The Fire Within

by Jessica Cage

***Previously Published in the Beauties & Beasts Anthology, over 20K new words added!***

From the ashes, a Phoenix is born but not every bird earns their wings.

Nuria is anxious to leave her realm and explore the other worlds but because there is a high price on the wings of the phoenix, it was made so that each one would have to earn the right. The female bird of fire has a special allure over men which had proven to be both a great asset and a liability. For this reason, it must be proven that she is master of her own sexuality and will not fall prey to the will of another. Though Nuria is top of her class in every other subject matter, when it comes to physical relations she is far behind.

Carrick, the alluring roamer who has just returned home, has been named her tutor. Under his instruction, Nuria will explore her sexuality. Little does she know, the mystery man has more to show her than simply how to make a man bend to her will. He will push her to her limits and even further in order to unlock the fire within.

150 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 2015

About the author

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, writing has always been a passion for Jessica Cage. She dabbles in artistic creations of all sorts but at the end of the day, it's the pen that her hand itches to hold. Jessica had never considered following her dream to be a writer because she was told far too often "There is no money in writing." So she chose the path most often traveled. During pregnancy she asked herself an important question. How would she be able to inspire her unborn son to follow his dreams and reach for the stars, if she never had the guts to do it herself? Jessica decided to take a risk and unleash the plethora of characters and their crazy adventurous worlds that had previously existed only in her mind, into the realm of readers. She did this with hopes to inspire not only her son but herself. Inviting the world to tag along on her journey to become the writer she has always wanted to be. She hopes to continue writing and bringing her signature Caged Fantasies to readers everywhere.

Reviews

[Alysses · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really had high hopes for this one. First impression was that this was beautifully written in the way that all the words came together and the mental pictures those words conjured. This was the first half of the book.
The first half of the book centered on Nuria and the tests she had to take to finally become a full fledged Phoenix. She would always be a Phoenix but her final test would allow her to get her wings. She had a love interest but I felt uneasy with him. I wasn't always sure about the authenticity of any connection that could be there. The second half of the book, Nuria had received her wings and booked it out of her realm and into the human one. She landed in Illinois and most of the second half was spent in Chicago. I know it was a book but I live in Chicago and this didn't feel like Chicago. Farmers Market in the middle of Downtown? Where? This is minor. My biggest pete peeve was how disjointed I felt the second half of the book was. It felt like too much was going on and things jumped around and I didn't get the same flow at all from the first half of the book. It felt as if things happened just to happen and just to have action scenes in it. I welcome action but it was the flow. Just like the first half of the book, I didn't trust the second love interest the entire time either.

I will definitely pick up more books from the author because I liked her style initially. It was there the second half of the book but just disjointed/rushed a bit. So, yes, I want to give it a go again and see if the other books are a bit more fleshed out.

[Angela Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The first time I read I feel in love with the characters, The second time I read it I feel in love all over again. There is something special about a book that makes you wonder about each character's back story as you read. The combining of a friendship/relationship between a Phoenix and a Dragon kept my attention. From the start you see Nuria as a Phoenix who opposes the rite of passage for the female to gain her wings. She's a rebel, but curbs that rebellious streak long enough to get in touch with who she is. Carrick is the awe inspiring trainer who has his own secrets that he's dealing with as he trains Nuria. Melody is that happy go lucky best friend who gets Nuria to not be so serious. Quinn is a dragon who drips sex appeal and power. This book has romance, action, laughter, betrayal and some plot twists you may not see coming. An excellent read

[Angel Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have gotten 4**** except for the formatting. Seriously, why wasn't this properly formatted for reading? Says it had an editor...editor should have made sure book was formatted properly. While I enjoyed the story, it was difficult to get into with the weird sentence breaks, word breaks, and more. I'll likely not attempt to read anything by this author again.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adult read!

I discovered this author on Tik Tok of all places and I was not disappointed. I absolutely loved this book and all the characters. I was looking forward to the dynamics of Nuria , Quinn and Carrick. Imagine my disappointment of finding out in 5 years there is no sequel!

[BookPlugMonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This,was a really good read. I just wished it was a little longer. I never wanted it to end. I will bd reading more,from this author.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Phoenix and a dragon together, what a combination. Nuria is an amazing character as well as the others. This story makes you lost in another world for a short time. I couldn’t get enough.

[Shana Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica continues to deliver, another strong female character that learns to handle her own being. Jessica does amazing at pulling you in the the different realms and making it all just believable!

[Jessica McSwain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Cage is new to me but in this book I have got my eyes opened at how amazing her writing skills are. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review and I recommend this book to be read. It takes you on the journey of Nuria finding and exploring being a Phoenix and what perks come with it... Nuria has to practice to release her wings to become a full Phoenix. Carrack is more than willing to help her but he is sexually attracted to her and will also help explore the awakening of her desires. He also shows her the other realms and will wait for her to return to him.. In her new exploration she meets Quinn a dragon who also helps her but like Darrick wants her? What is she to do? Will she return to carrick? Will she find her inner Phoenix.. Amazing read.. Only problem is I wanted to continue lol. I guess that's a good thing.

[Dina Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an intriguing, fun, and sexy read. I am new to Jessica Cages books but for this one being my first, I was pleasantly suprised and thoroughly enjoyed it. It starts with a stunning phoenix named Nuria and in order to get her wings to leave her realm she must pass a final special test. Now her instructor Carrick is a hunky hot alpha male phoenix who shows her there is a whole lot more to herself then she ever realized. Add to that some dragon loving and dangerous action and she got one hell of a experience on her hands...I just wish I could have heard more of what happens afterwards with Quinn and Nuria....This book has been provided by the author with no expectations for a review and that in no way influences my decision to write my review.

[Samaris Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nuria is on the final phase of her training which will determine if she gets her wings as a Phoenix or not. Without her wings she will remain locked in her world never to venture the other realms. While she wants her wings more than anything the final phase which includes a sexual nature seems archaic and barbaric to her even though her teacher is the most desired of all men. Carrick is drawn to Nuria because of her strength, determination and purity. While he strives to teach her the ways of sex things heat up in more ways than one. This book will leave you on fire and hoping you have the strength to rise from the smoldering ashes of sensuality in the pages!

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nuria is preparing to become a fully functioning Phoenix by releasing her fire within to release her wings. Carrick her tutor, has to teach her how to awaken her sexual desires so the fire will help bring her wings out. Carrick has already experienced the other realms and what they have to offer, he wants Nuria to have the chance to and he is willing to wait for her. Good thing since Quinn the dragon is enamored of Nuria. Bad things happen, but Quinn helps Nuria out. Good story, good characters, good set times. Enjoy! I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Zeinab Dh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this in exchange for an honest review, I am not that familiar with this author but I enjoyed reading this book a lot it was amazing full of many things that kept me captivated and addicted to it a lot the main characters were charming interesting well developed and much more than that I liked the action the sparks that are everywhere the story line and plot were well written and the flow of events was amazing I recommend this to everyone

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is H O T HOT!