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Monsterville, USA #9

Hold Me Closer, Fiery Phoenix

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If I don’t find my true love soon, I’ll die.

The dating scene can be tough for a phoenix, especially when I burn to cinders at the most inconvenient times. It’s gotten to the point where no one will even go out with me.

Worse, my spontaneous combustions are accelerating. I’ve been cursed with a rare phoenix abnormality and my time’s ticking away. Soon, my pile of ashes will be swept up in the wind, and I’ll no longer rejuvenate as a phoenix.

Unless I can find my fated mate and convince her to love me.

When the town's dating service, Monster Mingle, offers me a mail-order bride, I agree out of desperation. I’m married at first sight to Brooke, a woman I haven’t seen since we were sixteen, back when her older brother caught us making out and stole her away.

We pick up where we left off, and with the help of my monster friends, I set out to show her I’m the phoenix of her dreams.

Can I convince her to love me before it’s too late?

Hold Me Closer, Fiery Phoenix , Book 9 in the Monsterville, USA Series, is a spicy monster romcom. Each book is standalone and best if read in order (see below). Expect romantic hijinks with monsters, heat, and a happily ever after.

Check out the entire Monsterville world!

Candy for my Orc Boss
Orc Me Baby One More Time
Gargoyles Just Want to Have Fun
Don’t Go Knotting My Heart
Whose Bed Have Your Claws Been Under?
Uptown Ogre
Oops, I Elf’d it Again
My Orc-y Breaky Heart
Hold Me Closer, Fiery Phoenix
Who Let the Demon Out?

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2023

242 people are currently reading
235 people want to read

About the author

Ava Ross

172 books773 followers
AVA ROSS fell for men with unusual features when she first watched Star Wars, where alien creatures have gone mainstream. She lives in New England with her husband (who is sadly not an alien, though he is still cute in his own way), her kids, and assorted pets, including a yorkie pup and three cats.

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5 stars
386 (50%)
4 stars
213 (27%)
3 stars
136 (17%)
2 stars
19 (2%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,250 reviews86 followers
August 10, 2023
This is an excellent paranormal/fantasy romance! I liked it a lot! Super cute, romantic, and steamy.. Great characters!
Profile Image for Emily Lindsey.
Author 4 books21 followers
September 11, 2023
An excellent story about lost loves!

It was great how they found each other too, like maybe more than Granny Vi was at work here. I get the feeling that maybe there's more to the girl's story than we got here, like what really happened to her parents, was that Jarrod really her brother, was Olivia something sinister too? Lol, I have questions. But not about Byric and the girl, they were obviously meant to be together if outside forces hadn't kept them apart, and in this story, their own secrets are doing the same! I read it straight through, of course, because I have little regard for my day job, obviously, lol, but it was soooo worth it!
Profile Image for ꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂.
1,241 reviews
October 20, 2023
IT WOULD BE MONSTERVILLE - AVA ROSE:
• Book #01 : "Candy for my Orc Boss" - READ ➕ 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Book #02 : "Orc Me Baby One More Time" - READ ➕ 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Book #03 : "Gargoyles Just Want to Have Fun" - READ ➕ 3.5 ⭐
• Book #04 : "Don’t Go Knotting My Heart" - READ ➕ 3.5 ⭐
• Book #05 : "Whose Bed Have Your Claws Been Under?" - READ ➕ 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Book #06 : "Uptown Ogre" - READ ➕ 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Book #07 : "Oops, I Elf’d it Again" - READ ➕ 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Book #08 : "My Orc-y Breaky Heart" - READ ➕ 3.5 ⭐
• Book #09 : "Hold Me Closer, Fiery Phoenix" - 3.6 ⭐
• Book #10 : "Who Let the Demon Out?" -
Profile Image for Nevena.
934 reviews27 followers
August 13, 2023
🔥 “Give me everything you’ve got. It’s mine, and I’m going to claim it.”
~~~
Dating life hasn't been easy for Nyxor, especially when he bursts into flames in the most inappropriate moments. But, despite having to deal with his curse, he’s such an amazing male and a great lawyer. Nyxor is kind, thoughtful, patient, honorable, considerate and protective. I loved this gorgeous phoenix so, so much!

And Brooke is such a wonderful woman. She’s compassionate, kind and so sweet. Even more, she’s a star but is on the run from her brother and her agent. I loved her courage to take matters into her own hands and finally set herself free from their control. Brooke is so brave and strong and I really liked her!

I absolutely loved everything that happened between Nyxor and Brooke! They were best friends and strongly attracted to each other since their teens. But then, her brother whisked her away. Now, with the help of Monster Mingle, both are looking for a solution for their problems. It all might’ve started as a marriage of convenience but things soon become so much more. And really fast, both Brook and Nyxor realized that the flame from their youth is still there. I just loved those two together! I loved their chemistry and I loved every moment they spent getting to know each other anew. Even more, they were so sweet and supportive of each other. And when they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, the passionate moments they shared were so hot! Who could’ve thought the sweet phoenix was so naughty? Both Nyxor and Brooke were so full of surprises and I absolutely adored them. Nyxor and Brooke were so perfect for each other and more than deserved to find happiness and love together. But there’s still a curse over Nyxor’s head and Brooke is not yet free of her brother and agent. Will love be able to conquer all?

Overall, the story is another emotional, sweet, passionate, fun and wholesome addition to the series and I absolutely loved every page of it!
Profile Image for Beata.
306 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2023
Sigh, I was hoping this one will be my favourite.
Let's start with Brooke. Surely her brother knew her real identity and how she looked. He also knew she used to live in Monsterville, so it's really weird to me that she'd go straight there thinking she could hide. I also think there was inconsistency with her brother and agent and the power they had over her. She thought she only had to hide from them for a month because her tv contract ended then (after that she wanted to sue them for money, to which I say you go girl, it's your money anyway), but then she was actually under some kind of conservatorship and had to fight it. She seemed to be conscious of everything else, so there was no reason to change the plot.
Now onto Nyxor. His burnings were inconsistent, sorry. Right after their marriage he burns twice in one night, so the burnings are coming closer together, but then he burns again after 16+ hours. And what a burning it is. Awfully convenient, that's what it was. Sorry, but we're given a step by step during his first burning. So please tell me how did Brooke not only not hear/smell it, but also missed the phoenix that had be there. Especially since he came to right after she left. I also felt like the author forgot that he comes to naked. At the end he burns and comes back to his body twice with a whole lot of people there. But not a mention of him being naked. How his "curse" was broken also didn't make sense. Either magic feels the love and stops his burnings or someone just has to tell him they love him (business marriages are a thing!).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,742 reviews228 followers
August 20, 2023
Nyxor, the phoenix who keeps going up in flames at awkward moments, is up and his special lady friend is Brooke, the new lady in town. Except she's not exactly new. She and Nyxor knew each when they were younger and some not so great circumstances tore them apart. Now Nxyor is looking for his special someone and Brooke is looking for a way to break free of her brother and they both happen to be in the right place at the right time.

Except...Brooke doesn't exactly share her issues with Nyxor. To be fair, Nyxor doesn't share HIS issues either. Which means they're both sort of flying blind in their relationship and this almost causes PROBLEMS. Serious problems, as you can probably tell by the all caps.

Anywho. A little danger puts things in perspective and soon these two are realizing they need one another to be whole. So they do their respective things and make things happen. IN A GOOD WAY. So good. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for La'Jacinth.
1,936 reviews
September 8, 2023
I love reading about teenagers who fall in love and find each other later in life and just pick up emotionally where they left off. Truly meant to be love This is just what this story was.

Brooke was basically kidnapped and used by her bother and her manager, Olivia, from the time she was 16 years old after she fell in love with Nyxor. Nyxor snuck through the veil to see Brooke as often as he could. Now over 10 years later, they have married each other in trial run - for her to get a new name and disappear from her brother and Olivia and for him to stop burning out and get her to love him so he won't poof forever out.

As time goes on, they realize they are perfect for each other and keeping secrets is not the way to live or love.

I love that different couples from previous books are there helping them love, from the Gargoyle groaning and croaking to Tylick and his sister spraying a little help magic to the Orcs coming to dance for them. This is what friend and community do.....uplift, support and love!!!!!
199 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2023
Amazing monster romance!

This book is part of a series of interconnected standalones about monsters falling in love with human women. It can technically be read as a standalone, but you'll enjoy it much more if you read the books in order, because you get to know the whole community, and it's so much fun!

I loved this book! Nyxor is such a cinnamon roll! He always makes Brooke's happiness come first, even over his own life... I also really liked Brooke, and I felt bad she's had such a difficult life, with unkind people around her. And of course, I adore Twinkie! 😻 Venom is again great in this book, and I so can't wait to read the finale, although I'll be sad to say goodbye to these amazing characters that kinda feel like a family...

In case it's not obvious yet, I strongly recommend this book and the whole series, whether you are familiar with monster romance or not... it would actually be a great introduction! Read it, you'll thank me later 😉
1,353 reviews12 followers
September 5, 2023
These are the perfect books when things around you are falling apart. Trust me, right now, I know that for a fact. Each book is different and couple have their own characters and issues. Some have more depth, some are a little bit darker, others a little more steam. The only thing that remains the same is the wonderful writing, the way it makes you truly care for the couple and the fact that the world feels brighter after you have read it. Brooke is a famous actress so you’d think that she has it all. The truth is far less pretty. Her brother has ruled her life and made it a misery. She is surrounded by uncaring, unkind people and she needs out. Brooke and Nyxor were the classic teenage sweethearts until it all changed. He is a rare kind of Phoenix that if he doesn’t find his find his true mate, he’ll burn and remains ashes. He is a total cinnamon roll though and you cannot help but love him especially the way he cares for Brooke.
Profile Image for Lori.
362 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2024
Phoenix Rising

Nyxer is a rare breed of Phoenix; one who must find a woman who loves him to keep him from literally burning up until all that’s left of him is ashes.
He has begun burning and rising back up more and more frequently.
At some point it will be his last and he will rise no more.
Brooke planned to marry a stranger, take his name, then run away and start over where she hopes the ones she’s running from will never find her.
But, when she meets the man she’s going to marry, he’s no stranger!
Instead they were teenage sweethearts until her brother tore them apart.
Can she take a chance on finally taking what her heart longs for, or will happiness be snatched away again?
And worse, will she lose her fiery Phoenix forever?
Read this hot, sweet romance and find out!
Profile Image for MeaganRyan.
63 reviews7 followers
August 16, 2023
Wow! What a rollercoaster of emotions with this book! As alway, I’m thrilled getting to go on another adventure in Monsterville. I’ll be uber sad when it over… but this book delivered! Ava knows how to do it! We have Nyxor, our gorgeous “Fiery Phoenix” of a hero… and Brooke, our little runaway starlet. I absolutely loved how this book picked immediately up where the last book ended. That brought a smile to my face… and wow what a way it was for Brooke’s introduction to Nyxor! This story gave me Britney Spears vibes with a knight in shining armor. Loved this book… but man did it make me tear up. Sad, Sweet, & Spicy all rolled into one fabulous treat for all of us readers. Thank you, Ava, for yet again another monster of a masterpiece!
696 reviews7 followers
August 17, 2023
Brook has basically been held hostage to make lots of money for her brother and Olivia. People that should be caring for her instead of abusing her emotionally and physically. Finally she saves enough money to run.
Nyxor is a Phoenix running out of time. He needs to find his fated mate. Prevous dates just couldn't handle when he'd burn, come back as a Phoenix and then revert to his human form, a very naked human form. Then he signs up for Monster Mingle- to get a mail order bride. His bride is the girl hel oved when he was 16. And she loved him. Will this solve their problems?
Ava knows how to pull at your heart strings and emotions with her monster tales. She adds plot twists, danger, a sense of impending loss, reconnecting with early love, exploration and steam.
Profile Image for T Nelson.
1,879 reviews29 followers
May 10, 2024
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Paranormal, Second Chance
Monsterville, USA series Book 9

Trigger/Content warnings
Assault
Forced compliance with drugs
Kidnapping

*Tissue Alert for death*

Nyxor (mmc, monster)
Brooke (mfc, human)

Nyxor, a Phoenix, is in serious need of finding his mate. If he doesn't, he will continue to burn at a faster rate until he can no longer rejuvenate. Brooke is on the run from her controlling brother and agent. They are human, evil, and need to be stopped. This book takes the whole town to get things going, but it starts with a mail-order bride. Fates just make it that Brooke and Nyxor knew each other years ago. Can they make this work before he burns his last burn?
Profile Image for Stacey Gomez.
1,109 reviews17 followers
September 13, 2023
So, we have another couple from the Monsterville series to review. Here Nyxor is searcing for his fated mate but he is doubtful of ever finding it. But, when Brooke come along things change he can't help but be in her presence. I loved this book! Nyxor is such a cinnamon roll! He always makes Brooke's happiness come first, even over his own life... I also really liked Brooke, and I felt bad she's had such a difficult life, with unkind people around her. And of course, I adore Twinkie! 😻 Venom is again great in this book, and I so can't wait to read the finale, although I'll be sad to say goodbye to these amazing characters that kinda feel like a family. I highly recommend.
138 reviews
September 16, 2023
Child Abuse, Cruelty, And Critical Illness

This segment of Monsterville is not worthy of the series! Quite honestly Ava Ross was a disappointment in adding this book to the series. Quite the difference from the rest of the series that it fills like a mistake to even include it in the series. I don't think that all the abuse and pending death did not fit in romance books.

While I commend writers sharing their talents and imagination with us I am not a fan of child abuse or cruelty while pleasure reading. Maybe Ms. Ross should consider writing the dark stories under another name.
Profile Image for Lissa.
1,319 reviews142 followers
October 14, 2023
More like 3.5 stars, but I'm deducting half a star because every time I picked up this book or I see the title I get Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" stuck in my head for hours. ;D (Just kidding. I mean, I do always get the song in my head now when I think of this book, but I almost always round down.)

I really liked the story, and I'm a sucker for childhood friends/loves reuniting later in life. The found family aspect is great too; the author really pulls in how Monsterville has become a large family instead of just a town. I just feel like Brooke's problems were solved a little too easily and off page.
Profile Image for Cynkris.
594 reviews
August 12, 2023
The Monsterville books get better and better! Read this one with a tissue handy because there is *sniff* moments! I love Brooke and Nyxor, they are both so sweet. Both have a very serious problem that the Monsters of Monsterville have a hand in solving so we get to see old friends from previous books...always a good thing. The best thing about Phoenix is I invested my heart. I adore these characters, they are friends I will visit with again and again. Ava Ross writes what makes me happy and she writes it incredibly well. You can't lose with her. 1-click all the way.
153 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2023
Hold Me Closer Fiery Phoenix by Ava Ross is the next book set in Monsterville. Is it me or are the books in this series getting more and more heart wrenching…in the best possible way? Once again, Ava had me in tears! In this book, Brooke and Nyxor reconnect years after her brother had whisked her away. This time, however, she learns that Nyxor is a phoenix and Monsterville is a town that “has your back”.
780 reviews11 followers
August 10, 2023
Ava Ross continues to astound me with her creative prose. Nyxor is my favorite character in this series and I was excited to read his book. As the story unfolds you become so invested in the characters that you never want the book to end. In fact, I’ll be sorry to see this series end. Excellent plot with rich vibrant characters make this the perfect afternoon read. Download and enjoy!❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,219 reviews
August 13, 2023
It felt like a dark cloud hovering over our couple throughout the story. Every time I think of the possibility that could happen to our MMC, my heart aches. The author nearly gave me a broken heart, and my tears threatened to fall. Thankfully, she said the magic words. I was happy that everything worked out right.

I wish there were more to the story because I want to read more of them.
Profile Image for Joy.
299 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2023
This is the 9th book in the Monsterville U.S.A. Series. This book features Brooke and Nyxor. It's a sweet mail order bride, second chance romance with extra spicy scenes. I loved the reappearance of the previous books' characters. This was an enjoyable weekend read. I highly recommend this book and this whole series.
Profile Image for Michele.
2,060 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2023
This series is unbelievable, it keeps getting better and better. Brooke and Nyxor are so sweet together and I loved how the whole community came together to protect them and to be there for them. Be prepared to cry as they work through the issues that are keeping them from their happily ever after. You will not be disappointed reading an Ava Ross book!!!
Profile Image for Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha.
1,056 reviews16 followers
August 17, 2023
Nyxor and Brook
We know Nyxor from the previous books and I just wanted him to find someone. He is the cutest guy and he has so much bad luck in love... I absolutly loved his book. The reading he didn't have luck in Love was because he already had a mate that had runaway when they were Young. I just got such amazing vibes from this One. Fantastic.
902 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2023
Nyxor and Brooke

Nyxor is a different type of Phoenix, and if he doesn't find his fated mate, one of his burns will be his last. Brooke is a famous actress and she is going to marry a stranger so she can hide from her brother and agent. But nyxor and Brooke met years ago and are now married to each other, but does it help either of them with their problems? Good story.
217 reviews
August 22, 2023
Another excellent series by Ava Ross

This is the 2nd to last book in this series, and by far the most emotional. Ms. Ross is my favorite author. So when I say that you can't go wrong with any book she has written, you can be sure I mean it. I'm getting sad about this wonderful series ending.
Profile Image for Kourtney.
Author 3 books242 followers
September 3, 2023
guaranteed fun read!

A book by Ava Ross is a guaranteed fun read. You’ll fall in love with her characters and cheer them on through their struggles. You’ll want hug and high five them when things turn our well. The love scenes are steamy and sweet. I love this series. Whenever I’m feeling down, I pick one of these up and read. I’m smiling in minutes.
Profile Image for Kate Presley.
223 reviews7 followers
November 12, 2023
Went the same as the other books. Good, quick bite but no true depth or build up other than outside circumstances pushing the couples together. Although Nyxor was the most adorable of them all so far. My heart was hurting for him though with having no control over his rebirths :(

One more to go and the series is finished :P
Profile Image for Cristy.
704 reviews13 followers
August 15, 2023
This was such a sweet sweet read. Teenage sweethearts finally reconnecting after decades apart.
The sacrifices we make to protect ourselves and each other truly are put to the test when we put our faith above all. A sweet spicy read with a touch of 🔥 with a HEA! 💜💜
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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