What do you think?
Rate this book
Phoenix's Last Heist: Love and Other Cosmic Crimes, Book One
Lyra Phoenix is so close to freedom she can taste it.
One last heist, one priceless Xylothian artifact, and she’ll finally be able to disappear for good. But when a self-righteous (and annoyingly sexy) ranger catches her red-handed, everything falls apart.
Orion Asterth should turn her in, but he’ll do anything to stem the tide of looting of his planet’s sacred artifacts—even if it means a less-than-honorable deal with an even-less-honorable Velusian criminal.
Lyra doesn’t do partners, especially scowling ones who follow rules like religion. But with her back against the wall, she agrees to the deal—perhaps failing to mention that her quirky Velusian biology comes with a little when she’s stressed, her blood triggers uncontrollable lust in others. And judging by the heat in Orion’s eyes, it’s already working. She warns him not to trust it. She definitely doesn’t trust him.
Stuck together aboard her ship, tension sparks into something neither planned for. And when Orion starts looking at her as more than leverage, Lyra fears this mission won’t just cost her freedom—it’ll cost her heart.
One last heist, one priceless Xylothian artifact, and she’ll finally be able to disappear for good. But when a self-righteous (and annoyingly sexy) ranger catches her red-handed, everything falls apart.
Orion Asterth should turn her in, but he’ll do anything to stem the tide of looting of his planet’s sacred artifacts—even if it means a less-than-honorable deal with an even-less-honorable Velusian criminal.
Lyra doesn’t do partners, especially scowling ones who follow rules like religion. But with her back against the wall, she agrees to the deal—perhaps failing to mention that her quirky Velusian biology comes with a little when she’s stressed, her blood triggers uncontrollable lust in others. And judging by the heat in Orion’s eyes, it’s already working. She warns him not to trust it. She definitely doesn’t trust him.
Stuck together aboard her ship, tension sparks into something neither planned for. And when Orion starts looking at her as more than leverage, Lyra fears this mission won’t just cost her freedom—it’ll cost her heart.
- GenresRomanceScience Fiction
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
7 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 10, 2025
Lyra Phoenix is a grifter and a thief, piloting a small spaceship and running odd errands and dangerous missions for her boss, Brill. She's desperately trying to buy her freedom from Brill, and this last mission to steal a Xylothian artifact should tip the balance in her favor. It's going well until she's caught by a Xylothian ranger protecting the idol. Orion is tall, hot, humanoid and straight-laced and righteous, and doesn't have nearly enough tentacles (he has none) to tempt Lyra. Or so she thinks. Lyra is half-human and half-Velusian, which means she emits a stimulating chemical that increases physical attraction...and Orion finds himself caught in her wake, and sorting out physical reaction vs attraction vs emotion. Of course, while they sort feelings and attraction, Lyra and Orion are being chased by Brill's lackeys who want the artifact.
Lily Riley takes her first step into scifi romance with a campy action-packed horny adventure. Phoenix's Last Heist is a book primarily for romance lovers, as the central plot is the romance between Lyra and Orion, while the heist and adventure are secondary. The worldbuilding is lightweight, keeping the focus on the character development and the romance, making this perfect for readers to whom science fiction feels less accessible. Riley keeps the extended universe details small, only referencing people and planets relevant to her direct plot. As a science fiction reader, I tend to prefer a more explored universe, but as a romance reader I appreciate the focus and think it fits well.
Orion and Lyra are both humanoid but neither are fully human, each with genetic quirks that enhance and also hamper their fated mates connection. As a reader, you'll need to accept these at face value, rather than dig too deeply below the surface, but I found I was willing to suspend disbelief in their biological connections to enjoy the book. If you like a caring, sensitive hero who has the strength and ability to go all alpha-protector, but also the decency to respect the heroine's boundaries, this will work for you.
Phoenix's Last Heist is written in dual POV first person tense, which is rarely my favorite way to read, but I know feels comfortable for many contemporary romance readers or those who want to feel like they are part of the action. Of the sci-fi romances of this type (similar to Constance Fey, Jessie Mihalik, and Jess K Hardy with shades of Ruby Dixon and Claire Kent), this ranks among the most fun. Once I had the bandwidth to sit and read, I read the last 75% of the book in an evening, following Lyra and Orion on their dangerous escape and even more dangerous romantic interlude.
Thank you to author Lily Riley for an eARC for review. Phoenix's Last Heist is out 11/5/25.
Lily Riley takes her first step into scifi romance with a campy action-packed horny adventure. Phoenix's Last Heist is a book primarily for romance lovers, as the central plot is the romance between Lyra and Orion, while the heist and adventure are secondary. The worldbuilding is lightweight, keeping the focus on the character development and the romance, making this perfect for readers to whom science fiction feels less accessible. Riley keeps the extended universe details small, only referencing people and planets relevant to her direct plot. As a science fiction reader, I tend to prefer a more explored universe, but as a romance reader I appreciate the focus and think it fits well.
Orion and Lyra are both humanoid but neither are fully human, each with genetic quirks that enhance and also hamper their fated mates connection. As a reader, you'll need to accept these at face value, rather than dig too deeply below the surface, but I found I was willing to suspend disbelief in their biological connections to enjoy the book. If you like a caring, sensitive hero who has the strength and ability to go all alpha-protector, but also the decency to respect the heroine's boundaries, this will work for you.
Phoenix's Last Heist is written in dual POV first person tense, which is rarely my favorite way to read, but I know feels comfortable for many contemporary romance readers or those who want to feel like they are part of the action. Of the sci-fi romances of this type (similar to Constance Fey, Jessie Mihalik, and Jess K Hardy with shades of Ruby Dixon and Claire Kent), this ranks among the most fun. Once I had the bandwidth to sit and read, I read the last 75% of the book in an evening, following Lyra and Orion on their dangerous escape and even more dangerous romantic interlude.
Thank you to author Lily Riley for an eARC for review. Phoenix's Last Heist is out 11/5/25.
November 17, 2025
3.75 stars
★★★★☆
I also posted my review on my blog ✿
Lyra Phoenix needs to pull off one last heist to gain her long awaited freedom. She just needs to steal a sacred idol from this isolated jungle temple filled with booby traps. Unfortunately for her, a very hot and very honourable Ranger catches her red-handed. Unfortunately for him, he needs to strike a deal with Lyra, because she is his key to finding the buyers of the missing artefacts of his people.
One thing about me, is I love a heist, and I love a sci-fi space opera. Something about jetting around new planets, confined spaces and cool sci-fi gadgets that sings to me. Phoenix's Last Heist on paper should have been everything I ever wanted. Forced allies, forced proximity and chaotic last-minute plans to get them out and into trouble that kind of work out. Famously, my favourite book series of all time is The Firebird series by T.A. White, so my expectations were high in finding another book that I could sink my teeth into and devote my life to praising.
The Phoenix's Last Heist is a dual POV novel that didn't quite live up to my lofty expectations. I've been contemplating why this book didn't hit the mark with me.
The book was basically a rom-com through the stars with some emotional moments that pulled at the heartstrings. Orion and Lyra are reluctant allies-to-lovers that lusted after each other at every juncture. It was quite a steamy book, exploring themes of autonomy and sex positivity. The insta-lust was continually thwarted by the deep mistrust, constant miscommunication and wrong assumptions each other made. Progress between them was slow and the time jumps deprived me of those tentative conversations between them.
The characters had separate and apposing motivations, and quickly made me worried about how they would find common ground. Orion saw the world in black and white, with not room for flexibility or hard choices. Lyra was flippant, chaotic and operated between lines of what was right and wrong. She placed her freedom at the forefront of her choices, and valued her life above morality. It was an interesting thought experiment, about culture vs autonomy, and how we value or protect them.
I found the antagonists and the conclusion predictable and cliche. The book ended quite abruptly, but I guess it's a good thing that I wanted more insight into the couple's new life. The author wanted to give the reader one more plot twist to leave you reeling, but I found it was cliche and unnecessary. If the author wanted to shock me, it should involve Orion's ancestors, or his gods or the temple. Have something magical happen, affirming their mate connection or the fact that they have pleased the gods.
I will say I think this book focused more on the romance, leaving the plot and world-building a little to the wayside. The space heist adventure was secondary and the ending was predictable and cliched, but it was still a still a fun and exciting book with tense action and a steamy romance.
Would I recommend this book??
Yes! I would think this book would appeal to many people.
**I was provided with an ARC from the author Lily Riley for an honest review **
☞ content warnings: **contains spoilers**
★★★★☆
I also posted my review on my blog ✿
Lyra Phoenix needs to pull off one last heist to gain her long awaited freedom. She just needs to steal a sacred idol from this isolated jungle temple filled with booby traps. Unfortunately for her, a very hot and very honourable Ranger catches her red-handed. Unfortunately for him, he needs to strike a deal with Lyra, because she is his key to finding the buyers of the missing artefacts of his people.
One thing about me, is I love a heist, and I love a sci-fi space opera. Something about jetting around new planets, confined spaces and cool sci-fi gadgets that sings to me. Phoenix's Last Heist on paper should have been everything I ever wanted. Forced allies, forced proximity and chaotic last-minute plans to get them out and into trouble that kind of work out. Famously, my favourite book series of all time is The Firebird series by T.A. White, so my expectations were high in finding another book that I could sink my teeth into and devote my life to praising.
The Phoenix's Last Heist is a dual POV novel that didn't quite live up to my lofty expectations. I've been contemplating why this book didn't hit the mark with me.
The book was basically a rom-com through the stars with some emotional moments that pulled at the heartstrings. Orion and Lyra are reluctant allies-to-lovers that lusted after each other at every juncture. It was quite a steamy book, exploring themes of autonomy and sex positivity. The insta-lust was continually thwarted by the deep mistrust, constant miscommunication and wrong assumptions each other made. Progress between them was slow and the time jumps deprived me of those tentative conversations between them.
The characters had separate and apposing motivations, and quickly made me worried about how they would find common ground. Orion saw the world in black and white, with not room for flexibility or hard choices. Lyra was flippant, chaotic and operated between lines of what was right and wrong. She placed her freedom at the forefront of her choices, and valued her life above morality. It was an interesting thought experiment, about culture vs autonomy, and how we value or protect them.
I found the antagonists and the conclusion predictable and cliche. The book ended quite abruptly, but I guess it's a good thing that I wanted more insight into the couple's new life. The author wanted to give the reader one more plot twist to leave you reeling, but I found it was cliche and unnecessary. If the author wanted to shock me, it should involve Orion's ancestors, or his gods or the temple. Have something magical happen, affirming their mate connection or the fact that they have pleased the gods.
I will say I think this book focused more on the romance, leaving the plot and world-building a little to the wayside. The space heist adventure was secondary and the ending was predictable and cliched, but it was still a still a fun and exciting book with tense action and a steamy romance.
Would I recommend this book??
Yes! I would think this book would appeal to many people.
**I was provided with an ARC from the author Lily Riley for an honest review **
☞ content warnings: **contains spoilers**
Blog ✿ Goodreads ✿ Twitter ✿ Instagram ✿ Pinterest ✿ StoryGraph ✿ Discovery ✿
December 5, 2025
Thank you Net Galley and Lily Riley for the opportunity to read this arc.
I loved the dedication: "To the readers who believe space is cold so characters must be hot out of spite."
I was really surprised by this book, I was a craving a good sci-fi romance and this really delivered. It had great writing, funny characters especially the sarcastic Ada(the ship's computer), steamy tension with banter, quests, and finding freedom and connection when you think your alone. I got Tomb Raider and Titan AE vibes from this story which I loved.
The author did a great job setting up a whole universe with lot's of different creatures and races, how those planets interacted with each other. Both of the main characters were very likeable.
Lyra was sassy, stubborn, and super tenacious. I really respected her willingness to go on unfavorable and dangerous thieving quests to obtain her freedom and the growth that she developed. I liked how Orion helped her realize her self worth and that you can be loved for who you are and not what services you can provide.
Orion possessed high honor for his culture and rules, wanted nothing more than to preserve his cultures traditions. I liked how Lyra made him loosen up and realize that not all rules need to be followed and have fun. She really helped him escape his loneliness after losing his parents.
I loved the yearningness Orion had for Lyra(swoon).
"I hate you for this. For being who you are, what you are. For what it does to me. But if I don't touch you something in me will break."
"The strength of my need staggers me-disturbs me-and I still don't know that Lyra won't try to eject me into the cold vacuum of space if it's convenient for her to do so. What's worse if she did, I'd still probably blow her a kiss and thank her for the privilege."
I just wish that the main characters had gone on more quests/adventures on together like the casino scene but I highly enjoyed this book and I can't wait for more from this world. More sci-fi romance....yes please!! 4.5 STARS
I loved the dedication: "To the readers who believe space is cold so characters must be hot out of spite."
I was really surprised by this book, I was a craving a good sci-fi romance and this really delivered. It had great writing, funny characters especially the sarcastic Ada(the ship's computer), steamy tension with banter, quests, and finding freedom and connection when you think your alone. I got Tomb Raider and Titan AE vibes from this story which I loved.
The author did a great job setting up a whole universe with lot's of different creatures and races, how those planets interacted with each other. Both of the main characters were very likeable.
Lyra was sassy, stubborn, and super tenacious. I really respected her willingness to go on unfavorable and dangerous thieving quests to obtain her freedom and the growth that she developed. I liked how Orion helped her realize her self worth and that you can be loved for who you are and not what services you can provide.
Orion possessed high honor for his culture and rules, wanted nothing more than to preserve his cultures traditions. I liked how Lyra made him loosen up and realize that not all rules need to be followed and have fun. She really helped him escape his loneliness after losing his parents.
I loved the yearningness Orion had for Lyra(swoon).
"I hate you for this. For being who you are, what you are. For what it does to me. But if I don't touch you something in me will break."
"The strength of my need staggers me-disturbs me-and I still don't know that Lyra won't try to eject me into the cold vacuum of space if it's convenient for her to do so. What's worse if she did, I'd still probably blow her a kiss and thank her for the privilege."
I just wish that the main characters had gone on more quests/adventures on together like the casino scene but I highly enjoyed this book and I can't wait for more from this world. More sci-fi romance....yes please!! 4.5 STARS
November 24, 2025
If you're in the mood for an absolute romp of a sci-fi romance with chaos/order vibes, look no further. Lyra is a half-human, half-succubus--no, make that half-"Velusian"--tombraider type, out to steal a priceless artifact for personal and professional reasons. (She's the chaos.) Orion is the hot Xylothian ranger tasked with protecting it. (He's the order.)
After he stops her from taking the artifact but lands them both in a pickle afterwards, they strike a deal: They go on a wacky space adventure from port to port gathering evidence so Orion can prosecute the funding criminals instead of landing only petty thief Lyra.
It's a silly, fun, campy read with elements like Lyra's lust-inducing pheromones and Orion's color-changing freckles that act as a mood ring. If you've been hankering for IPB vibes but with more laser guns, this is the book for you.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
After he stops her from taking the artifact but lands them both in a pickle afterwards, they strike a deal: They go on a wacky space adventure from port to port gathering evidence so Orion can prosecute the funding criminals instead of landing only petty thief Lyra.
It's a silly, fun, campy read with elements like Lyra's lust-inducing pheromones and Orion's color-changing freckles that act as a mood ring. If you've been hankering for IPB vibes but with more laser guns, this is the book for you.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
November 16, 2025
A scrappy females attempt to free herself from her contract with a major crime lord with one last huge heist that lands her tied to a Ranger's bed. Sparks fly as tempers ignite and passions flare. As the crime lord's enforcers catch up, the two flee together and are forced to spend days trapped together on her small ship and face each other's trauma and attraction. Eventually, one of them will break down and submit to the magnetism between them....
I love Ranger Orion. He's such a hunk and he is so respectful. Special order one for me please. Seriously, my only complaint is that Brill's eventual demise felt slightly anticlimactic. I suppose this did save Lyra and Orion from further trauma, but I think I was itching for a final boss fight.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing Co-op, and Lily Riley for the opportunity to experience this adventure!!
I love Ranger Orion. He's such a hunk and he is so respectful. Special order one for me please. Seriously, my only complaint is that Brill's eventual demise felt slightly anticlimactic. I suppose this did save Lyra and Orion from further trauma, but I think I was itching for a final boss fight.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing Co-op, and Lily Riley for the opportunity to experience this adventure!!
January 1, 2026
✨ Book Review: Phoenix’s Last Heist by Lily Riley
🚀💫 Galactic romance, banter, and explosive chemistry—literally.
I went into Phoenix’s Last Heist expecting a fun sci-fi romance, and it absolutely delivered. This book wastes no time—the adventure starts immediately and keeps you bouncing from galaxy to galaxy with action, humor, and heart.
If you love a capable, chaotic FMC paired with a ridiculously lovable MMC, this one’s for you. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is off-the-charts, and the romance feels stellar amid heist chaos.
Tropes & Vibes:
🔥 Scorching-hot forest ranger MMC
💥 Supernova spice
💋 World-ending bomb kisses
🌌 Outlaw with a cause
🖤 Space heist romance
🚀 Action-packed, from page one
😏 Top-tier banter
⭐️ If you like galactic romance + adventure + explosive chemistry, don’t sleep on this one.
🚀💫 Galactic romance, banter, and explosive chemistry—literally.
I went into Phoenix’s Last Heist expecting a fun sci-fi romance, and it absolutely delivered. This book wastes no time—the adventure starts immediately and keeps you bouncing from galaxy to galaxy with action, humor, and heart.
If you love a capable, chaotic FMC paired with a ridiculously lovable MMC, this one’s for you. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is off-the-charts, and the romance feels stellar amid heist chaos.
Tropes & Vibes:
🔥 Scorching-hot forest ranger MMC
💥 Supernova spice
💋 World-ending bomb kisses
🌌 Outlaw with a cause
🖤 Space heist romance
🚀 Action-packed, from page one
😏 Top-tier banter
⭐️ If you like galactic romance + adventure + explosive chemistry, don’t sleep on this one.
November 23, 2025
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
OMG this book blindsided me. I randomly requested it because I love sci-fi romance but I had no idea I would absolutely adore this book. It’s got great pacing and adventure and the romance is scorching 🔥🔥🔥. I’m going to purchase a copy for my shelf! I hope the author writes more in this universe and maybe revists these characters.
OMG this book blindsided me. I randomly requested it because I love sci-fi romance but I had no idea I would absolutely adore this book. It’s got great pacing and adventure and the romance is scorching 🔥🔥🔥. I’m going to purchase a copy for my shelf! I hope the author writes more in this universe and maybe revists these characters.
November 30, 2025
2.5/3 Star Read for me
This is a quirky, monster tinged romance that is packed with snarky banter and ridiculous amounts of chemistry. It gave me major Guardians of the Galaxy vibes, if the roles were reversed and everyone was hornier. Perfect for those days when you are in between moods and look for something short, funny, and slightly unhinged.
I wanted to thank NetGalley for this ARC
This is a quirky, monster tinged romance that is packed with snarky banter and ridiculous amounts of chemistry. It gave me major Guardians of the Galaxy vibes, if the roles were reversed and everyone was hornier. Perfect for those days when you are in between moods and look for something short, funny, and slightly unhinged.
I wanted to thank NetGalley for this ARC
November 22, 2025
DNF at 59%, premise was funny and good slow burn but characters and plot not compelling / interesting enough. Found it boring that the FMC was only honest about her feelings when drinking.
December 19, 2025
I found this book to be unexpectedly fun. I haven’t read a lot of sci fi lately, but the twists and turns with this one were surprising and kept me interested. I look forward to the next book!
December 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC.
Plot 4/5
Characters 3.5/5
Ending 3.5/5
Interest 3.75/5
Overall 3.5/5
-I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. It seemed so interesting at first and as I read on, I didn’t exactly find that thrilling heist or mission aspect I was really wanting. I still really enjoyed the intergalactic universe with different creatures coming from multiple worlds. And the plot wasn’t uninteresting by any means but I just didn’t get that spark.
-The characters theme selves were good. I liked their personalities, both of them. They really were fun to read about. However, their relationship is where I felt a little iffy. It truly felt like lust at first sight and they just didn’t grow from that, suddenly they slept together and were mates. I just wish that there was more interest in the person rather than the body.
-The ending didn’t really strike me as anything to be honest. I’m glad they resolved their issues and Lyra was able to fe freed and end up happily with Orion. But there wasn’t enough thrill for me to really care all that much unfortunately.
Plot 4/5
Characters 3.5/5
Ending 3.5/5
Interest 3.75/5
Overall 3.5/5
-I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. It seemed so interesting at first and as I read on, I didn’t exactly find that thrilling heist or mission aspect I was really wanting. I still really enjoyed the intergalactic universe with different creatures coming from multiple worlds. And the plot wasn’t uninteresting by any means but I just didn’t get that spark.
-The characters theme selves were good. I liked their personalities, both of them. They really were fun to read about. However, their relationship is where I felt a little iffy. It truly felt like lust at first sight and they just didn’t grow from that, suddenly they slept together and were mates. I just wish that there was more interest in the person rather than the body.
-The ending didn’t really strike me as anything to be honest. I’m glad they resolved their issues and Lyra was able to fe freed and end up happily with Orion. But there wasn’t enough thrill for me to really care all that much unfortunately.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews