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Inside Phoenix
A standalone, full length, paranormal thriller filled with steamy wolf shifter romance.
When tragedy strikes, Phoenix Reynolds abandons her high fashion modeling career to open Brown Burro Coffee in a tiny mountain town. NFL wide receiver and wolf alpha, Ian Brody, comes to town to investigate the killings of college-aged shifters but finds his soulmate in Phoenix. Will Phoenix embrace her inner wolf and become Ian’s mate or remain a virgin in denial of her heritage? Or will the killer find her first?
Content Warning: Contains strong sexual themes/language and is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
When tragedy strikes, Phoenix Reynolds abandons her high fashion modeling career to open Brown Burro Coffee in a tiny mountain town. NFL wide receiver and wolf alpha, Ian Brody, comes to town to investigate the killings of college-aged shifters but finds his soulmate in Phoenix. Will Phoenix embrace her inner wolf and become Ian’s mate or remain a virgin in denial of her heritage? Or will the killer find her first?
Content Warning: Contains strong sexual themes/language and is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2017
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Roni O'Connell
4 books24 followersRoni O’Connell is the author of Inside Phoenix, a sexy shifter romance/thriller for adults, Chameleon’s Spell, a dystopian paranormal romance/thriller, Float, the first paranormal thriller in the YA series Chronicles of D.E.A.D High, and 3rd Degree Secrets, the second paranormal thriller in the series.
Addicted to books from infancy, Roni says, “I love books that explore fantasy worlds and the paranormal—books that push the edges of my imagination. As a child, I spent many of my best hours immersed in books and that passion morphed into writing them. I taught English literature for many years and found some of my students felt underrepresented in the books they read. That is why Float has a Hispanic heroine.
“I live with my husband and three dogs high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. A California native, I find inspiration in the forest, wildlife, and lakes around my home. When I’m not writing, I can usually be found out on my kayak or swimming in mountain lakes. I love good wine and great coffee, and people with my similar wicked sense of humor. I love animals, and I’ve become known locally as the Animal Whisperer as I can get birds to land in my hands and foxes and deer come to me to be petted.”
To learn more about Roni O’Connell, like her author page on Facebook or follow her on Twitter at RoniOConnell. To show you care, leave your reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
Addicted to books from infancy, Roni says, “I love books that explore fantasy worlds and the paranormal—books that push the edges of my imagination. As a child, I spent many of my best hours immersed in books and that passion morphed into writing them. I taught English literature for many years and found some of my students felt underrepresented in the books they read. That is why Float has a Hispanic heroine.
“I live with my husband and three dogs high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. A California native, I find inspiration in the forest, wildlife, and lakes around my home. When I’m not writing, I can usually be found out on my kayak or swimming in mountain lakes. I love good wine and great coffee, and people with my similar wicked sense of humor. I love animals, and I’ve become known locally as the Animal Whisperer as I can get birds to land in my hands and foxes and deer come to me to be petted.”
To learn more about Roni O’Connell, like her author page on Facebook or follow her on Twitter at RoniOConnell. To show you care, leave your reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 1, 2017
Inside Phoenix is a paranormal thriller and romance by Roni O’Connell. The story features Phoenix Reynolds, a young woman healing in a mountain town after experiencing a tragedy during her glamorous, modeling career, and Ian Brody- an alpha wolf using a coaching gig at a school to investigate a series of chilling murders among college-aged shifters. Phoenix is a very dynamic character struggling with her fear of unleashing the wolf within her. This fear is what compels her to avoid losing her virginity- as losing this status will trigger the release of her wolf. This fear is understandable considering she witnessed, at such a young age, the violence that these animals can inflict. Phoenix also struggles with a strained relationship with her mother. The fact that she calls her mother by her given name throughout the story, rather than the normal title and endearment, demonstrates a lack of warmth between the characters. I did enjoy Phoenix’s close relationship with her sister, Shannon. Their interactions are warm, engaging, and positively entertaining.
Ian Brody is the epitome of an alpha wolf. His staggering height and physique, coupled with his confidence and take-charge personality are a perfect challenge for Phoenix, who is equally strong in character. Ian takes an instant liking to Phoenix, and from there the story sizzles. Ian’s interactions with Phoenix incites chemistry and anticipation. I found myself eagerly devouring scene-after-scene, desperate to see the explosion between these two dominant characters when Phoenix finally barrels past her fears and uncertainties and gives into Ian’s magnetism and strength. I mean, how could she not? This is Ian freaking Brody, after all. And Ian’s younger brother Ryder isn’t too bad himself.
Finally, the threatening texts and events happening to Phoenix, coupled with the continuous murder of young wolf shifters, adds a chilling factor to the story. Amidst all the explosive chemistry and heated encounters between Phoenix and Ian, there is an element of danger. I enjoy a good mystery and will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the shocking revelation at the end of the story. Inside Phoenix ended strong and heartfelt- which is nothing less than what I would suspect after reading Phoenix’s journey.
Ian Brody is the epitome of an alpha wolf. His staggering height and physique, coupled with his confidence and take-charge personality are a perfect challenge for Phoenix, who is equally strong in character. Ian takes an instant liking to Phoenix, and from there the story sizzles. Ian’s interactions with Phoenix incites chemistry and anticipation. I found myself eagerly devouring scene-after-scene, desperate to see the explosion between these two dominant characters when Phoenix finally barrels past her fears and uncertainties and gives into Ian’s magnetism and strength. I mean, how could she not? This is Ian freaking Brody, after all. And Ian’s younger brother Ryder isn’t too bad himself.
Finally, the threatening texts and events happening to Phoenix, coupled with the continuous murder of young wolf shifters, adds a chilling factor to the story. Amidst all the explosive chemistry and heated encounters between Phoenix and Ian, there is an element of danger. I enjoy a good mystery and will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the shocking revelation at the end of the story. Inside Phoenix ended strong and heartfelt- which is nothing less than what I would suspect after reading Phoenix’s journey.
November 11, 2017
I want to first give a huge thank you for Amy with Lady Reader’s Bookstuff Blog Tour for allowing me a chance to take a breather from some heavier reading and some writing to be able to do a review of a new book.
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a paranormal romance/thriller. Phoenix and Ian are both head strong characters, both set in their ways but drawn to each other despite circumstances of murders popping up left and right. Their chemistry developed naturally for this particular type of genre. You can tell that both character yearn for something more than the expectations of their families and professions. Phoenix and Ian are a perfect match together in their intensity and passion.
The storyline was fast paced and full of twists and turns, unsure where the characters were going to end up at the end of the investigation of the deaths of shifters. The mystery was carefully spun to provide an enjoyable page turning adventure of “WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?!?!” I love a good “WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?!?!” moment. There were no spared words or characters and the writing was clear and consist storytelling.
If you are looking for an fun, fast paced, paranormal thriller with great balance of great character building and smexy time, might I suggest Inside Phoenix by Roni O’Connell?
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a paranormal romance/thriller. Phoenix and Ian are both head strong characters, both set in their ways but drawn to each other despite circumstances of murders popping up left and right. Their chemistry developed naturally for this particular type of genre. You can tell that both character yearn for something more than the expectations of their families and professions. Phoenix and Ian are a perfect match together in their intensity and passion.
The storyline was fast paced and full of twists and turns, unsure where the characters were going to end up at the end of the investigation of the deaths of shifters. The mystery was carefully spun to provide an enjoyable page turning adventure of “WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?!?!” I love a good “WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?!?!” moment. There were no spared words or characters and the writing was clear and consist storytelling.
If you are looking for an fun, fast paced, paranormal thriller with great balance of great character building and smexy time, might I suggest Inside Phoenix by Roni O’Connell?
October 13, 2017
Inside Phoenix is a breath of kinky fresh air. Definitely a must read for your inner animal....
November 6, 2017
REVIEW OF INSIDE PHOENIX BY RONI O’CONNELL (as seen on thevagariesofus.com book reviews)
Review by: April Hughes
Inside Phoenix is a paranormal thriller and romance by Roni O’Connell. The story features Phoenix Reynolds, a young woman healing in a mountain town after experiencing a tragedy during her glamorous, modeling career, and Ian Brody- an alpha wolf using a coaching gig at a school to investigate a series of chilling murders among college-aged shifters. Phoenix is a very dynamic character struggling with her fear of unleashing the wolf within her. This fear is what compels her to avoid losing her virginity- as losing this status will trigger the release of her wolf. This fear is understandable considering she witnessed, at such a young age, the violence that these animals can inflict. Phoenix also struggles with a strained relationship with her mother. The fact that she calls her mother by her given name throughout the story, rather than the normal title and endearment, demonstrates a lack of warmth between the characters. I did enjoy Phoenix’s close relationship with her sister, Shannon. Their interactions are warm, engaging, and positively entertaining.
Ian Brody is the epitome of an alpha wolf. His staggering height and physique, coupled with his confidence and take-charge personality are a perfect challenge for Phoenix, who is equally strong in character. Ian takes an instant liking to Phoenix, and from there the story sizzles. Ian’s interactions with Phoenix incites chemistry and anticipation. I found myself eagerly devouring scene-after-scene, desperate to see the explosion between these two dominant characters when Phoenix finally barrels past her fears and uncertainties and gives into Ian’s magnetism and strength. I mean, how could she not? This is Ian freaking Brody, after all. And Ian’s younger brother Ryder isn’t too bad himself.
Finally, the threatening texts and events happening to Phoenix, coupled with the continuous murder of young wolf shifters, adds a chilling factor to the story. Amidst all the explosive chemistry and heated encounters between Phoenix and Ian, there is an element of danger. I enjoy a good mystery and will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the shocking revelation at the end of the story. Inside Phoenix ended strong and heartfelt- which is nothing less than what I would suspect after reading Phoenix’s journey.
Review by: April Hughes
Inside Phoenix is a paranormal thriller and romance by Roni O’Connell. The story features Phoenix Reynolds, a young woman healing in a mountain town after experiencing a tragedy during her glamorous, modeling career, and Ian Brody- an alpha wolf using a coaching gig at a school to investigate a series of chilling murders among college-aged shifters. Phoenix is a very dynamic character struggling with her fear of unleashing the wolf within her. This fear is what compels her to avoid losing her virginity- as losing this status will trigger the release of her wolf. This fear is understandable considering she witnessed, at such a young age, the violence that these animals can inflict. Phoenix also struggles with a strained relationship with her mother. The fact that she calls her mother by her given name throughout the story, rather than the normal title and endearment, demonstrates a lack of warmth between the characters. I did enjoy Phoenix’s close relationship with her sister, Shannon. Their interactions are warm, engaging, and positively entertaining.
Ian Brody is the epitome of an alpha wolf. His staggering height and physique, coupled with his confidence and take-charge personality are a perfect challenge for Phoenix, who is equally strong in character. Ian takes an instant liking to Phoenix, and from there the story sizzles. Ian’s interactions with Phoenix incites chemistry and anticipation. I found myself eagerly devouring scene-after-scene, desperate to see the explosion between these two dominant characters when Phoenix finally barrels past her fears and uncertainties and gives into Ian’s magnetism and strength. I mean, how could she not? This is Ian freaking Brody, after all. And Ian’s younger brother Ryder isn’t too bad himself.
Finally, the threatening texts and events happening to Phoenix, coupled with the continuous murder of young wolf shifters, adds a chilling factor to the story. Amidst all the explosive chemistry and heated encounters between Phoenix and Ian, there is an element of danger. I enjoy a good mystery and will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the shocking revelation at the end of the story. Inside Phoenix ended strong and heartfelt- which is nothing less than what I would suspect after reading Phoenix’s journey.
November 9, 2017
First, I would like to say that if you are reading this then you are as new to my blog as I am to blogging. And I want to thank you for visiting this page. Especially in celebrating Roni O'Connell's NEW RELEASE, Inside Phoenix! Secondly, I want to say that I am very familiar with Roni's YA books and can easily say that she is one of my very favorite authors. Once I found out that Inside Phoenix was going to be coming out AND that it would be geared for reader's 18+, I got nervous. Why? Well I have never been a fan of sex scenes in books I read. The occasional tame scene I can handle, but when every other scene is sex it takes me away from the plot. BUT and this is a big but....once I started reading Inside Phoenix I realized that this book was just like everything Roni writes....PERFECTION! I will not be giving spoilers because that is not the kind of reviews I like to write or to read. There is sex and it is very important to the plot and it was incorporated in a way that flowed so effortlessly that I never got bored or distracted from the rest of the story. And let me tell you, the entire book from beginning to end had me hanging on every page. I love shifter novels and mysteries and thrillers....this was all of that wrapped in a gorgeous cover too. I loved this book and I recommend it to anyone looking for a hot read with an extrodinary storyline. This book had me guessing until the end and I really hope that we might get more books from the supporting characters in the future...maybe a start to an amazing series? One can only hope!
November 7, 2017
Inside Phoenix is the fourth Roni O'Connell book I have read and, as expected, I could not put it down. The plot of this paranormal thriller kept me wanting to read the next chapter to see what is going to happen to whom and when. The characters are well developed, you can feel the chemistry between Phoenix and Ian, and diving into the wolf shifter world was a lot of fun. My favorite part of Inside Phoenix (as with all of Roni's books) is the complex and strong (definitely head strong) lead female character and getting to know her story. Definitely a great read and a fun change from Roni's YA books.
November 4, 2017
Great and entertaining read
Well all I can say is this book is very entertaining. This book keeps you wanting more. I really can't pick a favorite character because I have fell in love with them all. If you purchase this book you will not be disappointed. Also reviewed by Heather Ann's Book Reviews
Well all I can say is this book is very entertaining. This book keeps you wanting more. I really can't pick a favorite character because I have fell in love with them all. If you purchase this book you will not be disappointed. Also reviewed by Heather Ann's Book Reviews
November 8, 2017
This was a real enjoyable read for me a very strong breath of fresh air in the shifter genre. Here we have Phoenix Reynolds a former model turned shop owner who's a Lykos (wolf shifter) that's a virgin in both sexual experience and shifting. Everything about her is the composition of an interesting and complex character to get to know as you read about. While her background as a model wasn't all that great the real sadness lies in the relationship with her mother who is the reason her life took a turn toward model and all the hardships within. It's what makes her what she's all about after she leaves the profession and what makes her seek out so much control and centering in her life. Also what happened to Phoenix in her modeling career and which was the reason she quit is the reason she looks after her sister Shannon so strongly.
Eventually into Phoenix's life comes Ian Brody the sexy charming Alpha, former football star, currently covering as a football coach. Who notices that Phoenix is a virgin Lykos as well as a women he would most definitely like to know as well as court. His younger brother Ryder who is also his beta informs him that she's a former model since Ian can't place where he's seen her and thus starts his desire to go for her. Now Ian does have his own complications in life. He has to pretend like he's in recovery from an injury. He's an alpha who has to figure out about killings that are happening to many young Lykos as well as a few humans. And now he has to find a way to get Phoenix who's definite Alpha presence (despite her lack of shifting) and icy barriers tend to shield his advances. Though since he's an Alpha, the challenge of gaining her affection is something he relishes and makes him only that much attracted to her. He finds not only a challenge in going for her but finds happiness and his mate.
What I love about this story is you have two characters that have very strong similarities, but come from completely different backgrounds in upbringing. Phoenix has never had a real relationship in her life and her complex desire for control puts her in an odd enough position. Ian frustrates her but also intrigues and excites her. While on Ian's side no matter how hard she pushes he pushes back harder and cracks that icy wall. I consider the fact that both these two have younger siblings whom they are close to that also get into a relationship with one another is what helps Phoenix break out of her shell and helps Ian get closer to her.
The background characters are also a fine assortment of characters that also in my opinion help the story move along so nicely. Especially since they are pretty much involved with the unnatural world that the main focus characters are in. From those within Ian's pack and other packs. To characters like Leo and Robert who are gay friends of Phoenix and Shannon. Right down to a few humans as well. All of who were well written.
What pretty much makes this story and Phoenix the focus point is how much she grows and changes through her friendship, dating, and eventually mating with Ian. He breaks her out of her shell and makes her unafraid of her the heritage lying dormant within her. It also definitely puts her in touch with what it means to be apart of a pack and get closer to others of her kind, which is something she's never know do to her upbringing or lack there of. And though a lot of sad revelations happen near the end of the book, it doesn't bring her down but makes her stronger. In the end the only issue I had with this book are some minor areas where it needs editing in regards to word placement, but other then that it was an excellent read. I only wish we had a novella related to Shannon and Ryder.
Eventually into Phoenix's life comes Ian Brody the sexy charming Alpha, former football star, currently covering as a football coach. Who notices that Phoenix is a virgin Lykos as well as a women he would most definitely like to know as well as court. His younger brother Ryder who is also his beta informs him that she's a former model since Ian can't place where he's seen her and thus starts his desire to go for her. Now Ian does have his own complications in life. He has to pretend like he's in recovery from an injury. He's an alpha who has to figure out about killings that are happening to many young Lykos as well as a few humans. And now he has to find a way to get Phoenix who's definite Alpha presence (despite her lack of shifting) and icy barriers tend to shield his advances. Though since he's an Alpha, the challenge of gaining her affection is something he relishes and makes him only that much attracted to her. He finds not only a challenge in going for her but finds happiness and his mate.
What I love about this story is you have two characters that have very strong similarities, but come from completely different backgrounds in upbringing. Phoenix has never had a real relationship in her life and her complex desire for control puts her in an odd enough position. Ian frustrates her but also intrigues and excites her. While on Ian's side no matter how hard she pushes he pushes back harder and cracks that icy wall. I consider the fact that both these two have younger siblings whom they are close to that also get into a relationship with one another is what helps Phoenix break out of her shell and helps Ian get closer to her.
The background characters are also a fine assortment of characters that also in my opinion help the story move along so nicely. Especially since they are pretty much involved with the unnatural world that the main focus characters are in. From those within Ian's pack and other packs. To characters like Leo and Robert who are gay friends of Phoenix and Shannon. Right down to a few humans as well. All of who were well written.
What pretty much makes this story and Phoenix the focus point is how much she grows and changes through her friendship, dating, and eventually mating with Ian. He breaks her out of her shell and makes her unafraid of her the heritage lying dormant within her. It also definitely puts her in touch with what it means to be apart of a pack and get closer to others of her kind, which is something she's never know do to her upbringing or lack there of. And though a lot of sad revelations happen near the end of the book, it doesn't bring her down but makes her stronger. In the end the only issue I had with this book are some minor areas where it needs editing in regards to word placement, but other then that it was an excellent read. I only wish we had a novella related to Shannon and Ryder.
November 12, 2017
It has been awhile since I blogged, and for that , I am truly sorry. I took two years off to go to college. I did manage to get my Associate's Degree. It has been really hard for me to get back into reading. I have been listening to Audio Books for the last two years non-stop. Picking up my Kindle no longer had any appeal to me. Then, Author Roni O'Connell invited me to her blog tour for Inside Phoenix. If you have never read Roni's The Chronicles of D.E.A.D. High, you need to when this blog tour is over. I devoured the first book FLOAT. Ever since then, I have been a HUGE fan of Roni's writing.
Roni stepped out of her own comfort zone writing Inside Phoenix. I feel that writing YA has been amazing for her, because I love her YA books so much. Stepping out of the YA world, and into the adult world was a huge bonus to us readers, because HELLLLLLOOOOOOO we love our YA, but damn it, I love me some hot, steamy scenes in my books just as much as the next overworked, not enough time in the day, I need more hours in the day, hell no I am out of wine, will I ever get a raise, woman in this world! Let me introduce you to Phoenix, Ian, and all that is Inside Phoenix!
In case it has been awhile since you read one of my reviews, remember, I review from the heart. I will never give you any spoilers, and if I love an author, you are going to think that I kidnapped that author and they write just for me. So enjoy.
Supernatural, paranormal...oh yes. Just what I love. I am not a romance reader. If it does not have some type of paranormal or supernatural aspect to it, I am going to get bored. (yes, there are exceptions but you get my point). Wolves. Wolf packs. Alpha Males. Are you drooling yet? You should be, because let me tell you what! This book is all about them wolves. Good lord do I love me some wolf shifters. When you have wolf packs, alpha males, and a female involved, you know you have some good reading ahead of you. Oh did I forget to mention an amazing AND gorgeous Alpha FEMALE wolf that refuses to accept her rightful place in the pack? Yeah...she is doing it rightfully so too. So you have to love her for it. So that is gist and high overview of the book. I am not going into much more detail that, because you need to read the book to find out. Trust me, you are going to love it! Happy Howling!
Roni stepped out of her own comfort zone writing Inside Phoenix. I feel that writing YA has been amazing for her, because I love her YA books so much. Stepping out of the YA world, and into the adult world was a huge bonus to us readers, because HELLLLLLOOOOOOO we love our YA, but damn it, I love me some hot, steamy scenes in my books just as much as the next overworked, not enough time in the day, I need more hours in the day, hell no I am out of wine, will I ever get a raise, woman in this world! Let me introduce you to Phoenix, Ian, and all that is Inside Phoenix!
In case it has been awhile since you read one of my reviews, remember, I review from the heart. I will never give you any spoilers, and if I love an author, you are going to think that I kidnapped that author and they write just for me. So enjoy.
Supernatural, paranormal...oh yes. Just what I love. I am not a romance reader. If it does not have some type of paranormal or supernatural aspect to it, I am going to get bored. (yes, there are exceptions but you get my point). Wolves. Wolf packs. Alpha Males. Are you drooling yet? You should be, because let me tell you what! This book is all about them wolves. Good lord do I love me some wolf shifters. When you have wolf packs, alpha males, and a female involved, you know you have some good reading ahead of you. Oh did I forget to mention an amazing AND gorgeous Alpha FEMALE wolf that refuses to accept her rightful place in the pack? Yeah...she is doing it rightfully so too. So you have to love her for it. So that is gist and high overview of the book. I am not going into much more detail that, because you need to read the book to find out. Trust me, you are going to love it! Happy Howling!
February 28, 2018
I had a bit of a rough time getting into this at first, but after a bit more reading- I couldn't put it down. The story moves at a good pace and I enjoyed seeing another side of Roni's writing. If you are looking for steam you have come to the right place so make sure you have a fan, or a cold shower ready. You won't be disappointed... I wasn't.
February 5, 2018
REVIEW OF INSIDE PHOENIX BY RONI O’CONNELL (as seen on thevagariesofus.com book reviews)
Review by: April Hughes
Inside Phoenix is a paranormal thriller and romance by Roni O’Connell. The story features Phoenix Reynolds, a young woman healing in a mountain town after experiencing a tragedy during her glamorous, modeling career, and Ian Brody- an alpha wolf using a coaching gig at a school to investigate a series of chilling murders among college-aged shifters. Phoenix is a very dynamic character struggling with her fear of unleashing the wolf within her. This fear is what compels her to avoid losing her virginity- as losing this status will trigger the release of her wolf. This fear is understandable considering she witnessed, at such a young age, the violence that these animals can inflict. Phoenix also struggles with a strained relationship with her mother. The fact that she calls her mother by her given name throughout the story, rather than the normal title and endearment, demonstrates a lack of warmth between the characters. I did enjoy Phoenix’s close relationship with her sister, Shannon. Their interactions are warm, engaging, and positively entertaining.
Ian Brody is the epitome of an alpha wolf. His staggering height and physique, coupled with his confidence and take-charge personality are a perfect challenge for Phoenix, who is equally strong in character. Ian takes an instant liking to Phoenix, and from there the story sizzles. Ian’s interactions with Phoenix incites chemistry and anticipation. I found myself eagerly devouring scene-after-scene, desperate to see the explosion between these two dominant characters when Phoenix finally barrels past her fears and uncertainties and gives into Ian’s magnetism and strength. I mean, how could she not? This is Ian freaking Brody, after all. And Ian’s younger brother Ryder isn’t too bad himself.
Finally, the threatening texts and events happening to Phoenix, coupled with the continuous murder of young wolf shifters, adds a chilling factor to the story. Amidst all the explosive chemistry and heated encounters between Phoenix and Ian, there is an element of danger. I enjoy a good mystery and will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the shocking revelation at the end of the story. Inside Phoenix ended strong and heartfelt- which is nothing less than what I would suspect after reading Phoenix’s journey.
Review by: April Hughes
Inside Phoenix is a paranormal thriller and romance by Roni O’Connell. The story features Phoenix Reynolds, a young woman healing in a mountain town after experiencing a tragedy during her glamorous, modeling career, and Ian Brody- an alpha wolf using a coaching gig at a school to investigate a series of chilling murders among college-aged shifters. Phoenix is a very dynamic character struggling with her fear of unleashing the wolf within her. This fear is what compels her to avoid losing her virginity- as losing this status will trigger the release of her wolf. This fear is understandable considering she witnessed, at such a young age, the violence that these animals can inflict. Phoenix also struggles with a strained relationship with her mother. The fact that she calls her mother by her given name throughout the story, rather than the normal title and endearment, demonstrates a lack of warmth between the characters. I did enjoy Phoenix’s close relationship with her sister, Shannon. Their interactions are warm, engaging, and positively entertaining.
Ian Brody is the epitome of an alpha wolf. His staggering height and physique, coupled with his confidence and take-charge personality are a perfect challenge for Phoenix, who is equally strong in character. Ian takes an instant liking to Phoenix, and from there the story sizzles. Ian’s interactions with Phoenix incites chemistry and anticipation. I found myself eagerly devouring scene-after-scene, desperate to see the explosion between these two dominant characters when Phoenix finally barrels past her fears and uncertainties and gives into Ian’s magnetism and strength. I mean, how could she not? This is Ian freaking Brody, after all. And Ian’s younger brother Ryder isn’t too bad himself.
Finally, the threatening texts and events happening to Phoenix, coupled with the continuous murder of young wolf shifters, adds a chilling factor to the story. Amidst all the explosive chemistry and heated encounters between Phoenix and Ian, there is an element of danger. I enjoy a good mystery and will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the shocking revelation at the end of the story. Inside Phoenix ended strong and heartfelt- which is nothing less than what I would suspect after reading Phoenix’s journey.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews