truly do suffer on their way to it.
As the Moonlight Diner becomes even more pivotal in the Phoenix Immortal series, Moonlight Phoenixes is the map of Soyer and Amory’s continuing journey through magic and found family, vampires and assassins, and when on the correct path, love.
“You are, by and large, the first really good thing that has come my way. You are better than I deserve.”
“Soyer-“
“No, let me finish, and don’t you dare argue. Don’t you f-ing dare say I’m saying this because I am emotional, or I will use my emotional blackmail skills to feed you all those dumplings. I don’t want to get a witch blade through the heart, because I have you now, and you are all this perfection.”
My god can Alexa Piper write and amazing story. Each word is carefully crafted to create a unique world where her characters can find love, but truly do suffer on their way to it.
As the Moonlight Diner becomes even more pivotal in the Phoenix Immortal series, Moonlight Phoenixes is the map of Soyer and Amory’s continuing journey through magic and found family, vampires and assassins, and when on the correct path, love.
June 6, 2023
Moonlight Phoenixes delivers even more adorable, insatiable love between Amory and Soyer. There are so many moments that made me awww. I love all the little details that bring to life that Soyer has lived countless lifetimes. Amory is innocent and sweet and kind.
The world around them proves to be darker than we'd already seen. Pay attention to the trigger warnings, as the author definitely upped the creepy factor for this supernatural world.
All of the amazing side characters are here for book two. I enjoyed seeing the writer, Rae and Elias in more depth. There was also the introductions of some new characters I can't wait to see more of. As many people have said, it's never boring when Amory is around.
The world around them proves to be darker than we'd already seen. Pay attention to the trigger warnings, as the author definitely upped the creepy factor for this supernatural world.
All of the amazing side characters are here for book two. I enjoyed seeing the writer, Rae and Elias in more depth. There was also the introductions of some new characters I can't wait to see more of. As many people have said, it's never boring when Amory is around.
June 9, 2023
This book continues Soyer and Amory’s story (gentle note here that it’s a very good idea to begin with book one, if you haven’t already). Sweetness and heat abound for these two, and I love the depth and layers of the character development here— these are such interesting individuals, in ways mostly good but also flawed enough to be relatable and ultimately compelling for the sum total of all the strengths and weaknesses they have. Their relationship is one that’s easy to feel for, and nice to get caught up in. There are also some darker components of the narrative, which makes sense given whose these characters are, and all in all it adds up to a book that’s hard to put down.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
June 8, 2024
Another Excellent Read!
I love, love, love this universe. It’s so full of love and hope, and the twists and turns kept me riveted through. However, there is a deliciously dark side to this story as well. I’m still really enjoying the unique setup of this shifter story.
Of course, Amory and Soyer are the beating heart of this story. I’m thrilled they have been the center in a third book. It’s refreshing to go deeper with a couple instead of switching to another couple. I loved reading about the progression of their relationship. On a sadder note, I totally saw some of my family members within his sister’s character.
I’m crossing my fingers for a Book 3!
I love, love, love this universe. It’s so full of love and hope, and the twists and turns kept me riveted through. However, there is a deliciously dark side to this story as well. I’m still really enjoying the unique setup of this shifter story.
Of course, Amory and Soyer are the beating heart of this story. I’m thrilled they have been the center in a third book. It’s refreshing to go deeper with a couple instead of switching to another couple. I loved reading about the progression of their relationship. On a sadder note, I totally saw some of my family members within his sister’s character.
I’m crossing my fingers for a Book 3!
July 9, 2023
Wonderful, captivating story.
I still adore Soyer and Amory...I could just eat these guys up.
Their relationship is going strong but they are forced to deal with strange and dangerous events.
Loved getting to know some interesting side characters (Ben, Rae, Elias, Kasey) and hope to follow their stories too.
I really hope this isn't the end of this series.
I've also joined Alexa Piper's Ream page in order to support this great author with a monthly contribution...and allow her to continue her work.
I still adore Soyer and Amory...I could just eat these guys up.
Their relationship is going strong but they are forced to deal with strange and dangerous events.
Loved getting to know some interesting side characters (Ben, Rae, Elias, Kasey) and hope to follow their stories too.
I really hope this isn't the end of this series.
I've also joined Alexa Piper's Ream page in order to support this great author with a monthly contribution...and allow her to continue her work.
March 31, 2025
Loved this Crazy World
I just wanted more of Alexa Piper’s books having just finished, her ‘Clair De La Lune’ series of 5 girly short books. That how I found ‘Moonlight Cherries’ and ‘Moonlight Phoenixes’ which gives us Soyer and Amory’s first meeting when Amory witness the murder of Soyer and then his coming back to life. Poor Amory, what a fright for a poor waiter in the Moonlight Diner.
I suggest you grab all of the nice books and take a journey so different t from the usual MM romance books. I loved them all.
I just wanted more of Alexa Piper’s books having just finished, her ‘Clair De La Lune’ series of 5 girly short books. That how I found ‘Moonlight Cherries’ and ‘Moonlight Phoenixes’ which gives us Soyer and Amory’s first meeting when Amory witness the murder of Soyer and then his coming back to life. Poor Amory, what a fright for a poor waiter in the Moonlight Diner.
I suggest you grab all of the nice books and take a journey so different t from the usual MM romance books. I loved them all.
June 18, 2023
Great Addition to Series
I hope there is more to come from this series. I enjoyed the MCs and seeing their relationship continue to develop. I liked the supporting characters and would like to see more interaction with them and hopefully each getting their own stories as spin-offs. The ending felt rushed to me and could have been a bit more detailed, especially with the plot buildup. Still, overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to more from this author.
I hope there is more to come from this series. I enjoyed the MCs and seeing their relationship continue to develop. I liked the supporting characters and would like to see more interaction with them and hopefully each getting their own stories as spin-offs. The ending felt rushed to me and could have been a bit more detailed, especially with the plot buildup. Still, overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to more from this author.
June 24, 2023
Moonlight Phoenixes
Alexa Piper
Soyer and Amory story continues there’s new characters in this book also, I'm surprised at how much I want more sandman storyline very intrigued by this character and even his "pet" intrigues me.
I didn't miss some of the other characters so much because the new characters made up for it and of course the writer "I LOVE HIM ❤️" and maybe a relationship is blooming in the future.
I really enjoyed this book.
Alexa Piper
Soyer and Amory story continues there’s new characters in this book also, I'm surprised at how much I want more sandman storyline very intrigued by this character and even his "pet" intrigues me.
I didn't miss some of the other characters so much because the new characters made up for it and of course the writer "I LOVE HIM ❤️" and maybe a relationship is blooming in the future.
I really enjoyed this book.
July 1, 2023
Soyer and Amory are unique. I love how they are with each other, the way Amory is so precious to Soyer, and Soyer treats him like a treasure. I really like how Amory tells Soyer about everything that happens, not keeping secrets that could put him in danger. I smiled my way though all the easy parts of this story and was terribly tense in the dangerous parts. I’m so glad they found their way to an HEA though it feels like there’s more to come. I can't wait!
January 12, 2025
I'm loving this series. The characters are absolutely wonderful and well-written. The plot is great. I did think it was interesting that Soyer was hinted at as being a person of color. I like diversity in books, and unfortunately, we don't always get a lot of that in MM romances. Most of the characters are white cis males, which I find boring because it's generally the same story written over and over.
June 10, 2023
I loved getting to see more of this world through Amory's eyes as he gets used to his change and how it also affects his relationship with Soyer. These two are so great together. It's a good thing they make a great team and have plenty of support because the villains are strong in this story. I love a good villain and also like to see them get their just desserts. Cannot wait for book three.
December 9, 2024
Another fabulous series!
It took me a while but I've come to adore this series almost as much as the Hellbound series, also by this author and hope to read more adventures of Amory and Soyer. I recommend reading Black Heart Blooming, book three, first, because that is were I really fell in love with these characters and it's a good introduction to the story world.
It took me a while but I've come to adore this series almost as much as the Hellbound series, also by this author and hope to read more adventures of Amory and Soyer. I recommend reading Black Heart Blooming, book three, first, because that is were I really fell in love with these characters and it's a good introduction to the story world.
June 6, 2023
I AM SO IN LOVE WITH SOYER AND AMORY!! I can not get enough of these two. Their relationship and their moments together are so memorable! This book has it all action, romance, and a story that sets its hook in you from page one. Bravo, just bravo!!
June 26, 2025
Finally a book that actually kept me interested in months had me coming back to find out what’s next loved the characters
, finding a book that can keep my interest these days are difficult but I came cross this book my kobo glad I decided to give it a chance
, finding a book that can keep my interest these days are difficult but I came cross this book my kobo glad I decided to give it a chance
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