A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

An MM Monster Christmas #4

by Gigi Rivers

Percival dies hating Leo. He is reborn wanting only him.

Leo despises Lord Percival Everflame the moment the phoenix walks into his bakery. Well … almost the moment. At first, the hearth witch baker is too busy staring at the stunning phoenix. Then Percival speaks and reveals what an arrogant prick he is.

The hatred is completely mutual. As far as Percival is concerned, Leo might be an attractive witch, but his rudeness and disrespect for his betters makes him utterly intolerable. Still, Percival keeps returning to the bakery. For the pies, of course.

Then Percival is attacked. He dies, is reborn … and forgets everything.

Leo finds him in an alley. Naked and confused, this new Percival has no memory of Leo or their previous animosity. He just knows he trusts Leo and needs to stay close to the witch. Unable to turn Percival away, Leo brings him home and is shocked at how sweet the reborn phoenix is.

While sparks fly between them, questions lurk in the shadows. What or who killed Percival? And will it turn Percival and Leo’s budding relationship to ash?


A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas is an MM cosy fantasy romance with plenty of spice. It features Christmas vibes, a family of hearth witch bakers, memory loss, riding on a phoenix, a raven familiar, and a guaranteed HEA.

Whilst this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, M M Romance, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Holiday, Christmas

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2025

About the author

Gigi spent her childhood daydreaming and living inside the imaginary worlds in her mind. As an author, she now shares these worlds with her readers.

Born and raised in Australia, she now resides in Berlin, Germany. She is mixed race, being half-Filipino and part Welsh. She is a traveller, potter, gym enthusiast, nature and animal lover, an avid consumer of stories, and now, a writer.

Gigi writes mm fantasy romance. Her debut series is A Naiad Romance.

Reviews

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore these hearth witch baker stories! They are so cozy, and this one is the perfect vibes for Christmastime. They starts as enemies, but when Percival is killed and reborn, Leo is the only one he trusts. Their story is sweet and low angst with a little suspense (who killed Percival?). I loved seeing characters from past stories again.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas is the 4th book in the An MM Monster Christmas series. This book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the story of Leo a hearth witch baker and Percival a phoenix shifter. Lord Percival Everflame is not a very nice man but he keeps going back to Leos family's bakery. One night Percival is killed but being a phoenix is reborn but has no memory of who he was before. I love the characters, world building, and the plot. This was a great low angst story for the holidays. I hope we get more stories in this series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
received a free review copy

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book to read with Leo and Percival's story. I liked the enemy to lovers theme than to switch into a fast attraction romance. Mix in a touch of murder mystery for poor Percy as he doesn't remember anything after dying.

My Full Blog Review

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the An MM Monster Christmas series by this author. It can be enjoyed as a standalone read. This is the story of Leo Berry and Lord Percival Everflame. Leo is hearth witch and enjoys working in his family's bakery with his siblings and friends. While serving two young children Leo notices a very good looking man enter the shop. While his appearance is nice, his attitude and behaviour is not. Lord Percival Everflame is a Phoenix. His entire family was murdered while he barely escaped with his life when he was just a child. His uncle took him and and started to mold him into his behaviour patterns. He was taught to be tough and look down on his perceived lessers. Needless to say the interaction did not go well. Percival's rudeness is met with Leo's sarcasm. But Percival's low opinion of Leo and bakery does not stop him from coming in the next day and getting two more pies. Leo's pies are noteworthy good. After Percival is attacked and killed he begins the rebirth process for Phoenixes. When Leo comes upon him in an alley, he offers to help Percival in spite of his previous rude behaviour. And when he realizes that Percival doesn't have any memory of his previous life, Leo steps up to help him. After being fired and thrown out of his home for his perceived weakness, Percival is taken in by Leo. It is there that he is exposed to kindness and love. Percival changes to Percy and happily works in the bakery with Leo. But someone did try to kill and eliminate him. There is still a mystery to solve and danger abound. This is their story. I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and easy to read. Leo was such a kind soul. It is no surprise that he managed to bring out the best in Percival. I am happy that he was finally able to remember his family and keep those examples of love close to him. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I have read a few books by this author and I enjoy each one a little more than the one before. I especially enjoyed when evil finally got it comeuppance. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is book four in the author’s MM Monster Christmas series and features Leo Berry, one of nine siblings in a family of hearth witches. Each of the siblings had their own cooking specialty and Leo’s is more savory than sweet (think chicken pot pie and what sounds like quiche).

When a strikingly handsome customer walked into his family’s bakery one day for lunch, Leo was instantly attracted to him… until the arrogant phoenix shifter, Lord Percival Everflame, opened his mouth that is. After that first day, there was nothing but snapping and snarling, and trading insults, between the two with no love lost but still, he returned each day for Leo’s pies. A few days later, however, when Leo found Percival, naked in an alley, clearly terrified after having dled and been reborn, with absolutely no memories of what happened, or really anything at all, Leo couldn’t in good conscience walk away from him when Percival latched onto him and wouldn’t let go.

I’ve been loving all of the books in this series so far and this one was no different. Percival was adorable, he had no memory of his previous life, raised by his cruel uncle, and started fresh with Leo, helping him in his family’s bakery. He was sweet, kind and eager to please, falling quickly for Leo… they were the sweetest couple.

Technically, this can be read as a standalone, it’s definitely a complete story about Leo and Percival but, several of the siblings played a large part so, if you can read it without knowing who each of the characters are, you’ll be fine. I know some readers prefer to know who each character is and wouldn’t consider this a standalone so it’s up to you to decide which you prefer. It’s an awesome read though; sweet and hot with just enough suspense to keep you reading straight through in one sitting. Whether you read the entire series or start right here, you’re gonna love it! 4.5 stars

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Percy and Leo's story is going to make you fall in love with them, Leo's family, and make you crave various pies! I absolutely adore Gigi's writing, she has such a unique writing style that I can't help but love. I know when I read her books that I'm going to come away from them smiling and happy, that's what her stories are full of, happiness and sweetness. Yes, there are usually some more heavy/serious topics that are being discussed, but at the heart of Gigi's stories us sweetness and happiness.

This series in particular is my favorite of Gigi's. I am obsessed with baking myself, so for this series to be about a close knit family who runs a bakery making various baked goods is right up my alley. I've enjoyed reading the previous books in this series but this one might've just became my favorite.

At first, I truly did not like Percy, he was a jerk to Leo and was so stuck up and full of himself! After he was reborn though we got to see a different side to him, a purer side, one without his cruel uncle's influence, and that's when I started liking Percy. I loved Leo from the beginning, I loved how he didn't just let Percy walk all over him and make demands, he stood his ground even when Leo was being cruel. Even though Percy treated him poorly, when the newly reborn Phoenix needed help, Leo helped him.

Their romance started out as enemies but morphed into friends to lovers in a way. I wouldn't necessarily say this is a slow burn but it wasn't an insta-love romance either. It was almost a mix of the two which somehow worked with them.

I want to say that I love Ebony, she's the true hero of this story, she saved Percy's life twice and taught him how to fly. I absolutely adore her! Who knew a bird could have such an important and big role in a romance story? But it works!

My two favorite parts of this book is when they are decorating for Christmas, and all of the intricate details describing how to make the various baked goods that were made at the bakery. I loved reading those sweet moments so much!

I'm excited to see where else Gigi goes with this series and I am very curious about Jasper and a certain Krampus...

[Luz Rivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, this series manages to be emotional, magical, and just the right amount of cozy, and this book was no exception 🥹❤️

It’s now officially confirmed that the only truly good family in this world are the Berry brothers 😤 What do I have to do to get adopted?! Asking for a friend 😅😖😵‍💫

From the start, it’s clear that Percy and Leo are very attracted to each other, but let’s be honest… looks aren’t everything 😅 Percy’s personality is awful in the beginning, total prick energy. But soon we learn why, and it’s not entirely his fault (looking at you, horrible uncle👀). That man deserves to be taken by the Krampuses on Krampus Night!! 😂

This story has everything:
🔥 A reborn phoenix with no memory
🪶 A grumpy hearth witch baker
💋 Mutual attraction turned tenderness
🎅 Christmas vibes with cozy chaos
🐦 A raven familiar (because why not?)
💫 Cozy fantasy
🔥 Enemies to lovers
🕯️ Memory loss + redemption arc
🎄 Perfect for holiday reading

And of course, my usual list of questions:
What happened to Jasper? Why is he so gloomy and broken? And what does a Krampus have to do with all this?!😭 The author is so cruel for making his story the last one! That’s not very Christmassy of them!!! 🎄😤

I absolutely loved seeing the rest of the Berry brothers with their partners living their happy ever afters, especially after all the chaos from the siren love spell fiasco last year 😂😂 I was hoping Briar might cause a little more magical trouble to help the rest of his brothers find love this season… but apparently, this year’s romance comes without enchanted chaos. What a shame 😅

All in all, this was the perfect story to get into the Christmas spirit: warm, spicy, heartfelt, and full of love (and pies 🥧).

[Damian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't particularly like this story; I have enjoyed all of the other ones, and I've read all of them. For me, you can have only one sex scene, and that would be it. The book was too long at forty-five chapters. The underlying question is, why did Percy lose all of his memory when he was reborn?

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas by Gigi Rivers is the 4th book in her An MM Monster Christmas series. It is the story of a mean phoenix who is killed in a mysterious manner and reborn with no memory of his past lives, and the baker who helps him change his ways as he shows him a wonderful life filled with kindness and love. Lord Percival Everflame is a phoenix who helps run his uncle’s glass factory. His parents were killed by ice sorcerers who can kill phoenixes so they don’t come back by freezing their ashes which contain a wealth of power. He should have died took but something went wrong with the spell and he was reborn. He went to his only relative, his Uncle Ignatius, who owned the factory who gave him a job in management and was pitting Percival against his son, Cyrprian, to take it over. Ignatius was incredibly mean and said you had to be tough and not take anything off of anybody and treat those beneath you with disdain. However, Percival was doing a great job at the factory by providing good working conditions for the workers and that was paying off in profits. One day Percival did not have the lunch his cook usually made for him so he went out in search of food and landed at the Magic Bakery which was run by a family of sibling home and hearth witches. Leo Berry was waiting on customers and when he saw Percival he thought he was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen. That is, until Percival started berating him for his service and attitude and told him who he was and that he should be his priority. Then Leo immensely disliked him and was happy that he would probably never see him again. But Percival loved his meat pies and kept coming back. For a reason he didn’t understand he helped a wounded raven by healing it with his magic fire and Leo was also feeding it. As he was leaving the shop one of his servants lured him to an alley where an ice sorcerer was waiting to kill him for his ashes. But the raven saved him by attacking her and while he died, he was able to some back as a phoenix chick. The raven also got Leo to go to the alley where he found the chick and took it back to him home above the bakery. Percival had no memory of what happened or of any of his past lives and was panicking, but Leo was there and took care of him. He let him stay in his room and had him work at the bakery with him and at the Christmas Markets. He saw love and kindness around him and he wanted to give that back so he did all he could to help Leo. Both of them were attracted to each other and soon they were having some hot love scenes and seeing a future together. They got a few clues about Percy’s past, especially when they ran into Nix, the factory’s foreman, but when they went to see his uncle he wanted nothing to do with him. He saw how mean he was and wondered if he had been that way too and while Leo said he was at the time he had changed and was now wonderful to be with. Leo’s brothers were searching for someone who could help restore Percy’s memories and found 2 fire sorcerers that thought they could do it but when they said the spell, Percy had his memories back except for his time with Leo which caused a huge problem because they had professed their love for each other but now that was in jeopardy. When someone again tried to kill Percy, Ebony, the raven, went for Leo and they saved him and when his memories returned, Percy saw the error of his ways, and they knew they loved each other and wanted to be together. I really enjoyed this story. Ms. Rivers has created a wonderful world of many different kinds of supernatural beings finding love and living and working together. I also found how she presented phoenixes dying and being reborn very interesting. Percival was not a nice man in the beginning but his rebirth showed him how he really wanted to act towards others. Leo was a sweet man but was willing to stand up to bullies. He took Percy under his wing and taught him what he needed to know and also showed him much kindness and love which he craved. Leo’s many brothers and sisters played a big part in the story as did Percy’s uncle and cousin and what they did to him growing up that made him into the man he became. Luckily Leo was able to show him the opposite so they could happily be in love. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about supernatural beings, specifically a phoenix and a hearth witch who are opposite in temperament at first, but after a fiery rebirth one of them learns to be kind and compassionate, and when they are tested they come out stronger and in love.

[Sarah (missrelena) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is an enemy still an enemy if he can't remember who he is or why they were an enemy? This book brings a delightful twist to the enemies-to-lovers trope. As the fourth book in this serie, it is time to focus on one of the usually lighthearted twins of the witchy family. This book is more than capable of standing on its own, however. No prior reading is required, but it does make the interactions with the side characters more fun.

This story delves deep into the metaphorical walls each characters has built up around themselves, and some of the reasons why they are built. Lord Percival Everflame is a condescending, arrogant, competitive, and hard hearted twat of a phoenix shifter. Just ask Leo, the hearth and kitchen witch baker that has to deal with him each day when he comes in to get his lunch of savory pies. But Leo hasn't seen all of who the lordling truly is during their interactions. He may be arrogant and haughty, but he is also a good boss that takes care of his factory workers, a compassionate man who heals an injured raven outside his window, and an incredibly lonely person. But when sudden death and rebirth erase all his hard edges, Percy becomes the sweetest of souls. He becomes who he is deep down inside.

Leo is a pretty open book, except he is deeply worried about his twin brother, Jasper, who has been pushing everyone away and wallowing in misery ever since he had a terrible accident. Leo misses the close bond he once had with Jasper, but he has no idea how to help when ever offer seems to put more distance between them. Leo is lonely, frustrated, and anxious. And he has to deal with "that man". But he also shows more depth of character when he is willing to set aside his animosity to help a person in need when he finds Percy newly reborn, without memory, and without clothes. He is willing to welcome the man into his home, his life, and eventually his heart. It is the MLs strengths and weaknesses that make them relatable. And the journey to overcome such weaknesses while learning to rely on each other is what keeps the story interesting.

The pacing of the book is brisk but not pushy. There are never any places where important points feel glossed over or lost in the rush to keep the plot moving forward. Each scene is set beautifully, and the descriptions of Leo's savory pies will make anyone's mouth water. This is a fantastic addition to a wonderful holiday series.

Recommended for fans of Taylor Rylan, Minerva Howe, and Wendy Rathbone.

* I received an eARC through GRR in return for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and written without compensation. *

[Michelle N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gigi Rivers brings us back to the magical bakery owned by the Berry family of hearth and kitchen witches in her newest novel. This is the next book in the MM Monster Christmas series, that left off last holiday season. This year it is time for the remaining brothers to get their happy-ever-afters.
Leo loves his family and working at their bakery. He is proud of his talents as a kitchen witch and providing nourishment for those in need. The one thing he is missing is someone to share his life with. Many of his siblings found love over the past year and he wants that kind of love for himself. Right now, he does not have time for love because his twin brother, Jasper, is sick and taking care of him is his priority.
Leo is stunned speechless when the most beautiful man he has ever seen walks into the bakery, Lord Percival Everflame. A stunning, glowing phoenix who enchants Leo, until he opens his mouth. Then Percival reveals his nasty, rude, and disrespectful attitude towards Leo and the other patrons. Unfortunately, Percival likes Leo’s food so much he continues to come back every day, until he doesn’t. Leo finds him naked and reborn in an alley with no memory of his former life. Percival just remembers Leo being kind to him and he holds on to that.
Despite how they were treated, the family takes in Percival and cares for him while he builds his new life. A new life that includes falling for Leo. Percy knows he needs to have his memory back and Leo fears what will happen to their new relationship when he does.
This is a wonderful story to add to the series. I love this family of witches and their mates so much. Gigi Rivers writes her stories with so much care and sensitivity in the characters. I have been looking forward to the release of these books since last year. I cannot wait to see what happens to the other brothers.

[LC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely! I adore Christmas books and read them whenever the mood suits me. This MM Monster Christmas series has been really fun and family centered.

Lord Percival Everflame is a phoenix and not a nice one! When his family was permanently killed by the ice sorcerers, Percival went to his Uncle for help. Uncle Ignatius is cruel and poured all of that fierce cruelty into Percival in his new life. When he walks into a trap one evening and is reborn, Percival gets a chance to remake his life. Is he now as cruel as his uncle or can he be his original self from lives past?

Leo’s family and their bakery are the main characters in this series. Each story has been about a sibling finding love and now it’s Leo’s turn. Only Percival and Leo are like fire and water, they just don’t work together until Leo finds Percival reborn with no memory of what happened or his life.

Gigi Rivers writes steamy and sweet Christmas stories. There is no fade to black, there are always shenanigans, and love is the end result. I have enjoyed this series from the beginning. The family are hearth witch bakers that have all lived together until recently. Now as they couple up and move out, we are down to our last few siblings. Leo is a sweetheart that can give attitude right on back to those deserving of it. Percy is not the big jerk that he originally appears to be. Together they make everything work better. It is so great seeing all the family together and how they take in Percy when he needs help. This is a good book to get lost in of you like Christmas, monsters, and family fun.

* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.*

[Emilyrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I was definitely intrigued by this one and, even though I haven't read any of the other books in the series, it did make sense as a standalone. I can see how reading the other stories would enrich the experience by knowing the secondary characters even better but it was well-written and all made sense independently since Percy was a new character to the family. It had all the elements of enemies to lovers but was also crammed full of sweetness too. Leo and Percy had great chemistry but I also really liked the wider plot about the threat to Percy as a phoenix. It was well paced and, although the timeline for the couple was actually quite quick, it felt like longer since so much of the story revolved around their relationship. I thought the ending was fitting and I'm glad they got their HEA together.

A slight niggle for me was Jas - he's clearly got his own story to tell (or it's already been told and I'm just unaware of it). Personally, I'd have either liked this solved within the book more openly or for it not to be solved and it clearly point to reading his own book to see what happens rather than the half measure of solving it but not explaining the hows or whys yet. I'm also aware this sounds confusing but once you've read the story hopefully you'll know what I mean. It's not a major thing, it was just a little issue that stuck with me. Overall though, this is a good mm romance set in an interesting world.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A PHOENIX REBORN AT CHRISTMAS is part of the MM Monster Christmas series. These can be read as standalones, but I would still recommend you read them in order, simply because they are all fun reads.

In this one, Percival has been raised by his uncle after his family were murdered by ice sorcerers. And let's just say, his uncle isn't the most compassionate of men. So, it's no surprise that Percival has his own 'moments'. And none more so than when he's in Leo's bakery. These two definitely rub each other the wrong (not fun) way! Everything changes when an ice sorceress tries to kill Percival. He wakes with no memories, but knows Leo is the only one he can trust.

This was a great read that kept me turning the pages. Percival and Percy both have redeeming qualities, so I was more than happy when the two personalities combined. As for Leo, he is just a cinnamon roll who is more than capable of standing up for himself. It was fun meeting up again with the family and their partners, and I loved how they all had their part to play. Now, I just need to know what's going on with Jas!!! I mean, come on. You can't leave me hanging like that! And those pie baubles? Where can I get one of them?

A seasonal read that was a page-turner. Definitely recommended by me.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 7, 2025

[Sharon L · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Being a phoenix explained why he radiated light, the smell of ash in the air, the bursts of embers in his hair, and his flashing eyes."

I'm so happy that The Last Gargoyle's Christmas Wish was not the last book in Gigi Rivers', An MM Monster Christmas series. At the time I read it I was under the impression it was going to be the final book and I was sad. This is such a great series and each book is a heartwarming tale of love and acceptance and this one is no different.

This series revolves around a family of hearth and kitchen witches, consisting of brothers and sisters who were orphaned when their parents died in a horrific accident. The family owned bakery is what keeps this tight-knit family afloat. With each book in the series, one family member finds love.

This story is about a hearth witch named Leo (Leopold) and a Phoenix named Percival. Leo and his twin brother were 10 years old when they lost their parents and his older brothers and sisters raised them. When Leo waits on Percival at the bakery one day, it's pretty much instant dislike between the pair. Lord Percival Everflame feels everyone is beneath him and he brings snobbery to a whole new level which causes Leo's hackles to rise.

Instant dislike, hand pies bring them together, losing one's memories can be a blessing, starting over can be liberating

[Steve Pardue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a rich tapestry woven with intriguing characters and unexpected plot twists that keep you engaged until the very last page. At its core, the story revolves around two opposites, Percival and Leo, whose initial animosity gradually transforms into something profound.

Percival starts as an arrogant, wealthy snob, embodying the traits often associated with privilege. His life takes a drastic turn when he is killed by an ice witch, only to be reborn as a humble phoenix. This rebirth is not just a physical transformation; it's a powerful metaphor for growth and self-discovery. Percival's newfound innocence brings him face-to-face with Leo, a kind-hearted hearth witch and baker. Their complicated relationship blossoms, showcasing how love can emerge from the ashes of hatred.

The book is replete with both bleak and heartwarming moments. The warmth of Leo's family contrasts sharply with the distressing atmosphere surrounding Percival's own family, making each interaction more poignant. The author masterfully infuses a touch of Christmas spirit into the narrative, evoking feelings of nostalgia and cheer amidst the underlying themes of violence, death, and redemption. Ultimately, it culminates in a compelling happy-ever-after, leaving them with a sense of hope and closure.

[rosdoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this series keeps introducing new varieties of shifters. It keeps things fresh and fun. I really enjoyed spending more time with the hearth and kitchen witches and their mates. Leo is one of those characters I just love: big heart, a little snark, and he and Percy are great (and spicy hot) together. Percy is sweet and kind, and even when he was tough Lord Percival Everflame, you could feel that kindness trying to break through, especially in his interactions with Nix and Ebony.

Ebony was unexpected, and I liked that she had such an impactful presence throughout the book. It was also nice to see Grady mellow out a bit more. He still feels like the head of the family, but now he’s coming across more like a brother than a parent. Perhaps that is Uzoth’s influence.

Leo’s twin Jasper intrigued me. I kept getting teased about what might be going on with him, and while I’d hoped for more than just the end result, I get the sense that his journey is one we’ll see unfold later. I’m definitely looking forward to finding out more about him. Same goes for Trent and his siren. I want to feel as connected to Trent as I do to his siblings.

I loved seeing the family band together to help Percy and Leo. This installment of the series was like the others in that it had heart, heat, and some great characters. Can’t wait for what’s next.

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

- series
- fantasy
- enemies to lovers

I was so looking forward to getting back into this series, I've read all the others and enjoyed them very much so was delighted to find out more of the family would be getting their HEA. Leo and Percival don't exactly get off on a good foot when Percival comes into Leo's family bakery. Percival at the start of the story isn't exactly a nice person and straight away they dislike one another (although there's an attraction there). I will confess I haven't read any phoenix shifter stories, they're few and far between and I don't remember coming across one before, but I do like the myth of the phoenix and this was an interesting take on that myth.
Percival dies and is reborn with no memory, and gets taken in by Leo and his family and given a home, job, and a new lease on life. I really liked Leo and Percy together, with Percy embracing his new lease on life completely.

It's a good story and while you'd benefit from previous reading as Leo still lives with his family that have appeared in previous books, it can still be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I love this world that Gigi Rivers has created and I very much enjoyed this story.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

ice sorcerers, Ebony, mushroom & leeks, hedgehog, elothea seed tea, tuna fish pie, krampus, drugged tea, baby phoenix, snowflake sugar cookie

Though this is the 4th book of the series, I continue to be amazed by the clever world-building. Gigi Rivers's deft writing has crafted a solid story. The details of everything to do with a phoenix is genius. From birth to living to death to rebirth is creatively thought through.

In the beginning, Lord Percival is a horrible customer and person. Somehow, Leo always ends up waiting on him. Percival has complaints about Leo's bakery and service. But, Percival loves their savory pies. So, begrudgingly he has no choice but to patronize them.

One day, Leo is led by a raven to a phoenix chick, and Leo being Leo, takes it home. The chick transforms into an adult Percival, who has no memories of who he is, if he has family, where he lives -- nothing. Leo takes him in to his home and family, where Percival becomes Percy. Leo still wants to find anything tdo with who Percy was.

It's nice to see the Berry siblings again. I forgot how many of them there are! I'm blown away by how much I enjoyed reading about Percy's and Leo's romance. I readily recommend this book!

[Jessie (thatchickwithabook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightfully low angst Christmassy tale set at my favourite fictional bakery ❤️ as anyone who’s seen my Goodreads knows, I’ve read everything Gigi Rivers has written; but this series in particular is my ultimate favourite. It’s so cosy and warm, Christmassy and familial. It’s truly so incredible (and the sheer amount of siblings makes me happy because it means I’ll get more books)!

Percy is one of my favourite characters in this series simply because of how different he is after being reborn. We get to see two very different versions of him (and a good study in nature vs nurture) and show the beauty in redemption and small kindnesses. Leo is personally my favourite sibling so far. He’s so sweet and sassy, but drops everything to help Percy when he loses his memory. Their love was wholly believable even under the timeline of just a few weeks. They were perfect together.

I was so hoping for Jasper and his krampus to be next, but the teaser for Trent’s book was so sweet, charming and funny that I’m now so ready to read it!

Disclaimer: I’m on Gigi Rivers’ ARC team. This review is voluntary and honest.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for enemies to lovers story with a shifter twist, this is for you. Percival is a privileged phoenix shifter working in his uncle's glass factory. Him and his cousin compete every day to win the top management position in the factory. His uncle stepped in to take care of him when Percival's family was killed by ice sorcerers. He made Percival into a condescending and nasty guy. That's the guy that walks into Leo's family's bakery and treats him terribly. This goes on for weeks with Percival coming into the shop every day and Leo liking him less and less. But one day Percival is attacked on the street and vulnerable when he's burned and reborn with no memories. Leo is the one who finds him and takes care of him. Without the influence of his uncle and cousin, Percy turns out to be a sweet and lovely man that quickly catches feeling for Leo. Leo is also blindsided by how much he comes to love Percy. It's a really sweet story and the MCs have fantastic chemistry (even when they don't like each other). I would totally recommend it especially if you're look for sweet and low angst.

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad we are back with the hearth and kitchen witches and their mates.

I loved the series last year and now having a phoenix joining is even better. The books are full of family, love, loyalty and caring.

Leo is not amused when a snobby, entitled phoenix arrives at the bakery and basically just puts him and his family down.

So to his surprise he finds said phoenix after he is just reborn without all of his memories and discovers that Percy is actually a really nice guy.

We discover the story behind Percy's assualt and why he behaves like he did bit by bit and we see how he and Leo embrace their attractions and feelings without Percy's past and history hanging over them.
I love how we see how a phoenix is reborn.

Add a raven familiar, some hidden secrets with Leo's twin and sorcerers who don't care what they damage.

There is a bit of angst towards the end but in general these books are really feel-good, Christmassy stories and ideal to read if you want to escape.

I can't wait for the next one, plenty of hints again in this story like in previous books. Nothing to spoil it but enough to just want to get your hands on them.

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas - Gigi Rivers
5/5

* SPOILERS *

When I saw that Gigi was continuing this series and it features a Phoenix, I knew I had to sign up. If you like enemies to lovers and amnesia rep books, I highly recommend this book.

From the moment that Percival met Leo, he did not like him from the fact he had to wait in line at the bakery. I just loved how he immediately starting coming back from the pies when I swear there was such an attraction he felt for Leo. And Leo liked him the minute he walked in but then that changed when he witnessed his uptight personality.

When Percy got renowned after he got murdered (and what a twist that was), Leo and his family welcomed him in with open arms. I also love Raven so much because she saved Percy on so many counts.

I think this might be my favorite in the series and it had so many twists and turns, which I was absolutely here for.

I do hope that Percy’s cousin has a redemption arc because those are always my absolute favorite!

I need to know what Jasper’s book is going to be like because I have a feeling it’s going to be so good.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas” by Gigi Rivers continues the ‘MM Monster Christmas’ series, and details baker Leo whose hostile customer Lord Percival undergoes a radical personality shift. Leo is finally pleasantly surprised to discover his attraction is reciprocated until it isn’t, or is it?

This adult gay fantasy romance continues an imaginative series that features a very special family of bakers. Not only was I constantly hungry while reading about the delicious pies that Leo specializes in, I was delighted to get glimpses of the other family members who have found their mates while learning about the abilities of a haughty phoenix family and watching Percy’s transformation. I adore the love and care displayed by this group of very unusual paranormal beings, and this character was fun to both boo at and cheer for while his adventures also evoked the delight and warmth of the Christmas season. The author does a great job of navigating the precarious line between tragedy and warmth, and I can’t wait to read about the other family members getting their HEAs.


A copy of this title was provided for review

[Sara Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning spoilers ahead:



Lord Percival Everflame is an arrogant jerk face, or at least he was before his rebirth. After his rebirth he is so unbelievably sweet, caring and a little unsure of himself. Percy was “molded” into this jerk face by his uncle. I say “molded” but in reality it’s more like abused. Him meeting Leo was the best thing to happen to him. As their relationship blooms you get to see Percy bloom too. It’s got some mystery in it and lots of steam. The twist wasn’t so much of as twist as I figured out early who was really at fault for the death of Percy. There was some tension when Percy got his memories back but fortunately it didn’t last long and Percy showed remorse for being a jerk face again. The danger was heart racing but didn’t last long which was also refreshing. I like that the cousin is getting a fresh start too. It was good to see Jasper his twin doing better but am curious if we’ll get a book about him. All in all I thought it was a great read with a HEA. I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.

[SNik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourth in series (MM Romance Christmas), but can be read as a standalone. Paranormal. Amnesia. Hurt/comfort. Found family. Dual POV.

Phoenix Lord Percival Everflame may be gorgeous, but he’s a massive jerk, and even though as a hearth witch Leo is happiest feeding others, just because Percival likes Leo’s pies doesn’t make him like the man. Except now Percival has been reborn and lost his memories and Leo can’t leave the man out in the cold, especially since this new Percy is sweet and kind.

A holiday story that brings the feels with a supportive true and found family and two main characters that get a chance at something special even if it comes from an unhappy event. This was a little quick for me as Leo and Percy start something very serious immediately and perhaps there is an underlying sense they were meant to be but it was not clear. I did enjoy all the time they spent together, the steamy and the sweet thoughts they had for each other. I like the hearth witch family we have gotten to know in this series, and so happy to see another member get their HEA.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas. What a wonderfully cosy fantasy romance with a festive touch and just the right amount of spice. The story follows Lord Percival Everflame, a rather arrogant phoenix, and Leo, a hearth witch baker who has absolutely no time for Percival’s attitude. Their initial dislike for each other makes for some brilliant tension, but when Percival is killed and reborn with no memory of his past, everything changes.

The relationship between the two develops beautifully as Leo takes the confused and vulnerable Percival under his wing. Watching Percival slowly rediscover himself, learning kindness and love through Leo’s care, was genuinely heartwarming. I loved the world Gigi Rivers has built here which is full of magic, warmth, family, and a also touch of mystery surrounding Percival’s death. The supporting cast, especially Leo’s witchy family and the raven familiar, add so much charm.

It’s a lovely blend of redemption, romance, and seasonal comfort, with enough emotional depth to keep it from feeling too fluffy. A perfect winter read if you enjoy MM fantasy romances with a guaranteed happy ending and a bit of heat alongside the hot chocolate vibes.

I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Christmastime with the Berry family, their mates and the Magic Bakery. Lord Percival Everflame is the phoenix of the title. He's rude and condescending, insulting the Bakery's cleanliness and Leo Berry's service. It was hate from first encounter. A week later, Leo witnesses the rebirth of a Phoenix chick and he is presented with a very different Percy Everflame. A sweet and clingy version, with most of his memories gone. Leo takes him home.
Phoenixes are underrepresented in fantasy tales, both MF and MM. So, free reign in the worldbuilding and Gigi Rivers builds a nice, sweet story from the (ahem) ashes. There's quite a bit of spice, and a little bit of danger. Not much angst, but some heartbreak when Percy regains his memories. We get more glimpses of Anorra and Hovel Quarter, the derogatory name the elite gave the poorer side of town. And we meet Leo's familiar, a raven named Ebony.
It's a quick, fun read. The mystery is a little thin, not hard to guess who the bad guy is. The overall story arc remains strong, getting the proper 'monster' for the Berry boys.
I received an advanced copy of this book from GRR and this is my review.

[Rebecca Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been absolutely wonderful so far and I can’t wait to read all about Trent’s story next.
Leo and Percy’s first time meeting wasn’t what you’d call a meet cute but they were definitely attracted to each other from the start. Due to his upbringing Percy is rude and disrespectful when they first meet, but the an untimely rebirth gives the a second chance to get to know each other and watching the fall in love was sweet as can be.

My heart broke for both of them when Percy got his memories back but forgot about the time he had spent with Leo but luckily Ebony comes to the rescue and Percy realizes pretty quickly how wrong he was. Their love was beautiful to watch unfold and their happy ending was worth the read.

This story was full of love, laughter, and a little bit of heartbreak but happiness was always there no matter what. I can’t wait to find out how jasper finds love and becomes whole again. 😁❤️

[Book Hoarder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gigi Rivers continues her Monsters at Christmas with book 4, the monster this time being a Phoenix. Leo is an orphaned witch who keeps his younger siblings together running their family bakery in the poor side of town. They all imbue a little magic in their baking. Lord Percival Everflame may be a stunning to look at Phoenix, but he is also an insufferable snobby ass. But Leo’s meat pies keep drawing him back. Until Leo finds him naked and confused in an alley after he had been attacked and died. Now reborn, he has no memory of anything, and Leo takes him home to nurse back to health. Of course sooner or later someone is going to come looking for him. Too bad it had to be the person who ordered his death.
As with her usual monster releases there is a sweet relationship, serious separation angst and an HEA. A feel good Christmas story.