Embracing the Flames

Rating: 4.5 (rounded to 5 stars).

Embracing the Flames by Red Phoenix was a beautifully satisfying conclusion to Sophie Lane’s journey at the Submissive Training Center. Watching Sophie grow throughout this series has been such an experience, and this final installment truly highlighted how much she evolved from the shy and uncertain woman we first met into someone far more confident, emotionally aware, and willing to embrace herself fully.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was seeing the return and continued presence of so many beloved Dominants throughout the series. Every interaction felt meaningful in its own way, especially because each of them contributed something different to Sophie’s emotional growth. Tono’s calm strength, Rytsar’s quiet devotion, Faelan’s growth as Headmaster, and Marquis Gray’s emotional insight all added layers to Sophie’s journey that made this conclusion feel rich and complete. It also genuinely warmed my heart seeing Brie and Sir Thane still woven into the story because longtime readers know just how important they are to this world.

What stood out most in this installment was Sophie’s emotional breakthrough. Beneath all of her experiences and training, Sophie was still carrying years of grief, anger, insecurity, and emotional walls. Watching her finally release those emotions through music was honestly one of the most touching moments in the book. It felt like Sophie finally allowing herself to be vulnerable in a way she had resisted for so long. That emotional release was beautifully done.

The reason this lands at a 4.5 star rating for me instead of a full 5 comes mostly from some frustrations surrounding Sophie and Gwen’s friendship dynamic at certain points in the story. While I understand both characters were navigating strong emotions and personal insecurities, there were moments where Gwen’s reactions toward Sophie felt harsher than necessary considering how consistently supportive Sophie had always been of her. Sophie also had a habit of carrying guilt for situations that did not fully rest on her shoulders. Her tendency to internalize everything and immediately blame herself fit her emotional journey and character growth, but there were definitely moments where I wanted her to stand more firmly in her own worth and stop carrying the emotional weight of everyone around her... which is something that is many in the world deal with throughout their own personal journey.

till, those frustrations never took away from how emotionally engaging this story was. The travel, the emotional vulnerability, the exploration of trust and boundaries, and the overall sense of personal growth made this such a rewarding finale.

Overall, Embracing the Flames was emotional, immersive, and deeply satisfying. It felt like the perfect final chapter for Sophie’s journey and left me feeling proud of how far she had come. A beautiful conclusion filled with growth, passion, emotional healing, and love.

Heather Miller

1,559 reviews52 followers

May 24, 2026

Book Tropes: BDSM. Secret world.

This is the 3rd book in the series. You do need to read the two previous books.

We go back to Sophie and the training room in NYC. Sophie is getting better with her tolerance with what she is willing to do within the group. When she writes about a session she wants to participate in she knows what she wants. The classmates in the training center have been friendlier towards her. When she tells the the food is linked to where they are going on their weekly trips they don’t seem to believe her. Until they have the trip to Brazil. The instructors are welcoming in that she recognized the food is a hint on the trips.

Sophie pushes herself to go more outside of her normal routine. Her instructors have welcomed her in trying more things. We have a few familiar names from the Brie series show in this series. Master Tono comes to help Sophie with her fear of bondage and ropes. He makes her more comfortable with herself and with bondage. Will working with the master help her with her past also?

I did receive a free arc book copy from the Author Red Phoenix. I am freely leaving a honest book review.

Karen Komarinski

1,138 reviews15 followers

I loved Sophie’s story so sad to see it end. This semester Sophie is pushed to face her broken heart & share her story so she can release all the pain in her heart. Anton sends her a gift to face her fear of bondage with a private lesson with Master Tono “ Whisper of Rope & The Allure of Jute“ touched my heart & made me think of Brie & Sir. Sophie and Nash are still not friends lol. Everyone at the Center are pulling for Sophie and trying to guide her to believe in herself but warning her if she doesn’t let herself feel the hurt she is carrying from the loss of her father, she will not only hurt herself but put others she love in a path of hurt. Sophie hurt her best friend Gwen…but this collapse pushes her fulfill Anton’s request to write music, also she realizes Marquis Gray‘s words were on point and to help her to be true to herself & become the Sub she is meant to be. Leon and Sophie remind you of Sir & Brie. Gwen & Sophie find forgiveness for each other. Thank you Red Pheonix for another great story with more characters to love sprinkled with our first loves from so many years ago.

Linda

1,015 reviews2 followers

May 25, 2026

Hot scenes, tender heart, perfect ending 🔥

The final book in the Luxe Escape series is a beautiful story of self-discovery. Sophie enters a submissive training center as a shy wallflower and emerges brave, learning to trust herself and others. Each scene is sexy, hot, and thoughtful – the kind that makes you pause and say “Oh my! Yes!”
Compared to the Brie series, this one felt less adventurous, but it shouldn’t be. It’s breathtaking and emotional in its own right, touching in ways that linger. The countdown to graduation becomes Sophie’s ultimate test of trust and heart.

P. S. The bonus scene gave the closure this book deserved – it’s the perfect ending, and I’d have loved it in the main pages. I love your books, truly – this one included. 🤓

Laura

289 reviews6 followers

Graduation is coming

Sophie Lark's time is coming to an end at the Submissive Training Center of New York. She's embracing new adventures and experiences, as well as confronting and deep hurts holding her back. She truly hits a bottom on her well of pain before she faces it head on and fights back against those issues holding her back. We again met old friends and fly to exotic places for auctions. She even uncovers a dark and dangerous secret about one of her classmates which causes drama at the final collating ceremony.

Sophie definitely has growth as a character. But her biggest obstacle has been her own stubbornness, which has been whittled by her classes and interactions. We can only hope that like the beloved characters of the original series, Sophie continues to live her best life after we close the book.

Heather Ambrose

258 reviews1 follower

I thought this was a great ending to a great series! I have to say that I was so happy when I cracked open this book and we get an amazing scene with Tono! He has always been one of my favorite characters in the Brie series. Seeing him here was so good. Sophie is slowly but surely coming into her own and owning her self confidence. She is challenged with her limits and learns the joy of submitting. You get everything you would expect from a Red Phoenix book. As always Rystar is my ultimate favorite in all the series and it was great seeing in here with Sophie. This book evoked plenty of feels from tears to laughter to heat. All the scenes are well done and don't lack in spiciness!! I highly recommend picking up this book but make sure you have read books 1 & 2!!

Jo-Ann Forrest

3,017 reviews25 followers

May 24, 2026

This is the final weeks of Sophie’s training at the Submissive Center. She will forced to face the most tragic loss of her life and letting it go. Her journey is not an easy one, but facing her fears is the most important moments of this story. Sophie is courageous, strong, but carrying so much pain. This story will move you through the pain of losing someone close and the freedom it will bring is a gift. Be prepared, have a box of tissues on hand, because if you loss somebody close to you, the emotions that this story brings are raw and painful but it will open your heart and mind to a new journey. Thank you Red Phoenix for this powerfull story

Karon Price

1,304 reviews34 followers

May 27, 2026

I loved Sophie's journey into BDSM. Her training really showed her growth. I loved how it was noted that she had the least amount of experience when she started, but ended up having some of the greatest insights by graduation. Her evolution was so inspiring to read, but of course her smexy scenes were not only innovated, but hot hot hot. I was so proud of how Sophie handled her graduation interviews and that she decided to wait for what was right for her. Her HEA was just what i was hoping for and gave me all the feels. The author has totally captivated me with this new series and now I want to beg for some spin offs. Gwen please?!

M G

66 reviews4 followers

May 25, 2026

Simply breathtaking! Overwhelming conclusion to Sophie’s journey which pulled in Brie and Sir and appearances of many of the original cast in Bries story to give it depth and dimension which evoked memories of each.
Following Sophie’s story was an absolute joy, as I embraced all her ups and downs to become the woman she has now become. I only wish that there could be more to read and enjoy! Maybe Nash is calling for his story to be heard!
True penmanship at its best, looking forward to the next book from Red.

Dana

9 reviews

Embracing The Flames is a must read!
Embracing The Flames was great from the very beginning. This book gives you a different view into the BDSM world. It showed the struggles that Sophie encounters along her journey. It takes courage to overcome her fears. She is a strong person to do so. I am proud of the person she became at the end of the series.
Red is a favorite author. I want to read more!
If you liked this series, I also recommend the Brie Series.. I am glad to be a part of her ARC team.

Amy Toward

726 reviews3 followers

May 24, 2026

I really enjoyed Sophie’s story. I loved past characters that were part of this series. I love how Red Phoenix brings her characters to life in her books. I feel I’m part of their world. (I wish very much I was. 😉). Sophie was an inspiration. I loved how she overcame her insecurities and became this strong, confident woman. I hope Ms. Phoenix that you continue to write in this fabulous word you created!

Shawn

73 reviews

Worthy of receiving

This final book of Sophie's journey captures her growth in confidence and self-worth not only as a musician and submissive but also as a plus-size woman. Her fears and tragic death of her father bring panic to the surface as she has to face the pain...in order to heal. Realizing her heart knows the truth, Sophie composes her first song and chooses her Dominant worthy of her collar. Worth the read!!!!

Sue

8 reviews1 follower

Embracing the Flames is the final book in the Luxe Escape series and Sophie's journey at the training center. It was a great finale. The reader got to see how Sophie gained enough confidence to stand on her own and finally face her own personal tragedy from the past in order to move forward with her chosen Dom. Sad to see the journey end but a satisfying ending. Now it would be nice to know what happened to Nash and Anton. Maybe in the future.

Sharon Wingo

381 reviews9 followers

May 27, 2026

This is the final book in Sophie’s trilogy and I love it. Sophie has gained so much confidence and how she achieved the true start of healing from her pain was awesome. I like how there were cameos of the original characters throughout these books. Wish it could’ve gone a couple more books. That ending though! Thanks Red! Can’t wait to see what you write for us next. Maybe the original gang will fill your ear so we can catch up with their lives at a more intimate level!

Susan

896 reviews11 followers

May 29, 2026

Sophia Lane, in book 3 of this fiery road of self discovery, finally finds her real “me” through bravery and courage. Red Phoenix is truly gifted in bringing her readers not just along for the journey but right into the middle of it. I felt like I had entered a brand new world as I read page after page non-stop. This is a “cannot wait to see what happens next” book. Lots of drama, steam and personal success. I was disappointed that a few things were left unresolved in this story.

Tashina Fulbright

261 reviews2 followers

May 22, 2026

Undeniably perfect

This was the perfect ending to Sophie’s story. Some things I had figured out others threw me for a loop. The muses really let Sophie shine! The journey Sophie makes is inspiring. Facing her fears and healing is truly inspirational. So happy to see some of the characters from Bries Submission series.

Tracy Anne Carter

2 reviews

May 22, 2026

I Truly Loved Sophie's Story

I truly enjoyed seeing the growth of Sophie!
I wish that you could continue her story, I fell in love with your writing when I first started Bri's journey! You make your characters come to life.
I have shared your stories with many friends.
I can't wait to Ser what you do next!
Please keep your stories coming!

Melissa Ritter

7 reviews

READ THIS BOOK!

Sophie’s journey is as compelling as Brie’s! This is made possible by the appearance of some of our favorite people involved in the saga of Brie and Sir. Following Sophie’s story was pure joy and I wish that there were more volumes to enjoy. (Sorry, Red, I know how much more work that would entail but I miss her already.)

Elizabeth

16 reviews2 followers

I have read all tree of these books and have enjoyed the journey as much as Sophie has, I like being able to watch her grow into the submissive that she is, I kind of thought that she would end up with who she did. I'm glad that they worked out the problems that were keeping them apart. I love this book and the ones that came before Thanks to Red for listing to her muses.

Laken Chaney

69 reviews1 follower

OMG I love this book. I wanted to read more to see what else happens with Sophie. The growth throughout all the books and to this final book is inspiring. Red Phoenix did it again. I fell in love with Sophie and her gurney though the submissive training program. I love how she grew and followed her heart and worked through all the hard stuff going on in her life.

Lisa Ramnath

3 reviews

I could not put this book down. It resonates with childhood trauma and as an adult sometimes that feeling like nothing in your life is going right. Yet somehow we come out on the other side stronger. Sophie finds help in ways she did not expect and grows as a person. The anatomy lesson was appreciated.

barbie hartman

651 reviews

Victim or warrior, "you determine your path."

This third and final book in the series takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotions, from pain & loss to confidence & joy, to betrayal & fury, to passion & hope. Sophie has overcome so many challenges. Read this series and book to find out who she chooses as her dom.

Dawn Thimjon

18 reviews

May 27, 2026

All I have to say is RED it as it again. Loved this story, it was a hard read when she was with Tono. I wanted to let my own grief out. RED the ending there so much more this could keep going. I also love the fact that Sophie insecurity's and just so REAL. NO spoilers here this was captivating emotional all the feels. I am telling you go and get this book you will not be disappointed. Dawn

Michelle Lagstrom

6 reviews