Phoenix: Rise from the Ashes

Recovery #1

by Angelique Jurd

For over a year, Connor has served the guy with the sad eyes one drink a night. He drinks it, pays, then leaves. One night he orders two and Connor finally gets him to talk. Little by little, week by week, Connor coaxes Lucas to open up - and falls in love with him along the way. But is love enough to help Lucas overcome the physical and emotional pain of what he's been through? And can Connor really understand the horror of what happened?

The first novella in the Recovery trilogy.

Genres: M M Romance, Short Stories, Contemporary, LGBT, Romance, M M Contemporary, Amazon

49 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2018

About the author

People driven stories. Slightly broken boys. Safe space MM Romance fiction.
After getting a degree in languages, travelling the world, raising a family, and working as a business journalist, she went back to school and studied English Literature and Media Studies.

In 2018, she published her first novel Jesse’s Smile with Small Black Cat Media. Since then, she’s continued to write contemporary gay (MM) romance and her academic research in fan studies and the queerification of popular fiction characters by fans.

Angelique is owned by three cats, three adult children, two temperamental computers, and a very patient boyfriend (not a partridge in a pear tree). She’s also pierced, painted, pansexual, and proud AF. When she’s not writing (or swearing at her computer) she likes cold champagne, hot coffee, neat whiskey, loud Springsteen, and the Winchester brothers kicking butt.

Stay up to date with new releases and other news by getting Angelique's newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/636945...

Find online:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Angelique-Jurd...
Instagram: angeliquejurd
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AngeliqueRJurdWriter
FB Reader Group:
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Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angel...

Reviews

[Barbara➰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why I never added this novella series to be read. I've overlooked it several times. But, after reading Jesse's Smile, I decided I need to read more of this author and I'm glad I did. I love Lucas and Connor already.

Lucas broke my heart. I definitely shed a few tears when he let Connor in. His vulnerability and sadness tore me to pieces. But Connor, being the perfect man, is determined to show Lucas his scars do not matter. They are not who he is but a testament to what he has become...a Phoenix.

On to part 2...

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor and Lucas are breathtaking... This story (part 1 of their story) is at times heartbreaking, sweet and tear-inducing. The author's ability to not just introduce these two but have me totally invested in them in a short 51 pages is astounding. I can't wait to start on book 2 next!

[Funzee Shu · Rating 4 out of 5]

There a time when I started a new book and the story successfully engulfed me in such a raw and deep emotions right from the very first page till the end. Good writing, mesmerizing story, rich plot, good pace with very intriguing and lovable characters. And this novella has it all.

There’s no explicit sex scene here, but guuurlll….you didn’t need that when the story consume you like that.

My one and only complaint here is…..with ALL the feels this story gave me I think the story is WAY TO SHORT!!!

Heading impatiently to the next book!

Recommended!!!

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 4 out of 5]

PLEASE READ FIRST MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings (for all people, who wonder, why I say a 3*-book is a good book and should be readed):
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like Liberty from Seth King or Save the kids series from EM Leya). it’s like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books)
It’s like an A
3* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It’s like an A-B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartly, but it was ok)
It’s like an C- D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (maybe too many mistakes, not a nice plot, or unlogical story, so a NO-GO)
It’s like failure in the whole line, dismissed, repeat the class

Unfortunately it was finished too fast. It’s a great shorter story, but I wished, it would last longer. I liked the story.
I had want to know how the meeting with the parents went, how the own bar works.... so many possibilities for another story....

[Kath · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It's so beautiful.

[Lena Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Hope rises like the phoenix from the ashes of shattered dreams.” ~ S.A. Sachs

Often bartenders, like Connor of 'Phoenix: Rise from the Ashes' by Angelique Jurd, listen to people’s problems while they drink. Connor doesn't mind. He is good-hearted and a great listener. He can tell who needs to talk and who doesn't. When a guy, Lucas, starts coming to his bar every night, for just one drink, Connor is curious as well as concerned. It is clear that Lucas is in pain and needs someone to talk to, but it is just as obvious that he isn't ready.

One rainy night, Lucas comes in and has his normal one drink. Connor starts a conversation with him. This night, Lucas stays to have another drink. After his shift, Connor runs into Lucas who encourages Connor to join him in a booth. During their pizza, Lucas conveys to Connor how he was caught in a fire and, while trying to save a small boy, suffered, extensive burns that still plague him. Connor understands how much it's taking for Lucas to confide in him and appreciates the trust he is putting in him. After eating, Connor walks Lucas home. To Conner's amazement, a few days later, Lucas asks him out to dinner! Lucas and Connor become very close but that's as far as it goes. When Lucas asks Connor to come to his apartment, Connor and Lucas have amazing, but Connor is concerned that being with him will freak Lucas out.

This book is intense and the characters are wonderful. I love Connor for his strength and understanding and Lucas for his bravery. This is a powerful beginning to a new series. I can hardly wait for the story to continue. Thanks, Angelique, for an intriguing start.

NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Alison Edmunds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella and am so pleased that it's part of a trilogy. I was immediately drawn in and wanted to know Lucas's story in particular. I like that we know some of his story before Connor did and then watch as Connor slowly reveals more of Lucas.

We actually don't know anything of Connor's history. He is a sensitive hero in the ways of Ben (San Capistrano) and Drew (Jesse's Smile). He's perfect for Lucas. My favourite line from Connor is: You can be my mess.

This story is very short. My Kindle said 38 minutes. But there is so much packed into those minutes that I didn't mind.

*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book*

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕A burn victim rises from the ashes with the tender attention of his friendly bartender🔥
July 23, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍4.5 stars
Lovely short story with a theme of renewal and love, it's totally focused on Connor and Lucas and their tentative then assured steps toward a loving and trusting relationship.

The author did a great job. I found Lucas' tragic backstory terrifically touching. He needed a sympathetic someone to get his life back and it looks like he found him. I am looking forward to reading more about this couple.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.🌟 💖 A first in the series that got me straight away into it. Conor and Lucas are adorable especially Lucas when he freaks out. He lives with pain daily from burns and worries about the small things about dating again. Connor is perfect for Lucas to bring him out of his thoughts which makes me laugh with them. There is also sadness included for Lucas, my heart went to him. A beautiful ending but slightly rushed with a time gap included. I'm grabbing the next novella too.

Connor was bartender who'd had a regular he served every day some time. Lucus is nursing bad injuries as well as working days he gets by.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely, sweet love story!

Angelique Jurd gives us a terrifically engaging story, with characters that manage to get together struggling through pain, and insecurities and mistrust. Luca backstory is painful and it's so easy to understand his reticence to trust Connor.

As usual with this author the writing is beautiful, and you emerge from the story with a happy smile on your face. Recommended

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this quick and poignant story. It is beautifully written with incredibly compelling characters. Connor is intrigued by the mysterious Lucas and he is continuously trying to form a connection with him. Lucas has a tragedy in his past that makes it almost impossible for him to trust anyone. Together they will have to work to overcome Lucas's fears. I love the way the author deals with a very difficult and emotional subject and I can't wait to read more about these two wonderful men.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix:Rise from the ashes

Another wonderful story from Angelique Jurd, I read it in one evening I couldn't put it done, I can't wait for the next two novella s. I received this book as an arc, I would highly recommend everyone to read it.

[Emma Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting to know about Connor and Lucas. My heart broke for Lucas, he’s been through so much. I loved the reminder that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it’s what’s inside that truly counts.

[Katie Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

Phoenix ride from the ashes was such a beautifully written and emotional journey

Connor and Lucas stole my heart from the moment I met them

Every word in this story was beautiful i loved it I can't wait for more

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome

I absolutely adore this type of book, one where one mc is injured , has body issues and guilt and the other mc is patient and loving. Connor was brilliant in bringing Lucas back. Loved it. Looking forward to the rest.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this short book. Wished it was longer, can't wait for the other books in the series...

[Victorias' KeepinitReal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Story

Can't wait for the next book in this series. I love these two beautiful men together. I want to know more about them and how their relationship is doing.

[Brooke Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant and to the point - Connor and Lucas have carved out a place in my heart. Beautiful story-telling and characterisation. It was harder to NOT be invested than it was to care about these men.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Story

I enjoyed this story very much. I loved the characters, also I loved how Lucas recovered from his fear. A good story, with a great storyline.

[Essie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely read, way to short though, cut in three.

[Christopher Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply intense and emotional read

An in-depth look into the depression and sadness puff one man and how love frees him and sets him to flight. A must read.

[Saga Zuster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story. Lucas and Connor are a great couple, Connor is the best, I really appreciate characters that are full of love.

[~nikki the recovering book addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

This was a beautifully written novella. I didn’t even know it was part of a trilogy of novellas surrounding the same couple. I thought it ended on a good note so I don’t know why there needs to be more. I checked out the other 2 books but can’t seem to convince myself to read it since for me, it ended right where it should. Well, I wouldn’t say no to more sweetness between the two but the blurbs for the next two novellas just...seems like it’s just manufactured drama. So really, I have no desire to wade into that. So yes, this will be it for me for this “series”.

I liked Connor for his patience. I adore Lucas in spite of his trauma. So often such characters would be written like a rude grouch so while Lucas wasn’t initially approachable, he wasn’t lashing out and taking his pain out on unsuspecting people. He was just trying to deal with it internally. I liked both of them. It was a sweet romance =]

[Zaza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Une nouvelle courte et émouvante, où l'on voit un barman, Connor, apprivoiser doucement mais sûrement Lucas, qui vient dans son bar tous les jours depuis un an. Connor va découvrir l'histoire tragique de Lucas, et ce dernier va en quelque sorte renaître de ses cendres grâce à Connor.
Une histoire vraiment très courte, et le sentiment est accentué par une écriture aux phrases très courtes, avec une narration au présent (c'est fou comme j'ai en horreur les récits au présent, en anglais comme en français !) et une alternance de chapitres très resserrée. Une lecture touchante donc, qui vaut surtout pour ce qu'a traversé Lucas, et la douceur avec laquelle Connor se rapproche de lui. Évidemment, j'aimerais en savoir plus et les retrouver dans une autre nouvelle, même si celle-ci se clôt sur un HFN satisfaisant.

[Julie Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel as a novella

I know the author has since reworked his trilogy of novellas into a single novel, which is good from a storytelling telling perspective because this novella very much feels like the book equivalent of “1, 2, skip a few, 99, 100!” It’s a cool set up of characters, a deep back story, some great chemistry, an intriguing premise and then it’s 0-100 in the blink of an eye. In this novella we see them just get together and next minute it’s the epilogue and (spoiler) they’re already moving in together. There’s more story to tell. Whether the rest of the story is interesting and engaging enough to read, or if this is better left as a short story, I won’t know until I read the next part.

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Good but too short. Some short stories can feel like full length books regardless of how many pages there are and others feel like a full length books that’s been cut off in places in order for it to be a short story and unfortunately, even though I really liked this story and it’s characters, this felt like the latter.

[E.Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute short novella. I liked the writing style and the plot. Characters are too perfect for me to really care enough though. Still rec, but probably not a future re-read for me.
That cover though... I really love that series covers.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

touching romance

This story really touched me. It’s beautifully written romantic and I loved it. It packed full of feels and kept me glued to the page. I need to read more in this series

[Shelba · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was okay, but I didn't really feel very invested in either character, not enough to continue with the series.