Phoenix King

Brothers of Fire #2

by T.J. Nichols

Kill the King of Mont de Leucoy, and his siblings will be released.

It should be an easy job for Malcolm Forrest. He’s ex-army, and hiking through snow doesn’t bother him because he’s a snow leopard shifter. He enters the country on four feet, his plan not formed beyond reaching the castle and getting eyes on the king.

Seeing a phoenix flying through the trees is unexpected, but his curiosity has been awakened, and so has the firebird’s. He follows, but what he finds is a man standing by a fire. A man he believes to be a shifter living wild and in need of some company, which, after days of living as a snow leopard, is rather too tempting.

Escaping his security to shift and fly is one of the reasons Gerrit likes to visit his remote mountain estate. The only shifters he ever finds are those in trouble, so when he sees the snow leopard, he’s happy to share his fire.

When the leopard shifts, Gerrit wants more than words. He’s tired of being alone and unable to connect because of who he is and the secret he needs to keep. He doesn’t expect to see the snow leopard again.

The next time they meet, Malcolm realizes who the phoenix is and how he missed his chance. With a magic-fueled blizzard closing in and no means of escape, he fails to act again. Instead, when Gerrit offers him shelter on his estate and in his bed, he accepts. Even though the lie eats him up. How can he kill a man who cares about his country, his family, his staff, and a stranger so much?

With lives on the line and too many secrets being kept, revealing the truth may be the only way out of the mess…but it will cost him more than his heart.

Explore the hidden kingdom of Mont de Leucoy in Book 2 of the Brothers of Fire series. This book has a lonely king, a desperate assassin, a snowstorm, spies, lies, and plenty of steam created by the phoenix and the snow leopard.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2024

About the author

TJ Nichols (they/them) is the author of the Studies in Demonology and Familiar Mates series. They write mostly gay fantasy and paranormal romance, but sometimes gay action/horror as Toby J. Nichols.

After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.

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Reviews

[Imanewreader ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

he was sent to kill him, he ended up loving him

and for that YOU CAN TAKE MY MONEY !!

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Phoenix King is the second book in T.J. Nichols’ Brothers of Fire series and I found this one a really interesting installment in this series and the larger world. The series features a group of phoenix shifters who have lived many lifetimes. Each time they die, they are reborn as an egg and grow into a phoenix shifter. While they retain their souls from one life to the next, they have no real memories save their journals they keep. As they are reborn, the men take on different roles, and this time around Gerrit is the king. The set up to the series is very clever and entertaining and I am enjoying both this series world, and the larger connected one Nichols has built. I do think that readers of this story need some of the foundation that comes from the prior book, as well as some of the connected series.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[T.J. Nichols]

Buy the paperback direct from author: https://tjnicholsbooks.myshopify.com/...

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of the Brothers of Fire is better than the first, because you already have all the information of the first book and you can read it better.


The story centers on Gerrit, the current king of the fictional kingdom Mont de Leucoy, who has taken a night off in solitude in the mountains. By chance, he meets Malcolm, the other protagonist. Without knowing who he is, they spend the night together.

Malcolm is a former soldier, who has a specific mission, related to the king of Mont de Leucoy.

Once again the Shadow Board is planning to destroy the kingdom and stability.

[Cindaren · Rating 2 out of 5]

"And if they were seeing patterns in the few hundred years’ worth of books that they could read, there would be even bigger patterns that they were missing because the languages were lost. It meant the other paranormals also experienced past life connections, but they weren’t aware." If the other paranormals also experience reincarnation, and reincarnation is how immortality is defined in this world, then all the paranormals are effectively immortal. So why is this ever discussed as something unique to the phoenixes?

"He didn’t want to be jealous of his brother, but he was. Even though the path had not been smooth for Dalmon and Lucian." Why jealous? Being so-called fated impacts them not at all since Lucian gave up his magic and broke the bond.

“Be safe, no. Be smart please." Is this supposed to say, “Be safe, now. Be smart please."? Or, “Be safe- no, be smart please."?

"He pulled a journal at random, trusting his magic to find what he was looking for" Why? What magic does he have that allows him to find things? He's not a witch. And he's definitely not a Finder.

"I am a phoenix, Malcolm. I die, and then I am reborn.” Well, apparently you don't need to be a phoenix to be reborn so...

“Then I suggest you send some humans out and hope it’s not a recovery mission.” The storm is so dangerous that even a snow leopard couldn't survive, and yet they want to send humans out into it...

"I didn’t know who you were when we met. I thought you were some feral shifter who wanted to fuck, and I wanted to play with you." No, Malcolm did not think he was feral. They become feral after staying in their human form too long and Malcolm saw him as a man almost immediately, so he never had the chance to think he was feral.

“You came to kill me, yet you’re worried about my people dying?”
“I don’t know how else to save my brother and sister. When I look at you, I see someone who takes care of everyone else. You need someone to take care of you, baby, and I want to be that person." That's so random. "I can't help my brother and sister but I want to take care of you." Wth.

'Malcolm lifted his cuffed hands. “I am under arrest unless this is some kind of kinky…” He shut his mouth before he could say anything else and looked away. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that, Your Majesty.”
He kept forgetting Gerrit had put the wall up between them.' I mean, Malcolm is the one who went there to kill Gerrit and never told him, even though they were fucking. That's a pretty huge wall. Malcolm sounds really self-pitying and it doesn't make me root for them.

“My idea was more of a collection of questions. It may not work. We may die sooner. Help might be coming. This all has to be weighed.”
“And you are used to weighing them in combat." From what the book says it's not like Malcolm was a decision-maker. Simply being IN the military doesn't give you a tactical mind. Which probably explains why this plan is so weak. I don't get the justification. Why would the magic think blood means someone died? That's so silly.

"When he’d practiced this with Kaine, it had been on one ward, not on the entire house." Why would you ever practice breaking the wards on your own lodge? Nothing about this plan makes sense. I also don't understand what happened with Pascal. I thought he was near dying but all of a sudden he's fine? Until he's not, ofc. "Malcolm hadn’t been sure how Dubois had killed him. If Dubois hadn’t the magic and his injuries would’ve…he’d probably gone into this job knowing he wasn’t going to make it." Wait, what? His injuries were bad enough to kill him but y'all were making him trudge around and climb stairs and whatnot? I don't GET IT. Just doesn't make sense.

I don't understand the point of the jug of blood. They had to "break the wards" so that the magic could come in and, what, see the blood and think the phoenix was dead even though it could - presumably - see the phoenix flying around looking for an escape even though the windows are broken and he could easily escape through there? And then the magic is "whipping around the room" but then just... goes away? Why?

'There was no sign of the phoenix. “Do you think he’s okay? The snow won’t hurt him?”
“No…but he can’t eat when shifted. And if he doesn’t eat⁠—”
“He’ll get stuck.”
“So we need to find him because if he gets stuck, he will die.”'

What the actual fuck. Why does he need to eat right now? There's no rush to eat. He's been eating regularly until today, and maybe some meals today too. This is just some forced drama bullshit.

"Even though he had snow leopard magic, not even he could hide in the snow in an orange coat." Why didn't he shift?

This world-building is so inconsistent. "I’m not sure he even knows he’s a man. Do you know the glint a feral shifter gets?" Why is he feral all of a sudden? They did not do a good job explaining what causes a shifter to turn feral if getting stabbed in the leg and all can cause it. Seems a bit too fragile... not to mention convenient, plotwise.

'The guard returned with a small bag and three chocolate bars. That was better than butter.' Better how, exactly? They're not in shock. They don't need sugar which they will burn through. They need something more substantial.

"And how do you read a map with paws?” The guard gave a small laugh.
Malcolm cut him a glare. “I don’t, I use my eyes.” Is he glaring while making a dad joke? Wth.

'He flapped his wings to fly away, but there wasn’t enough of them. He was too weak to flee from the man who’d hurt him.' Why though.

"But I do know all that magic fried your brain. I saw the humanity leave your eyes and the phoenix take over.” Okay so the MAGIC FRIED HIS BRAIN. Can shifting really heal a fried brain? Even though it apparently made him go feral? Wtaf. This book is WILD and doesn't make sense and I am SO DONE with this book. My goodness.

Why is the letter making Malcolm cry? It's so trite.

'The handwriting was so neat there was no guessing what was written.' What does this mean? If the handwriting is neat why would you need to guess?

'Trauma was the thing that trapped a shifter. That, and lack of energy.' Oh, how convenient.

“I actually really like Dalmon’s idea. He has asked Lucian to keep a book to be added to our library." I'm actually shocked no one thought of it in the past...what, thousands of years? Idk how long they've been in existence but long enough for languages to die out. And not one of them ever thought it might be useful to have their partners and/or other close family/friends keep a journal to help ensure the knowledge isn't completely one-dimensional?

Oh look. The next book ALSO has a MC being blackmailed...

[Elaine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine

~

Phoenix King, by T.J. Nichols
Brothers of Fire, 02
★★★★★

3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: LGBTQIA+, Assassin, Romance, Royalty, Shifters, Forced Proximity, Spies, Insta-lust, Anonymous hookup, grief, suicide ideation
Triggers: mild violence, danger; kidnap and trafficking of shifters; mentions of military career; mentions of family kidnap, threat, death and blackmail
Genre: MM, Romance, Shifter, PNR, Crime

~

Phoenix Spy is the second book in the Brothers of Fire series, which continues the story of the Shadow Board and phoenixes, while giving us a glimpse into King Gerrit's life.

Our two MC's are interesting. We start with Malcolm, a Scottish ex-military man who is in emotional turmoil and searching for Mont du Leucoy. A gang have kidnapped his mother, brother and sister, and already killed his mother as a warning. To free his brother and sister, he needs to kill the King of Mont du Leucoy. As he's travelling, he sees a rare sight in the sky – a phoenix that shouldn't exist.
On land, King Gerrit has snuck off for a clandestine fly as his phoenix. He's got a fire, a bottle of brandy, and time to kill. He's in his forties, and still grieving for his wife who died years ago, in a car crash that almost also took Everest. As Everest grew up and became independent, Gerrit also lost the father/son relationship they'd had. With the weight of kingly responsibility bearing heavily on his shoulders, he's really struggling to cope.
An accidental meeting that night leads to a one-night stand and insta-lust, but they go their separate ways never realising how their paths are fated to cross. Together, they create an interesting dynamic and have an incredible chemistry right from the first page.

The story is told in dual POV, but with occasional input from Kaine – whose book is next! – which give us an insight into the security aspect of the Coven. It also shows us more of the relationship between the brothers and how delicate their juggling act can be, and how their various roles influence each life.

I really loved the continuing concept of previous-life connections, the soul bruise, and the bond that isn't quite a true mate or fated mate, but has the same impact on the characters. I loved the sizzling chemistry between Malcolm and Gerrit, how they fill the gaps in each other's lives and help each other in unexpected ways, with unexpected consequences.

The world-building continues with each book, picking up on the threads that were woven in the Familiar Mates series, and creating a complex but intriguing storyline revolving around the Shadow Board. This book is no different, in that it adds and expands on what we've already learned.

I'm looking forward to seeing Kaine's story. Giving him a slightly bigger role in this book really helps with the fact that his story is next.

~

Favourite Quote

“What are we doing?” he whispered against Gerrit's lips.
“Hiding from the storm.” Whether that storm was outside, or within him, Gerrit wasn't sure. Nor was he sure which one would do more damage.”

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Phoenix King is an enjoyable read, though I was much more invested in the first book. Unfortunately, the chemistry and suspense that so engaged me in that book is missing in this one. However, I do like Malcolm and Gerrit. Both men are desperate in their own ways and lose themselves in a moment they steal from their problems—Gerrit is trapped by duty; Malcolm, is trapped by a countdown to save his sister.

Malcolm grew up in a family tied to crime, and his brother embraced that life. Possibly bc of his brother’s dangerous dealings, their mother is killed and Malcolm’s siblings threatened with death if Malcolm doesn’t kill Gerrit. Malcolm has no solid plan and is banking on his military training to figure something out. He regrets meeting Gerrit that night bc Malcolm recognized the same hopelessness and need in Gerrit and feels too connected to him to kill him.

Gerrit’s “son” Everest is too young to take the throne, and Gerrit won’t force him into leadership too young like he was. However, between being crowned king before he was ready, losing his wife, and his strained relationship with Everest, the loneliness and constraints of his existence and unwillingness to bother his brothers is slowly eroding his spirit. His interlude with Malcolm highlights the depths of his despair and stagnation.

As much as I empathized with Gerrit, I felt less strongly about Malcolm’s plight. I believe that he wants to save his siblings (well, his sister), but he doesn’t seem torn enough about the possibility of getting them killed by choosing Gerrit. Maybe subconsciously, he doesn’t believe any of them will make it out of the situation alive; he definitely believes his life is forfeit in one way or another. Maybe his connection to and passion for Gerrit is supposed to be so overwhelming he can’t stop himself from constantly tabling his worries to be with Gerrit. However, I couldn't buy that because the MCs don't have that much chemistry. As with most of the emotions, I felt Gerrit’s longing and need to be seen as a man. I felt his thrill at the danger of sleeping with a man he doesn’t trust and how it makes him feel alive. I just didn’t feel Malcolm’s turmoil or emotions as strongly.

The set-up is interesting and the pacing is fine, but to me there is no tension in the story. Knowing there are traitors around Gerrit and that a blizzard is trapping him with a man tasked to kill him should create an atmosphere of danger and suspense, but this isn’t the case. Between this, the pair’s lack of chemistry, and annoying repetitions, I didn’t care about the murderous plot and was more invested in Gerrit’s mental health than the relationship. However, I did enjoy the climatic events and where it leaves Gerrit emotionally, and overall the book is entertaining. Plus, there’s a line that blatantly sets up the conflict for the next book, and I’m interested to see how that plays out.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, we have Malcolm who is a snow leopard shifter tasked with killing the king of Mont De Leucoy to save his brother and sister who have been kidnapped by the Shadow Board. While heading to his destination, he comes across a phoenix flying free. When he comes upon the phoenix's camp, he finds a man that he is instantly attracted to. Little does he know, the shifter is nonother but the King. Gerrit is tired. He just wants to find love and be able to be free to live his life. His responsibilities weight heavily on him. He is waiting to be step down and turn over the throne to his "son", Everest. The "brothers" do not know exactly how long they have lived as the books that they keep track of their lifetimes; they can no longer read that language. They don't even know if they are even related to each other or if so, in what capacity. Gerrit while at his getaway, is able to sneak past his guards and just shift & not be king. Our two when they meet, have an explosive time together. But then Gerrit leaves & never thinks they will ever meet again. But then they do, and Malcolm finds out who Gerrit is and feels that he has missed his chance. Theirs was not an easy road to a HEA, but I'm glad they were able to. I would have liked to see if Malcolm was in Gerrit's books and who their connection was in the past. Kaine's book is next, and I can't wait.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest opinion.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series, with Phoenix, shifters, and witches. I enjoyed the different take on enemies to lovers, and how Malcolm and Gerrit come to realise each other’s true identity, and how they’re so much more than what they appear to be.

I loved Gerrit’s pull between fulfilling his role in this lifetime and wanting more. He’s lonely, missing his late wife, and having someone to share his life, who doesn’t just see him as the king. I liked his gift to sense others in trouble and helping them. Malcolm’s also conflicted, and his feelings for Gerritt war with his need to save his sister. I loved the expectations and emotions in this story and how Gerrit and Malcolm are forced to confront how they feel.

This story is very much about family. Gerrit’s close to his brothers, but tired of the roles they have to play, and hiding their true selves. Malcom’s forced into a role he doesn’t want in order to protect his family, because of the bad choices some of them have made. They’re both trapped without any obvious way out.

I love the phoenix mythology, and the world building with this series, with the Shadow Board still complicating matters and determined to win the place they think they should have within this world. The mystery of who is sabotaging from within is tense and full of red herring. Nicely done, as is the only way they’re going to survive.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is a great paranormal romantic suspense with two MCs brought together in an impossible situation. Malcolm, the ex-Army snow leopard shifter, must assassinate King Gerrit of Mont de Leucoy if he wants to save his kidnapped siblings' lives When he meets the king, however, he just thinks he's another shifter, albeit a mythical one. The ensuing relationship complicates Malcolm's task when feelings become involved, and the discovery of spies in the cabin in which the king and his entourage seek shelter during a magical storm adds a further layer of danger to an already fear-filled situation. Malcolm and Gerrit must trust each other--especially after Gerrit discovers the reason that Malcolm is in his kingdom--if they are to save the lives of the other occupants of the cabin as well as their own. Add in Gerrit's discovery that he and Malcolm have a shared history, so they'll need to ensure that this time, they break the negative chains that bind them to the past, and you have an edge-of-your-seat tale. The writer still manages to get some steamy scenes in with all the drama, and though it's more heavily suspense than romance (if sex scenes = romance in your view) it ends with an HFN, I hope I get to see the rest of their story in the next book in the series.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcom, a snow leopard shifter AND ex-military, has been tasked with saving his sister and brother from the Shadow Board (the reoccurring villains) by murdering the present King of the Phoenixes, Gerrit. He unexpectedly finds Gerrit by a fire pit after Gerrit has flown from his residence as an escape from his strong sense of duty as king. This meeting presents itself as insta-lust which consumes both of them. Both men need to save their families from dire consequences: Gerrit from the heavy weight of Kingship while freeing his heart to be himself while Malcom faces the dilemma of savings his siblings while being true to his shifter nature of fulfilling his apparent willing bonding with his "mate" who just happens to be the subject of his killing mission. Each acknowledges the attraction while being trapped in Gerrit's cabin during a mystic snowstorm (along with faithful and "spies"). As with the true nature of phoenixes, all the brothers are reborn but never realizing their mates. Only by reading his journal history does Gerrit realize Malcom is his reoccurring mate. Gerrit and Malcom's story is a good continuation of this series' theme. This is my ARC review written willingly and honestly.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too much time had elapsed for me between the Familiar Mates series and the start of this one. And while the stories were getting darker and darker ( because nothing says light and fluffy like reading about an Electrical Witch who was in danger of having his powers stripped FM #1, or having your bladder adder mate bite and poison you because he works for your psychotic mom FM #3), BoF #1, seemed really dark. And it was confusing.
So Phoenix King was a should-I-should-I-not. Glad I did. Because this book had me from page 1. Phoenix shifters whose past lives are relived in the present, and allow them to right a wrong from the past , is an interesting and original concept. The "oh, I kept a diary, but left it cryptic to not be a lot of use for present me" was really interesting. And while Dalmon and his mate were eh, I really liked Gerrit and Malcolm.
Of course, being blackmailed to kill someone who turns up to be significant in this life and a past life, also makes it spellbinding.
Their sexy times are hot, the betrayals a bit unexpected. Not exactly a lite read. But definitely a fun one. I look forward to Kaine and Everett's stories.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my review.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Garrit of Mont de Leucoy retires to his mountain estate for a break and the ability to sneak away to be a phoenix. While a phoenix, he realizes he is not alone, and snow leopard shifter is in the forest. The two share a pleasant time together and they part. While out on a hike the next day, Garrit finds Malcolm, the snow leopard, once again and invites him back when a storm arrives. Garrit has no idea that Malcolm is there under blackmail to assassinate him. The Shadow Board has his siblings, and they will die if Malcolm does not follow orders. Unfortunately, he finds he is no assassin and cannot do as requested.

This series, called Brothers of Fire, is absolutely fascinating. Each phoenix has access to their past lives through journals kept by their past selves. The problem is finding the entry they need. It seems the past does repeat itself and Garrit wants to avoid that. The two men find themselves attracted and want more than just repeating the tragic past. How do they do that? You will have to pick up this excellent story and see for yourself. If paranormal and MM stories are your thing, then this one is perfect for you.
I was supplied a complimentary copy containing five stories, and my honest and voluntary review is provided with pleasure.

[Tony Farnden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix King is the second book in the new Brothers of Fire series. Gerrit is the King of Mont de Leucoy, a small Mountainous country, and a phoenix shifter. He has suddenly become a target for assassination and Malcolm Forrest is the assassin. Malcolm has been blackmailed into accepting the job. He is a snow leopard and ex-soldier. The two meet in a remote location and murder is the last thing on anyone’s mind as they hook up.

They meet up again the next day by accident and end up at Gerrit’s hunting lodge together with all the staff and security as a terrific storm hits the area. The story then focuses on being trapped and not knowing who can be trusted. It also focuses on Malcolm’s and Gerrit’s growing attraction for each other in the face of the unknown.

The story works really well with a lot of magic thrown into the mix together with some hot moments between the two protagonists.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenixes are a fun fantasy breed and TJ Nichols makes the most of their attributes in Phoenix King. As with most series, the reader will get more out of this book having read the prior stories in the series. The eponymous phoenix is Gerrit who is tiring of his duties as king. His would-be assassin is Malcolm who will find his army skills coming in handy during a magical blizzard. This is the classic opposites-attract trope. There are so many secrets that get revealed and so many machinations of Garrit’s enemies that the plot is pleasantly complicated. I found myself much more drawn into this book than the one previous. The resolution to surviving the blizzard was a surprise to me and added to the twists and turns in the book. There is one mystery solved, but the bigger one remains to be addressed in the final book of the trilogy. I received a free copy of the book from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarinha M · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't really for me, I'm giving it a 4* rating, as the misgivings with the story were more about my personal tastes rather than an issue with the story itself!

I'm not the greatest fan of angst & there was a fair amount in this book, but what it was the overly melancholic feel to the whole story that really didn't agree with me.

I don't mind a little angst (when it feels justified, I really don't like it when it's angst for the sake of angsting 😬) & even a dab of melancholy is fine, but it felt excessive IMO, it peppered the whole story & due to that, it was too much of a downer for me.

I was expecting in a story about a Phoenix & a Snow Leopard Shifter assassin, for it to be a lot more "fiery", spicier & with a lot more action.

I liked both MCs, but I think a lot more spice was needed to balance out the angst/melancholy. It was far too introspective IMO.

But definitely worth a read!

[Alias11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First a disclosure: I have not read the first book in the series yet, and although it likely would have added more depth and history to this one (there are some continuing themes/foes), this was still a compelling and enjoyable read. Enemies to lovers, duty to family/others, fated mates, and wanting to follow one's own heart all play a part in the lives and connection between Gerrit and Malcolm, and make for an enjoyable and compelling story. Hidden agendas, betrayal, and plenty of twists and turns, add to the emotional impact. I look forward to the conclusion of the series, and plan to go back and read the first book about Dalmon and Lucian. I love the whole idea of Phoenixes, rebirth, and knowing hints, but not details, from prior lives. Great read!

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun quick read in the series. Everything pretty much takes place in 2-3 days so it’s a fast paced story that keeps you interested from start to finish. I didn’t know much about the king prior to this but he had more depth than the previous main characters and I appreciated all his been through. That said it was a bit of an instalove/lust for these two but it worked for the storyline. Keep in mind this storyline is ongoing and even though each book is a new couple you really do need to start at the beginning of the series to really enjoy it all. There were a few sad moments in this one and I still have questions about the bond or previous bond between these two. I felt like we still are missing some answers about their relationship but maybe the next book will help. Overall I’m really enjoying this series!

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a choice that Malcolm has to make. He is an ex-army leopard shifter who has been tasked to kill the king of Mont de Leucoy if he wants to gain the release of his siblings who have been kidnapped and will be released once he does this task. So he goes to do recon and to figure out how to act and he encounters a Phoenix with whom he shares more than the warmth of a fire. He connects with King Gerrit before he realizes that he and the Phoenix are one and the same. He finds himself in a bit of a dilemma. I will not spoil the story but this one was interesting in the way it unfolds, there were things that occurred that I didn't see coming and these two had great chemistry. Such a good story with good elements that kept my attention all the way. I am looking forward to the next book in this trilogy.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing. Malcolm, is on a reluctant mission to kill the King so the kidnappers will release his siblings. He doesn't care much about his brother's fate, but he must save his sister. Gerrit, escapes his kingdom and security for some private time. Malcolm's snow leopard notices a firebird and follows him. When he sees Gerrit, he's intrigued and curious. They share more than fire and solitude, then part to return to their lives. They meet again the next day and when Gerrit invites Malcolm to his castle, Mal realizes who he is. This exciting story is a lot about exploring personal feelings, loyalty, perseverance, character and testing one's will. Good flow and excellent character development. Great read, lots of excitment and fun. Nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent TJ Nichols book! I've been fascinated by the phoenix shifters since they were first hinted at. That said, with each new story in this series, my brain has to scramble to remember who's who (this is a me-failing, not a book failing). *That said,* I can always count on TJ Nichols to refresh my brain without going into info-dump-mode, which I greatly appreciate.

While reading this one, I was planning to say "not much in the larger Shadow Board plot was tackled" but with one well-placed action, my assumption was made into a lie. That's some masterful writing right there. And the feels? I can always count on these books to make my heart hurt in the most delightful ways. I'm very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Lexicdark · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the king brother's turn, and I think I liked this story more than the first book. While this book also centers around not repeating the mistakes of the past, it is also about acknowledging what you want for yourself, and going for it.

Malcom's family is on the line, they have been kidnapped and used as blackmail for him to kill the King. Gerrit is growing very weary of the crown, and just wanted to find out what its like to be Gerrit. A chance meeting in the woods brings these two men together anonymously, which they both want. But the second meeting reveals who Gerrit is, and Malcolm is suddenly not killing a stranger.

This story is about second chances, about doing something for yourself, about learning to ask for help, and finding love again.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it and can’t wait for the next book in the series! I just finished Phoenix King and was pulled into the story right away and couldn’t pull myself away from Gerrit and Malcolm’s story. This is the second book in the series, and it was just as good as the first. The story pulls you in and you can’t wait to find out what happens next. This book is full of surprises since the Shadow Board has spies within the ranks of the security protecting the King. Malcolm also came on a mission to kill the King, but he falls in love instead. Love wins and traitors get their due! The next book in the series is Phoenix Mate and I can’t wait to find out how this group of Phoenix shifters continue their fight against the Shadow Board.

[Angeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
King Gerrit of Mont de Leucoy has briefly escaped his guards to take a solo flight and enjoy some alone time. Away from the palace and all his responsibilities, it's a rare time to feel relaxed when he meets another shifter. This snow leopard had seen his phoenix form in the air and had approached his fire. With their blood still hot from their shift, the two do not resist the attraction between them. But they were wrong about assuming they won't see each other again because Gerrit's guard spots Malcolm on their way back to the Lodge.

I've enjoyed the worldbuilding in this series, esp. when their past lives intrude into their present lives. This idea of a soul bruise is also fascinating. The way Malcolm is very nurturing of Gerrit is so sweet.

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was alot less talk of the missing brother in this story. Though the other storyline about the shadow board remained. We did get glimpses of Gerrits other brothers.

As for the main characters, my heart broke for Malcolm. Hes been through so much. He dragged himself out of the criminal world and created a career. He was more than willing to put himself in any kind of crosshairs to ensure his families safety. As for Gerrit, it was getting harder and harder for him to hide his frustrations. The mantel of King was getting tougher to bear. While he "sneeked away" to get some private peace, this was no longer working for him, and the shadow board was getting way to close.

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. How far is to far to save your siblings? For Malcolm, crossing over the line into Mont de Leucoy. 
He may not be allowed contact with the coven but no one said anything of a territory had an amazing sight of a mythological Phoenix.     
Gerrit being king was exhausting, a chance meeting under that cover of darkness. A snow leopard wondering his land should be raised the red flag. Is it fate or opportunity, When something happened with a storm hit. Heavy hearted and leaving is the only way the stress of the world behind? both men seemed like the only answer. 

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

More great story telling

Honestly reading this book makes me amazed that this is only two books into this series because so much has already happened and TJ Nichols has fit so much backstory into it. I love the idea that the people around the phoenixes are also reincarnated and they keep almost repeating bits of their history together as it were. This volume focuses on Gerrit who is taking his turn to be king and Malcolm the snow leopard shifter who has been sent to kill him. The slow plotting of what to do about the storm and the way we aren’t sure who the bad guys are has us readers being lead a merry chase by Nichols. More lives and chases please.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoenix King is the second book in T.J. Nichols’ Brothers of Fire series.
This is a great paranormal romantic suspense with two MCs brought together in an impossible situation. Malcolm, the ex-Army snow leopard shifter, must assassinate King Gerrit of Mont de Leucoy if he wants to save his kidnapped siblings' lives. After meeting and connecting with the King without knowing his identity, he finds himself in an impossible situation.
Hidden agendas, betrayal, and plenty of twists and turns, add to the emotional impact.
Their sexy times are hot, the betrayals a bit unexpected. But definitely a fun one. I look forward to Kaine and Everett's stories.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful take on several tropes that develops a great deal of suspense and gives both reader and characters some nice plot twists. One of our characters is on an assassination mission to save his kidnapped siblings and the other is the target of that assassination. In true, plot complication style, when they meet they are unable to stay as predator/prey as they are immediately attracted and discover that there is more than just a physical attraction involved. Mix this with a snowstorm, spies and traitors around the king and the desperate necessity to find a way to save the kidnap victims and themselves and you have the making of a great entry in a series I eagerly await more of.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcolm and Gerrit story was melancholic as impossible situation after impossible situation are thrown at them with that are meant to keep them apart and to create a fissure at their fledgling relationship and to give the enemy an edge.
The danger is high as the betrayers identity is made known and their role in their mission, as well as the lengths the are disposed to take.
There's some high emotional moments that will make your heart ache as well soar as the light at the end of the tunnel comes into view.
I liked the story and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.