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The Phoenix Decree Saga #1
The Phoenix Decree: Book One In The Phoenix Decree Saga
How far would you go to pursue your heart's desire? When Devon Phoenix, a nineteenth-century Englishman, becomes linked to his soul mate through the discovery of a buried family secret, he must do the impossible. His longing to pursue her demands he cross the centuries to present day. But his world is shaken to its core when he learns he must protect her from men he thought to be only myths. Drawn by her lineage, these men will go to great lengths to have her. Out at a nightclub, Boston artist and history buff Elz Valli has no idea her grounded life is about to be uprooted. She encounters Devon and realizes this striking and intellectual warrior not only looks like the 12th Duke of Seton-he is. Consumed by the flames that engulf them, there is no turning back as Devon's presence in today's world ignites raging fires-both good and evil. Though Devon's love is one that reaches through time, it is not without cost. Now he must decide if Elz is worth the price. Mature Audience
418 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2014
318 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
About the author
Anna Albergucci
12 books179 followersPersonal Bio:
I adore castles & all they hold—people, furnishings, fashion, drama. A time travel author lost in a paranormal romance world & I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Professional Bio:
Married to her high school sweetheart, Anna Albergucci lives in Texas, surrounded by her ever-growing family and her fur babies.
As a child, Anna had a bright imagination and entertained others with the telling of her colorful dreams. She now weaves her stories into fiery characters that live lives the rest of us only dream of.
Anna is a member of several writing groups and is the president of the Cisco Writers Club. She is also the founder and host of a yearly writers’ retreat held at her estate.
She loves mornings, coffee, and cuddling with her grandkids. She’s a sucker for organizing parties, especially historical costume parties. And in her spare time you can find her touring old mansions, shopping for antiques, or sitting on the porch with a good book.
Anna loves to hear from her readers.
I adore castles & all they hold—people, furnishings, fashion, drama. A time travel author lost in a paranormal romance world & I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Professional Bio:
Married to her high school sweetheart, Anna Albergucci lives in Texas, surrounded by her ever-growing family and her fur babies.
As a child, Anna had a bright imagination and entertained others with the telling of her colorful dreams. She now weaves her stories into fiery characters that live lives the rest of us only dream of.
Anna is a member of several writing groups and is the president of the Cisco Writers Club. She is also the founder and host of a yearly writers’ retreat held at her estate.
She loves mornings, coffee, and cuddling with her grandkids. She’s a sucker for organizing parties, especially historical costume parties. And in her spare time you can find her touring old mansions, shopping for antiques, or sitting on the porch with a good book.
Anna loves to hear from her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 30, 2016
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest from NetGalley.The premise sounded good...finding your true love in another time. But it was very hard to get through this book. It just did not hold my attention as it was very boring. And the writing, the way the character spoke just seemed amateurish. This book turned out not to be my cup of tea.
February 23, 2026
I loved this book. Mixing the old with the new. Love that spans over time that one would think was impossible.
A time‑traveling marquess, a modern artist with zero preparation for this nonsense, and a soulmate bond that laughs in the face of centuries.
The Phoenix Decree is basically what happens when a broody nineteenth‑century nobleman with a destiny complex decides that time, space, and social etiquette are mere suggestions. Devon Phoenix, Marquess of Phoxdale, is living his best tortured‑aristocrat life in old‑school England when he discovers a family secret that basically screams, “Congrats, you have a soulmate, and also she’s in mortal danger, good luck with that.”
Naturally, Devon handles this revelation with the calm, measured grace of a man who absolutely does not have his life together — meaning he yeets himself two centuries into the future to find her. And honestly? Iconic.
Meanwhile, Elz Valli is just vibing in Boston, painting, loving history, and absolutely not expecting a Regency‑era heartthrob to materialize in her life looking like he stepped straight off the pages of her research notes. She’s intrigued, confused, and one heated dance away from having her entire worldview set on fire. And once Devon shows up, the universe basically says, “Oh, you wanted normal? Too bad. Here’s destiny, danger, and supernatural chaos.”
Their connection is instant in that “soulmate bond with cosmic receipts” kind of way, and Devon is so wildly, obsessively in love with her that it borders on feral — but in a protective, “I will burn kingdoms for you” way, not a creepy one. Elz, meanwhile, is trying to process the fact that her life has turned into a paranormal time‑travel romance novel… because it has.
The moment Devon arrives in the present, everything ignites — literally and metaphorically. Forces that want Elz for her lineage start crawling out of the shadows, and Devon is out here trying to protect her while also figuring out how to exist in a world with electricity, cars, and women who don’t faint at the sight of a bare ankle.
The vibe is gothic‑romantic meets time‑travel chaos with a dash of “fated lovers against the world,” and it works. It’s dramatic, swoony, and full of that big, sweeping destiny energy that makes you lean in and go, “Okay, tell me everything.”
If you’re into soulmate bonds, historical heroes dropped into modern life, and paranormal forces that refuse to let these two breathe for even five minutes, this book is a whole ride — messy, magical, and deliciously intense.
A time‑traveling marquess, a modern artist with zero preparation for this nonsense, and a soulmate bond that laughs in the face of centuries.
The Phoenix Decree is basically what happens when a broody nineteenth‑century nobleman with a destiny complex decides that time, space, and social etiquette are mere suggestions. Devon Phoenix, Marquess of Phoxdale, is living his best tortured‑aristocrat life in old‑school England when he discovers a family secret that basically screams, “Congrats, you have a soulmate, and also she’s in mortal danger, good luck with that.”
Naturally, Devon handles this revelation with the calm, measured grace of a man who absolutely does not have his life together — meaning he yeets himself two centuries into the future to find her. And honestly? Iconic.
Meanwhile, Elz Valli is just vibing in Boston, painting, loving history, and absolutely not expecting a Regency‑era heartthrob to materialize in her life looking like he stepped straight off the pages of her research notes. She’s intrigued, confused, and one heated dance away from having her entire worldview set on fire. And once Devon shows up, the universe basically says, “Oh, you wanted normal? Too bad. Here’s destiny, danger, and supernatural chaos.”
Their connection is instant in that “soulmate bond with cosmic receipts” kind of way, and Devon is so wildly, obsessively in love with her that it borders on feral — but in a protective, “I will burn kingdoms for you” way, not a creepy one. Elz, meanwhile, is trying to process the fact that her life has turned into a paranormal time‑travel romance novel… because it has.
The moment Devon arrives in the present, everything ignites — literally and metaphorically. Forces that want Elz for her lineage start crawling out of the shadows, and Devon is out here trying to protect her while also figuring out how to exist in a world with electricity, cars, and women who don’t faint at the sight of a bare ankle.
The vibe is gothic‑romantic meets time‑travel chaos with a dash of “fated lovers against the world,” and it works. It’s dramatic, swoony, and full of that big, sweeping destiny energy that makes you lean in and go, “Okay, tell me everything.”
If you’re into soulmate bonds, historical heroes dropped into modern life, and paranormal forces that refuse to let these two breathe for even five minutes, this book is a whole ride — messy, magical, and deliciously intense.
February 6, 2016
This was an extraordinary story, of anguished love, two lovers so far away from each other, you won't believe it. Knowing, of the possibility of never having nor experiencing ones true love. Also, of great friendship, magical elements, and some very funny episodes.
This story is set at Wedlove Castle, Northern England 18 April 1829, and also 20th century American. With a diary, of ancient family history, and magical accounts.
This book was a delight to read, and I certainly look forward to reading the next book in this series. I would say this book to be for adults, due to sexual situations. If you like books about true love, and the struggle 2 people endure when not able to be together, the tortures years that keep going by. If you like old English times with Dukes, Marquees, etc, with comic relief, and elements that date back to the time of Queen Sheba, and King Solomon. Go on this magic carpet ride, and experience these unique characters, and there very unique situations. This is a book you won't be forgetting, and will crave more of.
This story is set at Wedlove Castle, Northern England 18 April 1829, and also 20th century American. With a diary, of ancient family history, and magical accounts.
This book was a delight to read, and I certainly look forward to reading the next book in this series. I would say this book to be for adults, due to sexual situations. If you like books about true love, and the struggle 2 people endure when not able to be together, the tortures years that keep going by. If you like old English times with Dukes, Marquees, etc, with comic relief, and elements that date back to the time of Queen Sheba, and King Solomon. Go on this magic carpet ride, and experience these unique characters, and there very unique situations. This is a book you won't be forgetting, and will crave more of.
July 30, 2016
**4 Phoenix Stars**
I got both my love and my deepest passion all in one book. I love Historical, and I love Modern Day and flipping back and forth sometimes gives me a whirlwind headache. But on this book I got the best of both worlds!
I don’t want to give too much away, but the premise of the book was astounding. The characters were diverse and complex and the relationship was HOT. (What’s the historical term for HOT) Devon made me wish I lived in his era, and Elz was a perfect choice. If you like Historical and Modern Day romance, I highly recommend this book!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Shannon from Alpha Book Club
I got both my love and my deepest passion all in one book. I love Historical, and I love Modern Day and flipping back and forth sometimes gives me a whirlwind headache. But on this book I got the best of both worlds!
I don’t want to give too much away, but the premise of the book was astounding. The characters were diverse and complex and the relationship was HOT. (What’s the historical term for HOT) Devon made me wish I lived in his era, and Elz was a perfect choice. If you like Historical and Modern Day romance, I highly recommend this book!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Shannon from Alpha Book Club
April 27, 2017
So, there wasn't much "action" going on as it was more of a book that introduced us to the main characters involved and how they got through obstacles to be able to meet each other and some chars get their just desserts. It's a good book and I already purchased the second book just to read what happens next. But definitely read if you want romance and you want to root for the main couple. There were some grammar issues, but they can be overlooked for the sake of the story.
July 8, 2018
If this had been a “complete” story, I probably wouldn’t have continued the series but it ends on an abrupt cliffhanger at what, I would say, is the middle of the story so I feel obliged to read the next one.
January 24, 2016
This is book one in the "The Phoenix Decree" series. I want to say right of the bat that this is a book that continues to the next book called "Phoenix Unbound" and I would assume to the next book " Phoenix Under Fire". I have not read the other two books yet as they have not come out yet. When I started this book I knew that this book would not end their story and I was hasten to start a book I would not so quickly to to the end of their story. I held that against the book thinking that I would not like the book all that much because it would not quickly end. But I started reading the book and I fell in love with the story. Their is one main couple: Devon Phoenix and Elz Valli and two other couples that are starting to fall in love. This also is a time traveling story which added to the enjoyment of the story.
Devon at the age of twenty two found a book/diary of a previous Lord Phonix. Devon learn the previous Lord Phonix story of his love and what happen with them. In it he finds that they have been set to only marry their true love and no one else. And to find his true love he would have to look into a mirror type object and say words that will make her face appear in it so he would know. At first he doesn't believe the story and does this to see if it a hoax. But when everything the book said would happen starts to happen and Devon decided he can't continue as he doesn't want to know yet but it is to late. He find the women he loves and it is Elz who is in our present day while he is back in history over 100 years or so. For six years he tells no one of what happen but continues to watch his true love and struggle to figure out how to get to her. Elz too has felt someone was watching her and that something else is going on with her that is not normal. Elz has found that she is in love with a portrait of Devon that she was given when she was sixteen years old that has been in her family for years.
I was glad to have read this book and cannot wait for the next part of their story.
Devon at the age of twenty two found a book/diary of a previous Lord Phonix. Devon learn the previous Lord Phonix story of his love and what happen with them. In it he finds that they have been set to only marry their true love and no one else. And to find his true love he would have to look into a mirror type object and say words that will make her face appear in it so he would know. At first he doesn't believe the story and does this to see if it a hoax. But when everything the book said would happen starts to happen and Devon decided he can't continue as he doesn't want to know yet but it is to late. He find the women he loves and it is Elz who is in our present day while he is back in history over 100 years or so. For six years he tells no one of what happen but continues to watch his true love and struggle to figure out how to get to her. Elz too has felt someone was watching her and that something else is going on with her that is not normal. Elz has found that she is in love with a portrait of Devon that she was given when she was sixteen years old that has been in her family for years.
I was glad to have read this book and cannot wait for the next part of their story.
July 28, 2016
Anna Albergucci, you have me intrigued! I went into this book blind and didn't know what to expect. And I did not expect this book to start out like a historical romance novel only to find out their is magical elements and time travel. There is 3 books in the series with this first book as more of the informational part. You learn who Devon is, where his beginning started and how he has to travel time to reach his one true love. It's a lot of information but it's information you need and the more I read the more it hooked me. I would love to expand more on this but I don't want to reveal spoilers. I liked going into this book with not much knowledge. Book one ends not at a huge cliffhanger but just as the story truly begins. I can not wait for book 2!
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2016
Kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.....
3 Words.....Deep, Seductive, Delicious.
You just will have to trust me and give this one a go......its well worth it.
It is about Devon and Elz and is a story of love transcending time. God it is just FABULOUS !!! It also has another couple threaded into the story Kyle and Pris.
I must warn it has rather a graphic scene (rape) but it was a lynch pin in the tale. I cannot wait for more in this saga.
Well done Anna and Many thanks for this opportunity x
Later peeps xxx
3 Words.....Deep, Seductive, Delicious.
You just will have to trust me and give this one a go......its well worth it.
It is about Devon and Elz and is a story of love transcending time. God it is just FABULOUS !!! It also has another couple threaded into the story Kyle and Pris.
I must warn it has rather a graphic scene (rape) but it was a lynch pin in the tale. I cannot wait for more in this saga.
Well done Anna and Many thanks for this opportunity x
Later peeps xxx
December 19, 2018
It took me a while to get through this book. I really liked the concept, description and whole time traveling aspect of the story...which is why I picked it up in the first place. However, total first person perspective issues that could have been condensed and focused. Basically you have 4 main characters with a few others that pop in for there to cents. No big deal, except for each on rehashes perspectives that you just read to the point that you nod off or just want to skip several pages. Which leads me to, I hate skipping pages incase I end up missing something important, but I just could not avoid it with this book. So as the story dragged on I would come back in and check on the development of the two time periods (21st Century vs 19 Century) hoping it would improve. If the author would have taken the time to develop this series as a single book told by a single narrator I think it would have been great as this book literately ends with "to be continued". To me this is just a bait for "hey I could finish the book so just spend more money on my next one".
August 29, 2017
This combines both historical and modern times. I usually dont read those types but gave it a try. It was a little slow at times and there was a lot of information dumped but thats pretty typical of a series. I wouldnt call it a huge cliffhanger but it does continue into the next book which might upset some readers. First's in the series can be a little tricky. We're introduced to most everything at once but then the story suffers a bit because of that. Which is what happened here I think.
I really liked Devon and how he tried to find his true love by hopping through time. Elz lives in the 21st century vs Devon the 19th. He has finally found a way to get to her. Elz isnt totally in the dark she hears a voice in her head. Not crazy voice but a man. There are great secondary characters Ryan and Pris. So, I have to admit its got some positives in this book and some negatives. Give it a try.
I really liked Devon and how he tried to find his true love by hopping through time. Elz lives in the 21st century vs Devon the 19th. He has finally found a way to get to her. Elz isnt totally in the dark she hears a voice in her head. Not crazy voice but a man. There are great secondary characters Ryan and Pris. So, I have to admit its got some positives in this book and some negatives. Give it a try.
November 30, 2020
I received this free eBook through The Fussy Librarian in exchange for a fair review.
As much as I liked the story flow, I found the story line of this book simple and the storytelling wordy. I forced myself to read almost 40% of this book about a nobleman with commitment issues until he finds a magical mirror that makes it possible for him to watch the love of his life who lives in the future. However I gave up and put the book down when the nobleman goes to a man with supernatural powers to get help with reaching the love of his life and the story gets so convoluted, strange, and hard to follow.
As much as I liked the story flow, I found the story line of this book simple and the storytelling wordy. I forced myself to read almost 40% of this book about a nobleman with commitment issues until he finds a magical mirror that makes it possible for him to watch the love of his life who lives in the future. However I gave up and put the book down when the nobleman goes to a man with supernatural powers to get help with reaching the love of his life and the story gets so convoluted, strange, and hard to follow.
March 18, 2018
Reader beware
I had high hopes for the premise of this book- but I couldn’t even bring myself to finish it due to the grating unbelievability of the characters.
First of all the tropes are just the worst- I feel like I was tricked into reading a story submitted to Playboy Magazine.
Second if all the complete lack of research into 19th century vernacular made it impossible to connect to either characters or story. The editor(s) did a huge disservice in letting that go.
No thank you.
I had high hopes for the premise of this book- but I couldn’t even bring myself to finish it due to the grating unbelievability of the characters.
First of all the tropes are just the worst- I feel like I was tricked into reading a story submitted to Playboy Magazine.
Second if all the complete lack of research into 19th century vernacular made it impossible to connect to either characters or story. The editor(s) did a huge disservice in letting that go.
No thank you.
September 25, 2019
Poorly written, unoriginal
Outlander in reverse, but trite, lacking interest and support. The characters cannot maintain authenticity and are so superficial that they don't engage the reader's interest. The attempt to create a supernatural time link is a weak stretch. The main character has all the maturity of a 14 year old; in fact this whole book reads like a 10th grade Creative Writing attempt. I very seldom dislike anything in print, but this is one.
Outlander in reverse, but trite, lacking interest and support. The characters cannot maintain authenticity and are so superficial that they don't engage the reader's interest. The attempt to create a supernatural time link is a weak stretch. The main character has all the maturity of a 14 year old; in fact this whole book reads like a 10th grade Creative Writing attempt. I very seldom dislike anything in print, but this is one.
October 3, 2017
I read 1.5 books in this series, just hoping for the main characters to slip up and prove to me that they're complex... flawed. I got tired of waiting. The hero is a dreamy, strong, sensitive, fight-for-his-girl, dreamboat. The heroin a perfectly beautiful damsel in distress. I couldn't swallow the cliche anymore.
March 7, 2021
Fun read
I like time travel because I've always wanted to know what it would feel like to live in another era. Falling in love with someone in the past wasn't something i imagined though. The characters in the book are interesting and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I like time travel because I've always wanted to know what it would feel like to live in another era. Falling in love with someone in the past wasn't something i imagined though. The characters in the book are interesting and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
September 1, 2017
Swept Away...
From page one I have been entrenched. Hard to even set this down to deal with life. Such a fun and creative fantastic journey. One or two bits of biblical prose built into a family legacy
From page one I have been entrenched. Hard to even set this down to deal with life. Such a fun and creative fantastic journey. One or two bits of biblical prose built into a family legacy
January 1, 2019
I really enjoyed the mysteries and magic that surrounded this story, I cannot wait to read the next episode!!! The journey that Devon took to meet up with his one true love is amazing within itself!!! Such a story deserves a standing ovation!!
October 8, 2019
I just can't. All the 'voices' sounded the same, didn't speak in their respective times &/or personalities any different. No tension. I kept trying to slog thru because the concept was more unique than most but I have other, more interesting things to do !
September 1, 2017
I'm dumbfounded at the ending and definitely need to read book two to fly understand everything.
The mirror is a cool piece of mythology with a twist I wouldn't have seen coming. As well as the wizard Faramond and the decrees/journals.
I loved the secondary characters of Kyle and Pris possibly more than I did the primary tale between Elz and Devon. I'm hoping that on top of following more between them, we see if the infamous connection brings together Jaymie and Jarrett.
The mirror is a cool piece of mythology with a twist I wouldn't have seen coming. As well as the wizard Faramond and the decrees/journals.
I loved the secondary characters of Kyle and Pris possibly more than I did the primary tale between Elz and Devon. I'm hoping that on top of following more between them, we see if the infamous connection brings together Jaymie and Jarrett.
October 29, 2017
Great first book to start the series!
Can’t wait to get on to the rest of the books! Great way to start off a series! Love it!
Can’t wait to get on to the rest of the books! Great way to start off a series! Love it!
November 20, 2017
A mythical romance
A family bloodline of true lovers passed down the generations.
A torrid love across centuries.
Delicious despite the impossibility.
Enjoy.
A family bloodline of true lovers passed down the generations.
A torrid love across centuries.
Delicious despite the impossibility.
Enjoy.
December 30, 2017
Amazing
Wow! This book was amazing! I really enjoyed reading it! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!
Wow! This book was amazing! I really enjoyed reading it! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!
March 6, 2018
The plot may have been good, but I couldn't get past the first few pages, which read as if they had been written by a 6th grader
May 30, 2018
A great book that I loved reading! I recommend this book to all readers who enjoy a fiery romance, action, and intrigue. The Phoenix Decree melts you to the bone!
October 28, 2019
This is a really good book but it is the only book of the series you can get. No reruns are scheduled you can get the second book for over $900.00
June 8, 2020
This book really needs to come with a content warning.
September 29, 2022
I found this story good, but some smaller parts are a bit boring to me. I would not mind to read the next one.
November 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. Shame it was only part 1 of 7.
December 23, 2024
Good read
I got so engrossed in this story I couldn't put it down!
I can hardly wait to read the next part of the story.
I got so engrossed in this story I couldn't put it down!
I can hardly wait to read the next part of the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews