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The Phyre that Burns
Since her heart was broken several years ago, Ginae Burns has shied away from love and anything resembling a relationship. She’s content with her career as a traveling nurse and occasional dinners and/or hookups with male suitors. When she’s offered a six-month-long assignment over two thousand miles away from her hometown of Chicago, she’s excited. However, when she finds out she’s working with the man who skewed her view of love, and broke her heart, her excitement turns into fear.
It took every ounce of courage in him for Phyre Jordan to stand up to his parents, but in the end, he still lost the woman who continues to have a chokehold on his heart. It’s been over a decade, but she’s still all he sees when he closes his eyes. When he finds out she’s been assigned to work with him for the next six months, he immediately begins to make plans to win her back.
Family expectations, dishonesty, lack of communication, and other outside forces tore them apart years ago, but their love for one another never wavered. Will they allow history to repeat itself, or is the fire that once burned between them still aflame?
It took every ounce of courage in him for Phyre Jordan to stand up to his parents, but in the end, he still lost the woman who continues to have a chokehold on his heart. It’s been over a decade, but she’s still all he sees when he closes his eyes. When he finds out she’s been assigned to work with him for the next six months, he immediately begins to make plans to win her back.
Family expectations, dishonesty, lack of communication, and other outside forces tore them apart years ago, but their love for one another never wavered. Will they allow history to repeat itself, or is the fire that once burned between them still aflame?
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2025
166 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Kay Shanee
70 books506 followersWelcome to Kay Shanee's Reading Korner
Kay is forty something wife and mother, born and raised in the Midwest. During the day, she is a high school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime is reading and writing romance novels about the dopeness of BLACK LOVE.
Kay is forty something wife and mother, born and raised in the Midwest. During the day, she is a high school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime is reading and writing romance novels about the dopeness of BLACK LOVE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 1, 2025
The Jordans are a wealthy family that believe in arranged marriages and, as the oldest child and only son, Phyre has been promised to Kavia Black since they were born. The problem is, Phyre doesn’t believe in arranged marriages and wants no parts of it. He’s already fallen in love with his college sweetheart and that’s who he plans to make the future Mrs. Jordan. But, not if Kavia has anything to do about it. 😏😏😏😏 One thing Kay Shanee gon’ do is pen a messy read and The Phyre That Burns was top tier messiness. It was the perfect blend of a second chance romance with a heavy dose of drama. Get into it.
November 20, 2025
Wow.... The author told this story out loud...
December 3, 2025
Whew.... the drama! 😤 Phyre and Ginae were so in love, and planning for their future, until a lone text message destroys it all. Phyre!!! Why didn't you give her a clue before you got caught up?
Ughh..😮 Ginae allowing her emotions to lead her, left without a word, and did not allow Phyre the opportunity to explain himself. Years later when Ginae accepts a position in her college town, she can't help but to wonder what if. But she is still pissed at him and hopes they don't cross paths. Well..... their reunion is less than pleasant and leaves a bitter taste in Ginae's mouth. However, Phyre will not be deterred.
After they get back on track, Phyre carelessly pushes Ginae away over a misunderstanding! Sir, you must not want yo woman back as much as you claim. What the helly?? 👀 That damn Kavia got on my last nerve! How did she get off so easy with all the ish she kept up? 🤬 Good read! 👍🏿👍🏿
Ughh..😮 Ginae allowing her emotions to lead her, left without a word, and did not allow Phyre the opportunity to explain himself. Years later when Ginae accepts a position in her college town, she can't help but to wonder what if. But she is still pissed at him and hopes they don't cross paths. Well..... their reunion is less than pleasant and leaves a bitter taste in Ginae's mouth. However, Phyre will not be deterred.
After they get back on track, Phyre carelessly pushes Ginae away over a misunderstanding! Sir, you must not want yo woman back as much as you claim. What the helly?? 👀 That damn Kavia got on my last nerve! How did she get off so easy with all the ish she kept up? 🤬 Good read! 👍🏿👍🏿
November 23, 2025
Whew! What a ride! 😊
Phyre and Ginae's story was a second, almost third-chance romance. Their relationship crumbled the first time due to family arrangements being exposed by an outside source. Ginae didn't want to hear an explanation and she left and ghosted Phyre for 13 years. 👻 A job opportunity brought them back together. It most definitely wasn't an instant "let's pick up where we left off" situation. 🤔 After hashing out what broke them up, they were able to rekindle that old flame. 🔥 Unfortunately, the same outside source brought another secret that this time belonged to Ginae, and caused Phyre to lose it, and they found themselves apart again. 💔 This story was a ride, but they were able to navigate to rekindle their love much faster than the first time. 💕 Great read! 👩🏽🍳💋
Phyre and Ginae's story was a second, almost third-chance romance. Their relationship crumbled the first time due to family arrangements being exposed by an outside source. Ginae didn't want to hear an explanation and she left and ghosted Phyre for 13 years. 👻 A job opportunity brought them back together. It most definitely wasn't an instant "let's pick up where we left off" situation. 🤔 After hashing out what broke them up, they were able to rekindle that old flame. 🔥 Unfortunately, the same outside source brought another secret that this time belonged to Ginae, and caused Phyre to lose it, and they found themselves apart again. 💔 This story was a ride, but they were able to navigate to rekindle their love much faster than the first time. 💕 Great read! 👩🏽🍳💋
November 22, 2025
This was a quick paced second chance romance that wasn’t short on the drama. But I almost DNF’d at 70% in because Phyre pissed me off so bad. 13 years that you were separated from your lady and you almost fumbled her again. He wasn’t all that likeable to me anyway, but I do admire how he was all gas and no brakes when it came to winning her back both initially and when he messed up. I wanted Ginae to stand on business a little longer though and make him earn her but the heart wants who it wants I guess. Let this story be a cautionary tale of how important transparent communication is and not being quick to rush judgments.
November 25, 2025
Phyre 🤎 Ginae
I enjoyed this second chance romance. A lil communication goes a long way. Phyre plotted to get his girl in spite of time that flew by.
I enjoyed this second chance romance. A lil communication goes a long way. Phyre plotted to get his girl in spite of time that flew by.
January 11, 2026
What God brings together no man can deny!
This book was so interesting, filled with ups and down and lies and betrayal but in the end money can’t take the place of love!
This book was so interesting, filled with ups and down and lies and betrayal but in the end money can’t take the place of love!
January 9, 2026
The Phyre That Burns by Kay Shanee is one of those books that grabs you emotionally and refuses to let go. This story is heavy, layered, and full of characters who are deeply flawed, hurting, and very much human especially Phyre.
Phyre’s storyline honestly hurt my heart. The way his family did him after he refused to go through with the arranged marriage was foul. Straight up emotional abandonment. You can see how that rejection shaped him, hardened him, and forced him to carry pain he never asked for. Everything about the way he loves, protects himself, and moves through the world makes sense once you understand what he lost when his family turned their backs on him.
Now let’s talk about the chaos contributors.
Kavia was a miserable ass woman, and I said what I said. Bitter, draining, and committed to making everyone else unhappy because she was. Every time she popped up, my irritation spiked. She added tension to the story, but whew… she genuinely needed to heal instead of projecting all that mess onto everybody else.
And Ginae… listen. Yes, her heart got broken, and I felt for her but holding a grudge while also being part of the problem? We gotta be real about that. Her pain was valid, but so were the consequences of her own actions. Kay Shanee did a great job showing how hurt can turn into resentment when accountability gets ignored. That dynamic added so much realism because not everybody in the story is innocent, even when they’re hurting.
What really makes this book stand out is how honest it is about trauma and healing. Nothing is rushed. Nobody is magically fixed. Love isn’t just about feelings — it’s about communication, boundaries, and unlearning unhealthy patterns. The emotional growth feels earned, not forced.
Overall, The Phyre That Burns is raw, emotional, and beautifully written. The characters will frustrate you, break your heart, and still have you rooting for them. If you like emotionally driven stories with real consequences and deep character development, this book is absolutely worth the read.
I could say more… but I’m not about to tell y’all everything. Just read the book. 🔥🖤
Phyre’s storyline honestly hurt my heart. The way his family did him after he refused to go through with the arranged marriage was foul. Straight up emotional abandonment. You can see how that rejection shaped him, hardened him, and forced him to carry pain he never asked for. Everything about the way he loves, protects himself, and moves through the world makes sense once you understand what he lost when his family turned their backs on him.
Now let’s talk about the chaos contributors.
Kavia was a miserable ass woman, and I said what I said. Bitter, draining, and committed to making everyone else unhappy because she was. Every time she popped up, my irritation spiked. She added tension to the story, but whew… she genuinely needed to heal instead of projecting all that mess onto everybody else.
And Ginae… listen. Yes, her heart got broken, and I felt for her but holding a grudge while also being part of the problem? We gotta be real about that. Her pain was valid, but so were the consequences of her own actions. Kay Shanee did a great job showing how hurt can turn into resentment when accountability gets ignored. That dynamic added so much realism because not everybody in the story is innocent, even when they’re hurting.
What really makes this book stand out is how honest it is about trauma and healing. Nothing is rushed. Nobody is magically fixed. Love isn’t just about feelings — it’s about communication, boundaries, and unlearning unhealthy patterns. The emotional growth feels earned, not forced.
Overall, The Phyre That Burns is raw, emotional, and beautifully written. The characters will frustrate you, break your heart, and still have you rooting for them. If you like emotionally driven stories with real consequences and deep character development, this book is absolutely worth the read.
I could say more… but I’m not about to tell y’all everything. Just read the book. 🔥🖤
January 5, 2026
This was such a fun read. If you have read Loving a Libra this story follows the best friend of that FMC. This is a wonderful 2nd chance romance featuring Ginae and Phyre. These two meet under blessed circumstances after 13 years apart. They were broken up by a spiteful B*tch will we shall not names and the fates that be put them back in each other's orbit.
Phyre has longed for Gina since the day that she up and left him after a secret was revealed. Knowing that She is his future he pined for her until life decided it was time for them to rekindle that flame possibly. He dives full speed into trying to explain what happen, though she does not make it easy for him. He is quite determined to get her back. (Is he a perfect MMC, no he def had flaws but those are addressed as well in the book).
Ginae has suffered from the hurt of the break-up in multiple ways that are unbeknownst to Phyre, but I understood her apprehension to deal with him again. I loved how she went about establishing boundaries when the circumstances presented themselves. She def was very bull-headed in the way she responded sometimes with how she responded to things, but it was good that she had a friend like Devyn to give her the truth and the logical aspect of everything.
P.S- Phyre's parents are awful (uppity, bougee 🥷🏾's except for Pheonix, she was great.) Kavia really needed to be bitch slapped out of obsessed delusion with the shit she was trying to stir
All in all this was a solid read. 💜💜
Phyre has longed for Gina since the day that she up and left him after a secret was revealed. Knowing that She is his future he pined for her until life decided it was time for them to rekindle that flame possibly. He dives full speed into trying to explain what happen, though she does not make it easy for him. He is quite determined to get her back. (Is he a perfect MMC, no he def had flaws but those are addressed as well in the book).
Ginae has suffered from the hurt of the break-up in multiple ways that are unbeknownst to Phyre, but I understood her apprehension to deal with him again. I loved how she went about establishing boundaries when the circumstances presented themselves. She def was very bull-headed in the way she responded sometimes with how she responded to things, but it was good that she had a friend like Devyn to give her the truth and the logical aspect of everything.
P.S- Phyre's parents are awful (uppity, bougee 🥷🏾's except for Pheonix, she was great.) Kavia really needed to be bitch slapped out of obsessed delusion with the shit she was trying to stir
All in all this was a solid read. 💜💜
December 9, 2025
Phyre and Ginae!!
Thirteen years after breaking up due to lack of communication and honesty, Phyre and Ginae cross paths again when her job as a traveling nurse brings Ginae back to Phyre's orbit. Ginae returning to his life was answered prayers for Phyre. Ginae thought she was over Phyre until they have to see each other day after day. I loved that Phyre never gave up and, eventually, Ginae was able to forgive him and they started over. All is going well until the past and secrets come between them once again. Kavia needed a good old-fashioned throat punch, and I was willing to give it to her. 😡 I was glad that characters from a previous book were included, and we got to catch up with them. I enjoyed the office staff as well as the friendship that Ginae developed with Phyre's sister, Phoenix. This was a great second chance book that contains undying love, passion, emotional turmoil and forgiveness which I highly recommend.
Thirteen years after breaking up due to lack of communication and honesty, Phyre and Ginae cross paths again when her job as a traveling nurse brings Ginae back to Phyre's orbit. Ginae returning to his life was answered prayers for Phyre. Ginae thought she was over Phyre until they have to see each other day after day. I loved that Phyre never gave up and, eventually, Ginae was able to forgive him and they started over. All is going well until the past and secrets come between them once again. Kavia needed a good old-fashioned throat punch, and I was willing to give it to her. 😡 I was glad that characters from a previous book were included, and we got to catch up with them. I enjoyed the office staff as well as the friendship that Ginae developed with Phyre's sister, Phoenix. This was a great second chance book that contains undying love, passion, emotional turmoil and forgiveness which I highly recommend.
January 6, 2026
🫶🏾
I love a good second chance at love story and this one did not disappoint. 13 years is a long time to live without the person you truly love. Phyre keep his faith and believed that God would reunite them. Ginae thought she buried her feelings until their paths crossed again.
My girl folded like fresh laundry and I ain’t mad at her 🤭 I loved them together even when Ginae was being a little hypocritical I still gave my girl grace bc even tho she was wrong she was also right 🤷🏽♀️
Now I have to find Devyn’s book bc I would love to see her journey to HEA🫶🏾
Great work 👏🏾
I love a good second chance at love story and this one did not disappoint. 13 years is a long time to live without the person you truly love. Phyre keep his faith and believed that God would reunite them. Ginae thought she buried her feelings until their paths crossed again.
My girl folded like fresh laundry and I ain’t mad at her 🤭 I loved them together even when Ginae was being a little hypocritical I still gave my girl grace bc even tho she was wrong she was also right 🤷🏽♀️
Now I have to find Devyn’s book bc I would love to see her journey to HEA🫶🏾
Great work 👏🏾
November 26, 2025
The Phyre that Burns
This was a good second chance love story. Ginae and Phyre were so in love and a lack of honesty and miscommunication tore them apart but fate had other plans and brought them back together answering Phyre’s prayers. Their reunion wasn’t without some drama and issues from outside forces but they were able to actually sit down and communicate this time and resolve things. I was happy to see them work things out and get their happily ever after.
This was a good second chance love story. Ginae and Phyre were so in love and a lack of honesty and miscommunication tore them apart but fate had other plans and brought them back together answering Phyre’s prayers. Their reunion wasn’t without some drama and issues from outside forces but they were able to actually sit down and communicate this time and resolve things. I was happy to see them work things out and get their happily ever after.
January 3, 2026
Worth a read
This is a fluid read that sets a strong tone. I appreciate the portrayal of the main female character, who embodies strength and authenticity, staying true to her needs even in the face of relationship challenges. The male lead is equally admirable, willing to embrace love wholeheartedly despite outside judgments. While I wish there was more time to engage with the characters as individuals, the story’s essence and themes resonated.
This is a fluid read that sets a strong tone. I appreciate the portrayal of the main female character, who embodies strength and authenticity, staying true to her needs even in the face of relationship challenges. The male lead is equally admirable, willing to embrace love wholeheartedly despite outside judgments. While I wish there was more time to engage with the characters as individuals, the story’s essence and themes resonated.
November 30, 2025
2nd Time Around
This was a good quick pallet cleanser. It was also a cute second chance love story and I’m glad that both the FMC and the MMC were able to pull it together. Their story teaches you that communication is essential, but listening is even more essential and putting your feelings to the side to address the issue can save years worth of heartache.
This was a good quick pallet cleanser. It was also a cute second chance love story and I’m glad that both the FMC and the MMC were able to pull it together. Their story teaches you that communication is essential, but listening is even more essential and putting your feelings to the side to address the issue can save years worth of heartache.
December 5, 2025
Book was 🔥🔥🔥(pun intended)
Phyre messed up and fought a good fight! He said he gon get his woman by any means necessary! The fact that the love was there after so long was the sweetest. Loved Phoenix and Devyn and Ginae’s family as the voice of reason. The therapy, the healing, the growth! Loved every minute. Was captivated from start to finish!!!
Phyre messed up and fought a good fight! He said he gon get his woman by any means necessary! The fact that the love was there after so long was the sweetest. Loved Phoenix and Devyn and Ginae’s family as the voice of reason. The therapy, the healing, the growth! Loved every minute. Was captivated from start to finish!!!
December 8, 2025
loved it!
I enjoyed this story. These two had a few moments where a conversation would’ve went a long way but everything worked out when it should have. The problem that I have with Kay’s books is that I want a story for every side character that I think might be interesting. 🤣🤣 That’s a me problem though!
I enjoyed this story. These two had a few moments where a conversation would’ve went a long way but everything worked out when it should have. The problem that I have with Kay’s books is that I want a story for every side character that I think might be interesting. 🤣🤣 That’s a me problem though!
January 23, 2026
lovely story
This was such a great read. Loved every second of the second chance romance and it highlights how important communication is in a relationship. If they had both taken the time to let cooler heads prevail, their story would have been much easier. Loved this book, per usual Ms Kay never disappoints. Always will remain a fan.
This was such a great read. Loved every second of the second chance romance and it highlights how important communication is in a relationship. If they had both taken the time to let cooler heads prevail, their story would have been much easier. Loved this book, per usual Ms Kay never disappoints. Always will remain a fan.
November 20, 2025
Phyre!!
Lordt they was sexy but they had more drama than a lil bit!! But they did have a Fire that burned that was just on smolder and just needed a lil breathe to burn again but this time in a good way.
Lordt they was sexy but they had more drama than a lil bit!! But they did have a Fire that burned that was just on smolder and just needed a lil breathe to burn again but this time in a good way.
November 21, 2025
I love the story for Phyre and Ginane.
They went through so much because of a lack of communication.
God was put in the middle of everything. Phyre had faith to get his true love.
There were so many lies, lack of communication, and arranged marriage
They went through so much because of a lack of communication.
God was put in the middle of everything. Phyre had faith to get his true love.
There were so many lies, lack of communication, and arranged marriage
November 22, 2025
Can We Talk
And what did we learn class? Communication is key! I loved Phyre and Ginae’s story..I literally had tears in some parts, that emotion hit. Sometimes those from the past won’t stay away.
And what did we learn class? Communication is key! I loved Phyre and Ginae’s story..I literally had tears in some parts, that emotion hit. Sometimes those from the past won’t stay away.
December 7, 2025
Communication is key! So much of Phyre and Ginaes pain could’ve been avoided if that one phrase was remembered. The two had a tough journey but Phyres prayers ensured they found their paths crossing again when the time was right. Whew. What a story!
December 13, 2025
The outer that burns
This couple was apart for 13 years and still loved each other like they never parted. I give Phyre his trust in God would sent his love back to. That's a love that can stand for any thing. Strong, hard , and can endure anything.
This couple was apart for 13 years and still loved each other like they never parted. I give Phyre his trust in God would sent his love back to. That's a love that can stand for any thing. Strong, hard , and can endure anything.
December 20, 2025
Pretty decent
It was a nice read with some miscommunication issues between the main characters. That had to be some real love for them to have interest in no one else really in the 13 years they weren't together.
It was a nice read with some miscommunication issues between the main characters. That had to be some real love for them to have interest in no one else really in the 13 years they weren't together.
February 2, 2026
This book was recommended to me bc I wanted to read more Medical Romances by Black authors. Kay Shanee did the dang thing with this one! There was a hint of marriage of convenience and the kind of dramatic mess I crave. Well done!
November 20, 2025
OMG
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was hooked from the very beginning. A good quick read with a good storyline.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was hooked from the very beginning. A good quick read with a good storyline.
December 16, 2025
not bad
Just wish it was longer. Kavia deserved an ass whooping plus more for all that she did. I felt like she got off easy
Just wish it was longer. Kavia deserved an ass whooping plus more for all that she did. I felt like she got off easy
December 21, 2025
really cute second chance love story.
January 1, 2026
Love Love Love!!
This Love Story Was So Beautiful!! Every Twist and Turn had Me in the edge of my seat. 1000/1000 I truly recommend this to anyone who Loves LOVE.
This Love Story Was So Beautiful!! Every Twist and Turn had Me in the edge of my seat. 1000/1000 I truly recommend this to anyone who Loves LOVE.
January 4, 2026
loved it
Great second chance story. Communication is so important in a relationship. I loved the.chemistry between the two. I really feel like women like Kavia are real.
Great second chance story. Communication is so important in a relationship. I loved the.chemistry between the two. I really feel like women like Kavia are real.
January 15, 2026
Chandra's Review
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read! 🤗🤗👏🏾👏🏾
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read! 🤗🤗👏🏾👏🏾
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews