Warm Intrigues

by Lynn M. Dixon

This story is a continuation of the lives of Phoenix and Trey, who now goes by his given name, Tyre. They get to know each other through dating in the Chicagoland area and a lot of spots are highlighted. They find that are highly compatible and have a lot in common, until the relationship is tested by an unexpected handwritten letter to Tyre.

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2013

About the author

Lynn is a writer, poet and an educator. She lives in Evanston, Illinois. She has written a series of eight novellas about a loving couple named Tyre and Phoenix along with other works.
Author website: lynnmdixon.com

Reviews

[Selena Haskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix and Tyre's journey to true love continues in this sequel. With the past almost behind them, it's time to move forward, but not until a few skeletons of their pasts are laid to rest. In their quest for true love there are many "what if's" , and as they search to find out if they're really meant to be together, they often seek advice from the parents and relatives. However, no one can make them safe and secure, it has to come from their own hearts. Issues of trust are put on the alter when Tyre's secret is finally revealed, and whether they will move forward or stay together remains to be seen. I think if this story had a theme song, it would be "At Last" by Etta James. And if readers are patient enough they will appreciate the messages about "honest" communication, letting go of the past, forgiveness, and trust. These subjects were indeed "intriguing."

[Mary Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book begins with “we’ll meet somewhere in the middle.” This sets the theme for the book in a quiet and elegant way. The two main characters, Phoenix and Tyre, are re-discovering themselves as they search for the balance of equals that makes a good and lasting relationship.

Tyre was known by the nickname Trey but has decided to return to his original name. Phoenix is aptly named, having been burned by several bad relationships. Their pasts could define them, but instead they work to come out stronger and wiser. Testing the waters, they share their most painful secrets. Without understanding, they will be unable to trust in each other’s judgment and good character. Both have the sense to listen to loving parents and keep close to supportive friends. Phoenix’s mother and Tyre’s father illustrate the importance of older, experienced adults in their children’s lives. And both parents have a light, good-hearted sense of humor.

Chicago and its suburbs, parks, The Loop, and the lake, weave through the couple’s evolving relationship as they move closer to one another. Reading this book reminded me of listening to laidback jazz, with blues solos, and upbeat pop interludes. Variations on a theme as the characters come together, split apart over an unexpected situation, then rise to the challenge.

[Melinda Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author's strong, unique storytelling voice has a cadence that rises and falls and ebbs and flows like ocean waves upon a shore. Its steadiness is calm and unhurried, and draws you in to walk alongside the characters. The wounds from the pain, heartbreak and strife that Tyre and Phoenix experienced in their individual pasts begin to heal and dissolve in their hope for a happy future together. However, because of that history they use wisdom. They cautiously assess one another and proceed slowly, step by step, investing the time necessary to really get to know one another. They want to feel certain they can trust each other for the successful and fulfilling future they so desire. Just as they reach a new level of understanding and easy bliss, something goes very amiss... This is the test that will make or break their hearts and plans. Are they strong enough to meet this challenge? Will they learn to love and live again? This book builds beautifully on the first one in this series but I believe it can stand alone quite well, too.