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Touched by a Phoenix
TOUCHED BY A PHOENIX by Sophia Byron is the 2015 GOLD MEDAL WINNER in the Readers' Favorite Awards International Book Awards - Romance Sizzle Category
Playboy Brad Scott spent years avoiding love, his heart and mind dedicated to only one thing—global security. That is, until he meets the elusive Alexandria Saunders, daughter of one of the wealthiest men in military technology and the fiercest corporate attorney in the mixing bowl. Alexis tears Brad’s world apart the moment they meet and with a single touch, becomes the breath against his fire…his obsession.
With Alexis at his side, he has realized the greatest breakthrough of the century in military technology. Now, the world wants what he knows and will stop at nothing to hunt him down.
SHOCKINGLY DANGEROUS: Touched by a Phoenix is a sizzling romantic suspense containing explicit sexual content, which is intended for Mature Audiences only.
Warning!!! TOUCHED BY A PHOENIX is 'NOT' for everyone. One click ONLY if you like:
~Sexy ALPHA males and STRONG females
~STEAMY...HOT sex and soul-satisfying chemistry
~SUSPENSE, action, and a little bit of sci-fi
Is that you? If so, grab your copy of the this 5 STAR, AWARD WINNING romance thriller, TOUCHED BY A PHOENIX today.
Playboy Brad Scott spent years avoiding love, his heart and mind dedicated to only one thing—global security. That is, until he meets the elusive Alexandria Saunders, daughter of one of the wealthiest men in military technology and the fiercest corporate attorney in the mixing bowl. Alexis tears Brad’s world apart the moment they meet and with a single touch, becomes the breath against his fire…his obsession.
With Alexis at his side, he has realized the greatest breakthrough of the century in military technology. Now, the world wants what he knows and will stop at nothing to hunt him down.
SHOCKINGLY DANGEROUS: Touched by a Phoenix is a sizzling romantic suspense containing explicit sexual content, which is intended for Mature Audiences only.
Warning!!! TOUCHED BY A PHOENIX is 'NOT' for everyone. One click ONLY if you like:
~Sexy ALPHA males and STRONG females
~STEAMY...HOT sex and soul-satisfying chemistry
~SUSPENSE, action, and a little bit of sci-fi
Is that you? If so, grab your copy of the this 5 STAR, AWARD WINNING romance thriller, TOUCHED BY A PHOENIX today.
- GenresRomance
606 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2014
4 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Byron
1 book44 followersSophia Byron is a Virginia native and wife to a retired U.S. Air Force Veteran. She and her husband have three adult children. Sophia divides her time equally between family, day job, and writing. During her free time, you will find her playing with her grandson, reading, or baking some sweet treat. Sophia set her first half-finished romance novel to the side over two decades ago to raise a family. While the novel remains unfinished, it maintains a special place on the bookshelf as a reminder that all dreams simply await the birth of reality.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 18, 2015
Determining the genre for Touched By a Phoenix is a challenge because it is a successful mix of several. Romance, yes, but so much more. There is a lot of techie talk that, in places, reads like science fiction; there is mystery and suspense; and last but not least, there are some very explicit sexual encounters. I love to read about strong women and our protagonist Alexis kicks butt! There’s just no other way to put it – strong, independent, willful and will stop at nothing to protect her man. This is a fast-paced book that will capture the imagination at what man can create and the consequences of those creations. It is not a book for the faint of heart; and if you can’t take raw emotion, and almost-primal sexual encounters, it may not be for you. However, if you like your books to be gritty, graphic and starkly realistic, Touched By a Phoenix is a must read. This is Byron’s first novel and it’s a good one. I can’t wait to see what the future Byron and her readers.
~ Linda Thompson, Host of www.TheAuthorsShow.com
~ Linda Thompson, Host of www.TheAuthorsShow.com
July 13, 2015
Sophia Bryon seamlessly blends passion with danger in her debut novel, Touched by a Phoenix. I don’t read many romance novels so it takes a unique story to get me past the first chapter, and the fact that I read this entire novel in a day speaks volumes as to the strength of the author’s writing and complexities of the plot. This reads like a spy novel with a twist of romance! The only disappointment is this is a stand only novel, and we won’t get to read about Alexis and Brad again.
Can’t wait to read Sophia Bryon’s next novel, and I hope she continues to follow the same military intelligence genre.
Can’t wait to read Sophia Bryon’s next novel, and I hope she continues to follow the same military intelligence genre.
December 1, 2015
I received this book through the goodreads giveaways. As the cover insinuates, there is plenty of sex and passion in this book. For me, it was a little much and I was longing for more of a story in some parts. I understand the author was trying to convey the passion between the two and the type of relationship they have (which she did), but this book was almost 600 pages. For me some of it was unnecessary. That is the only reason this is not a 5 star book for me. The story moves quickly in the beginning and the end flies by in a good way, not necessarily the number of pages, but the story drew me in. Let's get a few pages in before bedtime turned into "It's what time?!"
July 31, 2015
Based on the cover I expected hot and it was HOT! Based on the description I expected an elaborate and entangled love affair…and I got exactly that! I’m not sure how to describe it other than to say it’s a very unique novel. It crosses a lot of different genre’s and has something for everyone. It has a beautiful and at times a heart wrenching love story (that Romeo & Juliet kind of love story), a bit of a 007 feel but then it has that Avengers kick-butt and take names later attitude, a little bit of sci-fi, mystery and intrigue, and a whole lot of suspense. Add to it, some really hot sex and I’m not exactly sure what you get other than the most dramatically intense novel I think I have ever read. It has taken the top spot as my #1 favorite book of all times!!!
The beginning lays the foundation for the sweetest love story you would ever want to read so you get lulled into this false expectation of the perfect little love story with Alexis being emotionally damaged and Brad being emotionally crippled…two broken souls seeking the other half of themselves but when they find it, boy does the passion kick in! Alexis has a secret in her past that fuels her own insecurities about herself, love, and relationships. She had buried it deep and shared it with no one…that is until her love for Brad outweighed her fear. That part was difficult to read (mostly because it happens every day and no one can seem to stop or change it), but Ms. Byron handled the situation in the most delicate and tasteful manner. I give her a lot of credit and respect for that. Brad…well my heart broke for him when he found out and didn’t know how to handle the secret at first and how it changed his perspective! In that moment, he became the man he was meant to be. The love and respect he showed afterwards had me grabbing the tissues. By that point, I was a goner…completely in love with both Brad and Alexis and totally invested in their lives!
The closer Brad & Alexis became, the more intense the threats became. I’d read a chapter and take a short break trying to figure out who was behind the espionage/sabotage then be right back at it for the next chapter and as soon as I thought I had it figured out…something else would happen! A word to the wise, if you don’t put it down after chapter 4, then don’t plan on getting any sleep that night! At one point, I was actually holding my breath thinking that John would die before he and Brad could save Alexis. Thank goodness for coffee and chocolate the next day!!!
The details are absolutely fantastic. It reads so much like a movie that you can visualize it in your head. OMG, maybe they will make a movie out of it and Rescue One will really come to life…I would so love to see that!!! She is the sci-fi bit and incredibly awesome! It’s the first novel I’ve read in a long while that contained that omniscient/dual POV. I had forgotten just how much I enjoyed knowing everything everyone was feeling and/or thinking.
I normally wait to read a book if I know there is more to come, mostly because when I really like the story, I need the full fix. Waiting until next summer to find out who the mastermind is will be torture. If I had to pick a downfall, that would it because everything else was fantastic! I will say that Ms. Bryon did a phenomenal job and ended it really well so it could serve as a standalone. I just don’t know who is behind the treachery and that will drive me nuts. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. Loved it so much that I ordered the paperback too but that will be put away and never touched (no pun intended).
The beginning lays the foundation for the sweetest love story you would ever want to read so you get lulled into this false expectation of the perfect little love story with Alexis being emotionally damaged and Brad being emotionally crippled…two broken souls seeking the other half of themselves but when they find it, boy does the passion kick in! Alexis has a secret in her past that fuels her own insecurities about herself, love, and relationships. She had buried it deep and shared it with no one…that is until her love for Brad outweighed her fear. That part was difficult to read (mostly because it happens every day and no one can seem to stop or change it), but Ms. Byron handled the situation in the most delicate and tasteful manner. I give her a lot of credit and respect for that. Brad…well my heart broke for him when he found out and didn’t know how to handle the secret at first and how it changed his perspective! In that moment, he became the man he was meant to be. The love and respect he showed afterwards had me grabbing the tissues. By that point, I was a goner…completely in love with both Brad and Alexis and totally invested in their lives!
The closer Brad & Alexis became, the more intense the threats became. I’d read a chapter and take a short break trying to figure out who was behind the espionage/sabotage then be right back at it for the next chapter and as soon as I thought I had it figured out…something else would happen! A word to the wise, if you don’t put it down after chapter 4, then don’t plan on getting any sleep that night! At one point, I was actually holding my breath thinking that John would die before he and Brad could save Alexis. Thank goodness for coffee and chocolate the next day!!!
The details are absolutely fantastic. It reads so much like a movie that you can visualize it in your head. OMG, maybe they will make a movie out of it and Rescue One will really come to life…I would so love to see that!!! She is the sci-fi bit and incredibly awesome! It’s the first novel I’ve read in a long while that contained that omniscient/dual POV. I had forgotten just how much I enjoyed knowing everything everyone was feeling and/or thinking.
I normally wait to read a book if I know there is more to come, mostly because when I really like the story, I need the full fix. Waiting until next summer to find out who the mastermind is will be torture. If I had to pick a downfall, that would it because everything else was fantastic! I will say that Ms. Bryon did a phenomenal job and ended it really well so it could serve as a standalone. I just don’t know who is behind the treachery and that will drive me nuts. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. Loved it so much that I ordered the paperback too but that will be put away and never touched (no pun intended).
October 30, 2015
When I started this book, I really did not know what to expect besides I loved this cover. Author Sophia Byroi did a fantastic job at matching this cover to how she describes her heroine in this story. I always love when the covers and the stories are in sync with one another.
The first half of this book is full of description, emotion, and not a lot of action. For me it took this story a long time to start moving and I am all about some description in a story. We know how Brad and Alexandria feel about one another but and how much they love each other but to me that was it. I personally would have liked to see something conspire earlier in the story. It was hard for me to stay engaged.
All the banter between Alexandria and her inner voice Demi was a bit confusing at times. She had so many dialogs with her that I felt she was a character and not Alexandria’s inner dialog.
Once things started to fall into place this story really started to move. I loved it when the mystery part of the story kicked in around 50% in. We see just how far Alexandria and Brad would go to protect the other. Their love for one another was strong once they finally made that commitment to each other.
The ending of this book there is tons of action and a few great twists happening that really kept me flipping the pages.
Now let's talk about that fiery redheaded Alexandria Saunders. This girl demanded attention and power and really did not know how to live outside of the walls she had built up around her. I loved seeing Brad push Alexandria to new heights and encourage her to go past what she normally would. Brad taught her so much about herself she never really knew.
From the moment Alexandria described Mr. Brad Scott, I was smitten with him. I loved how just his looks rattled this girl to the core. And man does he sound smoldering. I’ll take one of him. Mr. tall dark and handsome!
Brad Scott is a genus in every sense of the word and it bothers Alexandria that this man may be taking advantage of her father. The best parts for me at the beginning was reading how he was nothing how she thought he would be. And this man knew just how to woo any woman. Poor Axis really never stood a chance against Brad's charm.
“You are the strongest person I know, Alexandria. When you are lost, I will always find you and bring you home.”
The first half of this book is full of description, emotion, and not a lot of action. For me it took this story a long time to start moving and I am all about some description in a story. We know how Brad and Alexandria feel about one another but and how much they love each other but to me that was it. I personally would have liked to see something conspire earlier in the story. It was hard for me to stay engaged.
All the banter between Alexandria and her inner voice Demi was a bit confusing at times. She had so many dialogs with her that I felt she was a character and not Alexandria’s inner dialog.
Once things started to fall into place this story really started to move. I loved it when the mystery part of the story kicked in around 50% in. We see just how far Alexandria and Brad would go to protect the other. Their love for one another was strong once they finally made that commitment to each other.
The ending of this book there is tons of action and a few great twists happening that really kept me flipping the pages.
Now let's talk about that fiery redheaded Alexandria Saunders. This girl demanded attention and power and really did not know how to live outside of the walls she had built up around her. I loved seeing Brad push Alexandria to new heights and encourage her to go past what she normally would. Brad taught her so much about herself she never really knew.
From the moment Alexandria described Mr. Brad Scott, I was smitten with him. I loved how just his looks rattled this girl to the core. And man does he sound smoldering. I’ll take one of him. Mr. tall dark and handsome!
Brad Scott is a genus in every sense of the word and it bothers Alexandria that this man may be taking advantage of her father. The best parts for me at the beginning was reading how he was nothing how she thought he would be. And this man knew just how to woo any woman. Poor Axis really never stood a chance against Brad's charm.
“You are the strongest person I know, Alexandria. When you are lost, I will always find you and bring you home.”
April 30, 2015
From a man's perspective…WOW!
Kudos to Sophia Byron for writing a full novel and not a series. It's too good to give away the details -- no spoiler alerts here! The cover caught my eye but since I am prior military and work with aircraft, the synopsis was the main selling point.
As a guy, I thought there were a couple of slower parts in the beginning of the book, but once the elevator crashed and the action kicked into high gear, the remainder of the book was fantastic. Yes, it does have a very sweet and touching love story, but it also has some very sensual sex, and the action left you sitting on the edge of your seat.
It's so much more than just your typical romance novel. I really liked the fact that the drama didn't consist of somebody's crazy ‘EX’ but instead, it consisted of outsiders wanting to steal something that didn't belong to them and use it for nefarious purposes leading to a plot of sabotage and betrayal, which made for the perfect story.
A salute to Ms. Byron for including the military in her dedication and the use of military technology in her book. While certain aspects might seem a little farfetched to some, it's closer to reality than most people might think. Based on the action, inclusion of the military, and the and the technology of Rescue One. Definitely worth reading a second time.
Kudos to Sophia Byron for writing a full novel and not a series. It's too good to give away the details -- no spoiler alerts here! The cover caught my eye but since I am prior military and work with aircraft, the synopsis was the main selling point.
As a guy, I thought there were a couple of slower parts in the beginning of the book, but once the elevator crashed and the action kicked into high gear, the remainder of the book was fantastic. Yes, it does have a very sweet and touching love story, but it also has some very sensual sex, and the action left you sitting on the edge of your seat.
It's so much more than just your typical romance novel. I really liked the fact that the drama didn't consist of somebody's crazy ‘EX’ but instead, it consisted of outsiders wanting to steal something that didn't belong to them and use it for nefarious purposes leading to a plot of sabotage and betrayal, which made for the perfect story.
A salute to Ms. Byron for including the military in her dedication and the use of military technology in her book. While certain aspects might seem a little farfetched to some, it's closer to reality than most people might think. Based on the action, inclusion of the military, and the and the technology of Rescue One. Definitely worth reading a second time.
September 6, 2015
Unlike anything I've ever read!
Wow just wow! This book was nothing like I thought it would be. It was amazing! It will keep you guessing constantly. It's highly detailed and you swear you can see everything in living color. You will feel a little confused at times but push through it because it's totally worth it! I was absolutely stunned how it all played out. It's unlike anything I've ever read. It's like a mixture of several genres of romance. I cried several times laughed a lot and had several moments where I held my breath! It was fascinating! And when you get to the end it all starts coming together in your mind and will all make sense! It leaves off making you wonder but the good news is it looks like there will b e a book 2!! I can't wait to see what they do! I got so excited at the end!! A MUST read because this is like a whole new genre! Completely different then the norm! This author is brilliant!
Wow just wow! This book was nothing like I thought it would be. It was amazing! It will keep you guessing constantly. It's highly detailed and you swear you can see everything in living color. You will feel a little confused at times but push through it because it's totally worth it! I was absolutely stunned how it all played out. It's unlike anything I've ever read. It's like a mixture of several genres of romance. I cried several times laughed a lot and had several moments where I held my breath! It was fascinating! And when you get to the end it all starts coming together in your mind and will all make sense! It leaves off making you wonder but the good news is it looks like there will b e a book 2!! I can't wait to see what they do! I got so excited at the end!! A MUST read because this is like a whole new genre! Completely different then the norm! This author is brilliant!
July 14, 2015
I can’t believe this is Sophia Byron’s debut novel! She writes like a pro! The characters where wonderfully executed with many layers when you look closer. An action packed story with steamy romantic scenes and great spy gear I was totally hooked. Not everything is as it seems at first glance and as more is revealed you’re pulled further and further into the world until you never want to leave. The characters seem so put together at first and then the armour is chipped away and they’re just the same as you and I only more interesting to read about. I wish there were going to be a series on these two they were wonderful.
January 24, 2016
A new to me author and one I'll be looking out for in the future.
I was completely engrossed in this book! Not a dull moment to be had!
Awesome plot and wonderfully detailed. I couldn't wait to turn the page and find out what was coming next..
I fell in love with the characters and the depth of their love...
Looking forward to reading more from this author..
I'd definitely recommend this book to my reader friends...
Expect the unexpected..
I was completely engrossed in this book! Not a dull moment to be had!
Awesome plot and wonderfully detailed. I couldn't wait to turn the page and find out what was coming next..
I fell in love with the characters and the depth of their love...
Looking forward to reading more from this author..
I'd definitely recommend this book to my reader friends...
Expect the unexpected..
January 3, 2017
Let me just start by saying that this book took me by surprise, the twists and turns (there is some technical talk in the book which may be hard to understand, but that is not the main part of the story), if you are able to read around that then Alexis and Brad's story will wow your socks off.
This book has it all, really hot love scenes thrown in amongst all of the nail biting suspense, Brad and Alexis together (once she lets down all the walls that she has erected to protect her heart) have sparks flying in all directions and their love story makes this book worth the read.
This book has it all, really hot love scenes thrown in amongst all of the nail biting suspense, Brad and Alexis together (once she lets down all the walls that she has erected to protect her heart) have sparks flying in all directions and their love story makes this book worth the read.
March 2, 2017
"She had unleashed the Phoenix-pure, primal, and raw."
***I volunteered to write this review as part of a book reviewing group.***
*****5 powerfully moving STARS*****
This is the first I've read of Sophia Byron. The writing is eloquent. The story is emotional, heartfelt, and gripping! The characters; Alexis and Brad share a chemistry and connection that by far, surpasses any love story I've ever read. There's romance, raw desire, unconditional love, and extreme danger. I'm intrigued to see where their story goes in part two. All in all, a 5 STARS, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ!
***I volunteered to write this review as part of a book reviewing group.***
*****5 powerfully moving STARS*****
This is the first I've read of Sophia Byron. The writing is eloquent. The story is emotional, heartfelt, and gripping! The characters; Alexis and Brad share a chemistry and connection that by far, surpasses any love story I've ever read. There's romance, raw desire, unconditional love, and extreme danger. I'm intrigued to see where their story goes in part two. All in all, a 5 STARS, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ!
November 27, 2016
Wow! this is a book you can really get stuck into, its long and has a massive amount of content. Twists, turns and conspiracy and betrayal. Lots of contenders for the spy trying to kill both Brad and Alexandria for the information and prototypes that have been made.
Both Brad and Alexis are strong minded, extremely intelligent and in control. But both also have a deep insecurity due to things from their pasts, for him its never having the love or support from his parents. He and his sister have been raised by a Nanny, she is more their mother than a staff member so much so that Brad has taken her with him into adulthood making sure she is ok.
For Alexandria it is grief of losing both her parents when young in accident of which she was the only survivor, fighting back to health from crippling injuries with the help of her parents best friends. They took over raising her as their own and doing everything they could to make up for her loss. However another trauma has played a massive part in who she has become, cutting herself off completely from men or a relationship. She lives with nightmares and doesn't sleep well.
Brad has been taken on in the family business and their meeting is like fireworks going off. The romance of this story is beyond intense, you can almost feel the heat just from reading. The bond this couple build is something most can only dream of getting just a smudging of, it is all consuming and they can only survive if they are together. It is beautiful and extreme, but something I can completely understand love in all its rawness. The only issue I had with this story was the wording used to describe her vagina, though I did understand that it was probably being compared to the Garden of Eden. I personally don't like a women's parts described as a garden and petals, I find it a bit off-putting. Though if it has to be then this author did a fairly good job of convincing me. Other than that this is a fantastic deeply inspirational and informative read, all the coding and building of the Drones and their components went way over my head. The mystery of who is behind the threat and the damage to the lift, even though we find out a part of this before the end we are still left guessing. Do not expect to read and get all the answers in this one book it continues into the next but I feel it is worth reading anyway. I felt I would have liked to score higher than five because it is so beautifully written and has so much going on, it isn't just the romance and the mystery it is all of the content in between the two and all the details. OUTSTANDING BOOK.
Both Brad and Alexis are strong minded, extremely intelligent and in control. But both also have a deep insecurity due to things from their pasts, for him its never having the love or support from his parents. He and his sister have been raised by a Nanny, she is more their mother than a staff member so much so that Brad has taken her with him into adulthood making sure she is ok.
For Alexandria it is grief of losing both her parents when young in accident of which she was the only survivor, fighting back to health from crippling injuries with the help of her parents best friends. They took over raising her as their own and doing everything they could to make up for her loss. However another trauma has played a massive part in who she has become, cutting herself off completely from men or a relationship. She lives with nightmares and doesn't sleep well.
Brad has been taken on in the family business and their meeting is like fireworks going off. The romance of this story is beyond intense, you can almost feel the heat just from reading. The bond this couple build is something most can only dream of getting just a smudging of, it is all consuming and they can only survive if they are together. It is beautiful and extreme, but something I can completely understand love in all its rawness. The only issue I had with this story was the wording used to describe her vagina, though I did understand that it was probably being compared to the Garden of Eden. I personally don't like a women's parts described as a garden and petals, I find it a bit off-putting. Though if it has to be then this author did a fairly good job of convincing me. Other than that this is a fantastic deeply inspirational and informative read, all the coding and building of the Drones and their components went way over my head. The mystery of who is behind the threat and the damage to the lift, even though we find out a part of this before the end we are still left guessing. Do not expect to read and get all the answers in this one book it continues into the next but I feel it is worth reading anyway. I felt I would have liked to score higher than five because it is so beautifully written and has so much going on, it isn't just the romance and the mystery it is all of the content in between the two and all the details. OUTSTANDING BOOK.
August 2, 2015
Touched by a Phoenix by Sophia Byron fits into many different genres: women’s fiction, action, suspense, romance, and yes, erotica. Byron’s first novel brings a new style to modern fiction by weaving a substantial plot with strong, believable characters and exceptional word choice. The combination of genres adds another layer of interest to an expertly written novel. I was surprised to learn that this is Byron’s first novel.
Alexis Saunders is a motivated, energetic, take control senior corporate attorney in her male-dominated family’s company. Even the company’s military security drone development seems hyped on testosterone. Much to Alexis’s chagrin, Alexis’s father hires handsome genius Brad Scott to enhance the drone’s communication system. Brad and Alexis are caught off guard by the sexual tension that grows between them and soon develops into love. Traumatic events from Alexis’s past threaten to disrupt her love with Brad. The real danger from enemies is trying to steal Brad’s secrets also threaten their relationship.
The storyline is solid with an excellent exposition and subtle clues during the rising action. Byron does an excellent job of combining erotic romance with high-speed thrills to create an action novel that will satisfy fans of both genres. The characters are well-rounded, which is unusual in most erotic stories. Byron easily creates likeable and believable characters who carry the storyline forward. The action and climax hit the reader unexpectedly.
What did I like about it? I love, love, love the strong female protagonist. Alexis is no weak-kneed girl just waiting for the sexy man to sweep her off her feet. She’s a take-charge attorney who knows what she wants and doesn’t want in a relationship. Brad is not your typical sexy action hero. He’s got depth and a sense of sensitivity that female readers will appreciate. I love that the author has created an interesting storyline that took me into an exciting world of espionage and military secrets. Action novels are not something that I typically read, but the combination of the romance and action kept me interested. I love that the steamy love scenes are handled in a way of mutual respect for the characters. The erotica is graphic enough to add another level of thrill.
My verdict: Byron’s Touch by a Phoenix is a five-star book that needs to be read by fans of erotica and action thrillers alike. It is a lengthy novel; it took me a little over five hours to read, but well worth the “me” time.
Alexis Saunders is a motivated, energetic, take control senior corporate attorney in her male-dominated family’s company. Even the company’s military security drone development seems hyped on testosterone. Much to Alexis’s chagrin, Alexis’s father hires handsome genius Brad Scott to enhance the drone’s communication system. Brad and Alexis are caught off guard by the sexual tension that grows between them and soon develops into love. Traumatic events from Alexis’s past threaten to disrupt her love with Brad. The real danger from enemies is trying to steal Brad’s secrets also threaten their relationship.
The storyline is solid with an excellent exposition and subtle clues during the rising action. Byron does an excellent job of combining erotic romance with high-speed thrills to create an action novel that will satisfy fans of both genres. The characters are well-rounded, which is unusual in most erotic stories. Byron easily creates likeable and believable characters who carry the storyline forward. The action and climax hit the reader unexpectedly.
What did I like about it? I love, love, love the strong female protagonist. Alexis is no weak-kneed girl just waiting for the sexy man to sweep her off her feet. She’s a take-charge attorney who knows what she wants and doesn’t want in a relationship. Brad is not your typical sexy action hero. He’s got depth and a sense of sensitivity that female readers will appreciate. I love that the author has created an interesting storyline that took me into an exciting world of espionage and military secrets. Action novels are not something that I typically read, but the combination of the romance and action kept me interested. I love that the steamy love scenes are handled in a way of mutual respect for the characters. The erotica is graphic enough to add another level of thrill.
My verdict: Byron’s Touch by a Phoenix is a five-star book that needs to be read by fans of erotica and action thrillers alike. It is a lengthy novel; it took me a little over five hours to read, but well worth the “me” time.
March 15, 2016
I received a print copy of Touched By A Phoenix, by Sophia Byron for review.
This book is identified on the back cover as an erotic romance. Had that been the only identification given when I was offered the book, I'd have declined. Fortunately, this book is much, much, more. It is also a very good action/adventure story. It also has aspects of fantasy, and even spirituality.
There is a section about 100 pages long that was literally impossible to put down, the action was that good. The entire book is very close to 600 pages long so it's not a quick read per se. The erotic passages definitely live up to that moniker, they are scorching! Again, erotica is not my first choice in genres, and there is a lot of it here. Not so much as to put me off the book. In fact I found it very interesting to note the differences in sexual passages written by a female author versus others I have read by male authors. The sex in Touched By A Phoenix is presented as an emotional connection rather than just gratuitous body bumping.
The action picks up as the story progresses, and the reader finds themselves engrossed in a top notch action/adventure/espionage story. The relationship of the main characters is not diminished at all when the action takes center stage (page). At first I was worried that author Sophia Byron would not be able to carry the intensity of the romantic story line over into the more action oriented parts of the story. I need not have worried. The intensity and suspense flowed and built to a great climax (pun not intended, but you have to admit it is a pretty good one).
Another thing I really liked was that after the action story line was resolved, the book didn't end there. This is often a complaint I have, abrupt endings with little to no epilogue. Although Byron does not identify it as such, there is a very satisfying epilogue here.
I believe my copy of Touched By A Phoenix is an ARC, so I won't belabor the typos, not too many but vile and vial are not interchangeable ('nuff said).
Touched By A Phoenix, by Sophia Byron though primarily an erotic romance, does have much more to recommend it. There are bad guys, humorous sidekicks (Demi is great), cool cars, and plenty of action. A very good read over all. Enjoy!
Mike
This book is identified on the back cover as an erotic romance. Had that been the only identification given when I was offered the book, I'd have declined. Fortunately, this book is much, much, more. It is also a very good action/adventure story. It also has aspects of fantasy, and even spirituality.
There is a section about 100 pages long that was literally impossible to put down, the action was that good. The entire book is very close to 600 pages long so it's not a quick read per se. The erotic passages definitely live up to that moniker, they are scorching! Again, erotica is not my first choice in genres, and there is a lot of it here. Not so much as to put me off the book. In fact I found it very interesting to note the differences in sexual passages written by a female author versus others I have read by male authors. The sex in Touched By A Phoenix is presented as an emotional connection rather than just gratuitous body bumping.
The action picks up as the story progresses, and the reader finds themselves engrossed in a top notch action/adventure/espionage story. The relationship of the main characters is not diminished at all when the action takes center stage (page). At first I was worried that author Sophia Byron would not be able to carry the intensity of the romantic story line over into the more action oriented parts of the story. I need not have worried. The intensity and suspense flowed and built to a great climax (pun not intended, but you have to admit it is a pretty good one).
Another thing I really liked was that after the action story line was resolved, the book didn't end there. This is often a complaint I have, abrupt endings with little to no epilogue. Although Byron does not identify it as such, there is a very satisfying epilogue here.
I believe my copy of Touched By A Phoenix is an ARC, so I won't belabor the typos, not too many but vile and vial are not interchangeable ('nuff said).
Touched By A Phoenix, by Sophia Byron though primarily an erotic romance, does have much more to recommend it. There are bad guys, humorous sidekicks (Demi is great), cool cars, and plenty of action. A very good read over all. Enjoy!
Mike
April 30, 2015
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
Touched by a Phoenix is a romance novel by Sophia Byron. Alexis Saunders is a strong-willed, no-nonsense corporate lawyer who works with her father, Philip, in their company that specialises in military surveillance equipment. She is distrustful of Brad Scott, the handsome new technology genius Philip hires, and shows it. Alexis conceals a painful past, but yearns to be a single mother through artificial insemination. She asks Brad to be her sperm donor. Brad is willing to grant her wish, but only if he sleeps with her instead. He is injured in an accident while creating a high-tech drone that terrorists want. Philip hires ex C.I.A. John Martin to investigate, but Alexis has serious doubts about him while her feelings for Brad are kindled.
Sophia Byron has written a sizzling romance with a nice mystery in its plot. Touched by a Phoenix has several descriptive love scenes that also emphasise the emotions and fears that Brad and Alexis have for each other, based on their personal and business problems. The author writes very well and I like how she deals with a particular problem Alexis kept to herself. The characters have strong personalities that worked for the plot relating to the mystery, but there were times when I felt Alexis was too overbearing, forceful and unrealistic. The mystery is suspenseful and kept me guessing who the villains were, but its conclusion left a cliff-hanger. Overall, Touched by a Phoenix by Sophia Byron is an entertaining novel that women will enjoy.
Touched by a Phoenix is a romance novel by Sophia Byron. Alexis Saunders is a strong-willed, no-nonsense corporate lawyer who works with her father, Philip, in their company that specialises in military surveillance equipment. She is distrustful of Brad Scott, the handsome new technology genius Philip hires, and shows it. Alexis conceals a painful past, but yearns to be a single mother through artificial insemination. She asks Brad to be her sperm donor. Brad is willing to grant her wish, but only if he sleeps with her instead. He is injured in an accident while creating a high-tech drone that terrorists want. Philip hires ex C.I.A. John Martin to investigate, but Alexis has serious doubts about him while her feelings for Brad are kindled.
Sophia Byron has written a sizzling romance with a nice mystery in its plot. Touched by a Phoenix has several descriptive love scenes that also emphasise the emotions and fears that Brad and Alexis have for each other, based on their personal and business problems. The author writes very well and I like how she deals with a particular problem Alexis kept to herself. The characters have strong personalities that worked for the plot relating to the mystery, but there were times when I felt Alexis was too overbearing, forceful and unrealistic. The mystery is suspenseful and kept me guessing who the villains were, but its conclusion left a cliff-hanger. Overall, Touched by a Phoenix by Sophia Byron is an entertaining novel that women will enjoy.
July 29, 2015
Romance, passion, intelligence, and intrigue
This book broke the mold! It defies genre labeling. The story of Brad and Alexis is at turns heartbreaking, and passionate. They are living breathing, complex people who leap off the page. Alexis the heroine is an intelligent woman with a high powered career. She could be portrayed as a one dimensional ball buster but instead has all these layers vulnerability, passion, humor, and of course a dash of the ball buster. Brad her counterpart is also a great complex character intelligent, witty and full of heart.
This novel was many great books wrapped into one. It has the intelligence factor, the intrigue factor, a splash of romance, and the spice of some great love scenes.
The sparks fly off the page as soon as Brad and Alexis meet. The heat threatening to consume them both. The question is can Alexis beat her demons, and can Brad accept them?
This book has it all it was a great read. The incredible talent of this author made me feel as if I was leaving two good friends behind when I turned the last page. The exiting news is that I can revisit them in the sequel!
This book broke the mold! It defies genre labeling. The story of Brad and Alexis is at turns heartbreaking, and passionate. They are living breathing, complex people who leap off the page. Alexis the heroine is an intelligent woman with a high powered career. She could be portrayed as a one dimensional ball buster but instead has all these layers vulnerability, passion, humor, and of course a dash of the ball buster. Brad her counterpart is also a great complex character intelligent, witty and full of heart.
This novel was many great books wrapped into one. It has the intelligence factor, the intrigue factor, a splash of romance, and the spice of some great love scenes.
The sparks fly off the page as soon as Brad and Alexis meet. The heat threatening to consume them both. The question is can Alexis beat her demons, and can Brad accept them?
This book has it all it was a great read. The incredible talent of this author made me feel as if I was leaving two good friends behind when I turned the last page. The exiting news is that I can revisit them in the sequel!
February 9, 2016
Great story but dragged on for me
This was an unique story and I loved the basis of it.
I felt like the characters were trying to hard, with every sentence darling this, darling that.
Pet names are great but not like the author did in this book.
The female lead, the love and connection she has for brad, most people crave that their whole life but when his life is in danger, she acts like a child attacking the man protecting her and everyone seems okay with it.
The connection between these two are just out of this world and to see how their love heals each other, not just their heart is so amazing that I was actually jealous of it.
This story had hot sex, finding a love that no one could destroy, and mystery of who was trying to steal what brad was working on(impatiently waiting on the second book), and healing.
I gave the book 4 stars because I found myself skimming through the parts that were repetitive. The female lead just rubbed me the wrong way.
I received this book for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Mommy's Naughty Playground
This was an unique story and I loved the basis of it.
I felt like the characters were trying to hard, with every sentence darling this, darling that.
Pet names are great but not like the author did in this book.
The female lead, the love and connection she has for brad, most people crave that their whole life but when his life is in danger, she acts like a child attacking the man protecting her and everyone seems okay with it.
The connection between these two are just out of this world and to see how their love heals each other, not just their heart is so amazing that I was actually jealous of it.
This story had hot sex, finding a love that no one could destroy, and mystery of who was trying to steal what brad was working on(impatiently waiting on the second book), and healing.
I gave the book 4 stars because I found myself skimming through the parts that were repetitive. The female lead just rubbed me the wrong way.
I received this book for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Mommy's Naughty Playground
March 23, 2016
The writing in this book is a bit wordy but had depth. I felt that I knew a lot about both Alexis and Brad by the end of the book. Their world was well fleshed out.
I could see this book translate well into film. In my opinion, it would work best as a TV series instead of a movie.
This book really has all the things you need to have a good suspense / romance. You have the hot lawyer who has a rough past and seems unyielding and unattainable. You have the super hot genius who was a playboy but falls head over heels for the hardest to get girl.
And….you have lots and lots of steamy sex.
Add to that the military aspect and the super weapon…well you have a winner winner chicken dinner.
I enjoyed the book. I typically go for less used themes but you gotta admit that sometimes you like to fall back into those themes that are consistently good though predictable.
The writing was the bomb . com and the story was great.
I could see this book translate well into film. In my opinion, it would work best as a TV series instead of a movie.
This book really has all the things you need to have a good suspense / romance. You have the hot lawyer who has a rough past and seems unyielding and unattainable. You have the super hot genius who was a playboy but falls head over heels for the hardest to get girl.
And….you have lots and lots of steamy sex.
Add to that the military aspect and the super weapon…well you have a winner winner chicken dinner.
I enjoyed the book. I typically go for less used themes but you gotta admit that sometimes you like to fall back into those themes that are consistently good though predictable.
The writing was the bomb . com and the story was great.
May 3, 2016
This book was recommended to me as an erotica novel. But, WOW, it is so much more than that! Not saying that it doesn't have erotic elements; it is sure to make you grab a cold shower! But, it also has suspense, action/adventure, intrigue and even elements of scifi/fantasy. Basically, it is the whole package. And, I have to bow to Sophia Byron who published a book with over 600 pages instead of breaking it up into a three book series! I was thrilled to find not only a new book boyfriend, but a new amazing author!
November 17, 2016
I enjoyed this book: It's one of the better romantic action packed mysteries I have read in a while. It took a little while to get to the good part or should I say the action filled part, and therefore for me the start of the book kinda dragged. But it was so worth continuing on. The characters were well defined and easy to relate to, the storyline was very believable and the erotic encounters were steamy. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to more from this author.
February 2, 2017
overall this was a good book. at times, perhaps a little too "mushy" but just when you think you might get sick from all the sweetness... BAM! Action! Suspense! Drama! I was there right up until the little twist at the end, which if I'm honest I am not sure how I feel about it. But that aside, I really did enjoy this book
October 14, 2015
Seriously I like romance novels but I barely made it 20% through this book. I don't know if it's the other person in her head she calls Demi (this would have been fine as inner monologue or just having her talk to another woman). or the whole rape situation but I just could not get into it.
This book is not for me. I will be removing it from my kindle.
This book is not for me. I will be removing it from my kindle.
December 25, 2015
Sophia Byron's "Touched by a Phoenix" is the first book in a new series. It's nearly twice as long as most of the romances I read. Very detailed. The sexy scenes are amazingly yummy. Brad is a playboy transformed - the perfect book boyfriend! There's a splash of technology, sci fi, mystery...it's a lovely cocktail! I can't wait to read the next one to see how the story continues!
February 10, 2016
Not what I expected
Dialogue was different such as using words like darling. The descriptions used throughout were very detailed that you could feel and see each scene. Some of it felt a little bit too wordy that I skimmed parts.
I wasn't expecting reference to God or other symbolic things. It felt very much like a fairytale with a modern twist.
Dialogue was different such as using words like darling. The descriptions used throughout were very detailed that you could feel and see each scene. Some of it felt a little bit too wordy that I skimmed parts.
I wasn't expecting reference to God or other symbolic things. It felt very much like a fairytale with a modern twist.
January 17, 2016
Bring on book #2
Wow! Loved this book. Brad and Alexis are one awesome couple, but can their love get them through the hurdles life puts in front of them? And my goodness, every girl needs a Demi sitting on shoulder! One click today!
Wow! Loved this book. Brad and Alexis are one awesome couple, but can their love get them through the hurdles life puts in front of them? And my goodness, every girl needs a Demi sitting on shoulder! One click today!
Read
January 23, 2016So repetitive.
November 7, 2016
I love Brad and Alexis' story. The details and plot are amazing. And talk about suspense!!! The emotions leapt off the page at me. I highly recommend this book.
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