Phoenix Rising

Reed Security #16

by Giulia Lagomarsino

Phoenix Rising is book 16 in the Reed Security Series and it is suggested they be read in order.


The men and women of Reed Security are back, but after all the turmoil of the past year, how do they adapt and move forward. For some, it's easy, but others, the past year is only the beginning of what they will have to deal with. Some of them were shot and almost died. Morgan and Chance were taken and tortured in their own respects and now must deal with the after affects. Payton was torn from her mother and spent a year and a half without her. The wives lost their jobs and many had to run from their families and friends to keep them safe. But one thing remained the same through all of this, they are each others' family and will do anything to help each other through. They are Reed Security, and they will rise from the ashes.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2019

About the author

Giulia Lagomarsino is the author of the action-packed series Owens Protective Services, along with four other series that feature hot men, strong women, and storylines that will leave you laughing, crying, and begging for more. To find her reading order, visit her website http://giulialagomarsinoauthor.com or join her reading group https://www.facebook.com/groups/Giuli....

Reviews

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Ashes!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗📘📔
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 👨🏻👱🏻‍♀‍🧔🏻👩🏻👱🏼‍♂‍

“A little warning would be nice,” Storm muttered. “Hey, before you join our crew, you should know that we very rarely take on regular jobs and someone’s always getting kidnapped.”

The employees at Reed Security and their wives are back at it again. This time they are trying to recover and rebuild after being on the run for a year from a groups of kidnappers and sex traffickers. In this book, the entire crew is represented and many of them are trying through their own issues as a result of the last year.

Chance and Morgan are both suffering from PTSD after their time in captivity and Chance, being the alpha male that he is, is determined to work through his issues on his own. Of course his issues stem from a year of being held in the filthiest most deplorable conditions and being brutally tortured nearly to death over and over in different ways. Suffice it to say he isn’t handling things too well.

Ice is still recovering from being shot in the chest, not to mention he is not the spring chicken he once was and is afraid that if he can’t get back to the man he was before the shooting, Cap might put him out to pasture or confine him to a desk. If there is one thing none of the guys at Reed Security wants, it is to stop doing field work or to be shown up by younger guys.

Those are just two of the many storylines in this book. The Reed Security wives are on top of their game in this book. Some of them have decided to start up an online sex toy/sex party business and their first foray into this is pretty spectacular. These girls give their hubby’s a run for their money when it comes to kicking butt and taking names!

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[Renee Entress · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Star

The story has pain, secrets, abuse, more pain and suspense.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Sinner (A Reed Security, #1)
Cap (A Reed Security, #2)
Cazzo (Reed Security, #3)
Knight (Reed Security, #4)
Irish (Reed Security, #5)
Hunter (Reed Security #6)
Whiskey (Reed Security, #7)
Lola (Reed Security, #8)
Ice (Reed Security #9)
Burg: A Reed Security Romance (Reed Security #10)
Gabe: A Reed Security Romance (Reed Security #11)
Jules (Reed Security #12)
Sniper: Book 1 of a 3 book arc (Reed Security #13)
Jackson: Book 2 of a 3 book arc (Reed Security #14)
Chance: Book 3 of a 3 book arc (Reed Security #15)

This is all the men and woman of Reed Security Team's story. You get updates on what has been going on. These men and woman experience a lot of things that are out of the normal range. They have to deal with all of the aftermath and also support each other. They have all turned into a family with each other and they help each other out but when the past comes back for them will they all make it out whole and together? Or will the past make sure that not only will they lose people but that they will never recover from the aftermath. This is in no way a happy book. This story will leaving you wondering in the end what is next for all of these friends and family.

I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read. Very emotional story that will have several triggers for some. But all and all it was a great story.


I highly recommend this book.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed Security has to rebuild after what they have been through. As always, the men think that they know best what needs to be done.
The hardest hit being Chance and Morgan, with Chance suffering badly from PTSD. He continually smiles and lets everyone think everything is fine, when it’s far from it.
The plan is to rebuild and they’re all going to live there while that happens, they as always get distracted working out what they need, but they all agree they need finances, but when the women find out they have some ideas of their own what’s needed. With the girls wanting to do something for them, they decide to open a shop, but they want to open a sex shop, which comes with its own problems.
The men at Reed Security take protecting their loved ones very seriously, but the state-of-the-art nursery and Ruby and Robert take things to a whole new level.
Chance and Morgan struggle with what they have been through, and when things get bad the team is there to help them.
An awesome catch up with the Reed Security Team and their women, after everything they have been through while also dealing with some serious issues.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Giulia Lagomarino's writing, and will NEVER EVER get enough of the Reed Security series that's for sure. In Phoenix Rising, she does something different, she has everyone from previous stories telling what they're up to in multiple POVs. See, the company has had a hell of a year, and now they're in trouble from it. The women have lost their jobs, most of lost their homes so all of them are living together in one giant bunker, and there's some severe PTSD in play from Chance after being tutored for over a year. Now Chance's PTSD is the intense emotional journey taking place, as he's really going downhill, and pushing everyone away, including Morgan. And not in this easy being angry way, nope, in ways that it was hard for me to actually forgive him to be honest. These are some of the biggest twist that I never saw coming, but very realistic after what he went through. There was the hilarious interactions between both the men, and the women, which kept me rolling in laughter as well. You know the kind, the deep belly laughter which can make you spit your drink out. But I'm a pro at this series, so I already know not to actually drink a beverage while reading. I seriously LOVED getting a look at how everyone was doing now, and how the women never lost their shine and/or their penchant for finding trouble. I really hope there's more coming because I don't want it all the end! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving the dangerous situation was only part of the battle and now they must deal with the aftermath. They can’t return to life as they knew it so now, they must pick up the pieces and start afresh but with that comes its own set of challenges.

Chance was one of the team members that was hit the hardest and he is finding that leaving what happened to him in the past is proving much more difficult than he expected. The brothers of Reed Security and Morgan want to help but will he accept it or continue his downward spiral?

This is an emotional story about healing which shows us once again the love and family that exists between the team and how they will do whatever is necessary to emerge stronger than ever.

[Fran Zoch, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank God Reed Security guys and girls are back!!!
They are all trying to get their lives back together after the attack and others like Chance are not doing well at all.
The women all decide to open a business and the name gets them into trouble, others are scared to be put out to pasture so to speak because of their injuries and age , then we get to meet Tony who has an awesome nick name .
You do not want to miss this book!!!

[Chelle Pimblott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giulia has done it again. You really need to read the rest of the series but I can tell you, they're worth the read.

I read this book in one sitting, putting off everything else I was supposed to be doing and when I got to the last page, I wasn't ready for it to finish. I can't wait for the next book, this one left me wanting more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, sexy mexy, plenty of action and yes at times tears.

This is by far the best series and the offspring series I have read this year.

The complex threads that Giulia weaves her stories, and her characters keeps you coming back for more. You will be riveted to the pages and find that hours have passed by the time you manage to pull yourself away.

You will laugh your arse off when you are not sweating through the action.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh. I'm totally writing spoilers.

This book is somewhere between a two and a three-star review for me. I gave it the benefit of the doubt with the three stars. However, I could easily be two. There's just so much ridiculous stuff happening.

And I don't know why, but some of these characters are simply terrible. I'm talking about you Claire. I really just don't understand what Derek sees in her. Her character is still living in fantasyland. And literally putting the team at risk and endanger and she doesn't even realize what she's doing. And I just don't get it. It's like she doesn't know Derek and what he does in reality. Because she's so wrapped up in this make-believe world. I find it very difficult to read her character chapters. I mean, she set herself up to be drugged so that Derek would rescue her. But Derek didn't realize it was part of their little role-playing game, which I found stupid anyway. So he thought she was in real danger and goes after her of course. And then to find out it was all a ruse? Hell no.

I still love Knight and Sinner. And I appreciated that this book addressed the fact that Jules still did not remember his time with her before. However even that seems ridiculous. He remembers everything except for his time with his girl. He was with her for 2 years before he lost his memory and he remembers everything else during that time except the girl? But at least they addressed it.

The guys definitely need help to get through everything that they went through and a process it. However, the whole book was a bit of a struggle to read as they try to figure s*** out. I found myself rolling my eyes so many times during this one. Which is ironic because I love the books that have all the characters. Except with this one, the characters were definitely much more messed up from everything that had happened. Chance was an absolute nightmare. I didn't think he would get back to where he needed to be. But obviously it's a book so he did. But it really was quite a long read because of a lot of it just wasn't enjoyable. But obviously there were some good parts by other team members which kept it at a three.

Edited 02/20/23 to add: I forgot to add the ridiculousness of the women as a whole... Since they were all on the run for a year, they decided to pull their money and start their own company selling sex toys and such. No big deal right? Except they didn't have a fully functioning website and their first call was from a guy wanting product immediately. They suggested a party and the guy was thrown off a bit, but was like whatever. They get a call from a second guy asking about product and they turn him down. Thought it was odd two guys called first, but they brushed it off. So the women pack up their toys and go to a shady warehouse without telling any of the guys (yeah, good move there) and the guys there were expecting drugs. They posted "Smack" with their phone number on a website and the two guys who called assumed it was drugs becsuse the pictures of BDSM didn't post properly. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Then they kidnap one of the guys there who said he could help with their website. And that he only did the drug sales as a side thing. I think his name was Carl. So they bring Carl to Reed security and I have no idea what happened to him. Smh.

Though, Maggie also found Tony "Tacos" while out investigating a case and brought him back for Cap to hire him after he held his own and helped Maggie escape. Sigh. Never ending fun with her! I think he will keep Becky from leaving in the long run though. So that's a bonus.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s said that a phoenix rising from the ashes means to emerge from a catastrophe stronger, smarter, and more powerful”

That is exactly what this book is all about. The 16th book in this series focuses on the entire cast of characters during a transition period after the 3-book arc. Told from the multi perspectives of the many different characters that we’ve met so far and some new ones, Phoenix Rising reads differently to all the books that we’ve read so far in the series.

I loved Giulia’s approach to this book. It reads at a slower pace than its predecessors as we focus on the difficult journeys that face the characters going forward and the multiple perspectives were exceptional. It was nice to see more of Chance and Morgan after the events of the previous three books and get a deeper understanding of where they currently stood in their relationship and lives. Giulia combats some difficult topics and truths through the chapters about them and it’s done with dignity and respect. Though what I loved more was how many different perspectives we were given. Lots has happened in this series recently and being given a more in depth understanding of how its affected everyone else who wasn’t the main hero and heroine in one of the arc books gives the reader a greater appreciation of and connection with the characters.

Giulia also does a wonderful job of teasing the readers as to what may happen going forward. We met Storm in the first part of the arc and he’s been repeatedly appearing at different moments but we’ve never known much about him. In this book we get a chapter from his perspective and see more from him and it definitely builds intrigue into his back story. We’re also introduced to some new characters, one which ties in with some events early on in this series, and again we start to find out a little bit about them in a way which builds excitement for their books.

Now it wouldn’t be a Reed Security book without a little drama, action, and humour. Giulia flawlessly weaves this into Phoenix Rising to give this books that sense of familiarity and though the action is a little different it is perfect for the nature of this book. Phoenix Rising was a brilliant addition to the series and I enjoyed every bit of it.

[Dee Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed Security took a major knockout punch when their building was bombed and burned to the ground. Hence, the title of Book 16, Phoenix Rising (that infamous Phoenix rising out of the ashes). A strongly knit team, when the chips are down each member devoted to the other, they always protect their own and all their respective families. The most injured team member in the books immediately preceding this one was Chance. Chance, who voluntarily embedded himself in intolerable, brutal conditions, where he was confined and tortured day in and day out for a year, in order to place himself in a position to recover Morgan's kidnapped daughter, as he promised Morgan he would do. Then there is Morgan, who allied herself with a beastly pig of a man who kept dangling recovery of her daughter over her head provided she submit to him in every imaginable way. Now that Chance and Morgan are back together again, safely in the arms of Reed Security, there is the mental and physical recovery they must get through. This book leaves nothing to the reader's imagination about how difficult coming back is. It's a true compliment to the author how she dealt with the PTSD in this volume, laying out very carefully the nightmarish things a victim can go through to come back. I can't imagine this book was easy to write. It was not always easy to read. But so worth the effort.

[Viper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Awesome

Totally Wow. This book.was a great addition to the series. Was not disappointing.
All main characters had their own chapter identifying their issues concerns thoughts. How to conquer their demons acheive success. Reed men hard time askng for help.
All regroup and rebuild their business. Making it even better.
Cap is such a leader always their knew when to be firm take charge. Incrediable friendship and support system. Family!!
Chance fighting his demon so he can move on with Morgan.
The wifes are amazing they really kick ass.
Story had everything I cried and laughed. Lots of laughter with the Reed Team and their silliness. And the ladies they gave as good as they got.

The emotions the suspense of what will happen next. The intro of new characters was great. Reed Security needs to grow the business.
Giulia thank you.
Look forward to Alec's love adventure..

[Phuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story in the Reed Security series that I devoured and could not put down. We see the team rebuilding after what they’ve been through the past year but it’s not smooth sailing especially for Chance and Morgan. Chance is really struggling with the memories of the torture he endured; he strikes out at the people closest to him but in the end, he shows that the Phoenix can rise again and be even stronger. Even though there were serious moments in this book, the men and women of Reed Security always provide us with a lot of entertainment with some hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

[Rein · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chaotic Jumble

Out of the books I’ve red so far Phoenix Rising had the most promise based on the pretext of what was to come but bombed dearly. There was just too much going on. The chapters about the women fighting back were so forced and ridiculous. And the one thing that I love about these books are the characters that stay true to themselves but Cap was all over the place. I hope the other books to follow have more promise and get back to the magic that the first 15 books held.

[Debbie Vanvoorhis gladitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I may like this book the best so far. Love the way almost everyone had a chapter. They are all trying to rebuild and get their lives back after a horrific year. Some of the guys trying to get into shape after being hurt. poor Chance and Morgan are trying to get through their own PTSD. His is more spiraling than hers. The girls trying to build their own business (since they all lost jobs) which is quite funny mind you. Lol Of course you know there had to be hilarious things going on with the guys too. This truly was an amazing read.

[Gucci 35 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix Rising

Phoenix Rising is the book after the year in hiding, after Chance, Morgan and Payton have been found. This story is about rebuilding Reed Security. We will see what's happening with all the characters. I have to say that the banter, the crazy ideas and fantasy from these characters is hilarious. Some tears will be shred when it comes to Chance and Morgan while they heal. This is a great addition to the series and I can't wait to see what happens next. Happy Reading 📚

[Deborah Dickey-Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix Rising: A Reed Security Novel

Chance hits rock bottom and stands to lose everything from his job, his friends and the woman whose little girl Payton was the reason he was abducted and tortured for over a year. Morgan and Chance thought they could heal each other while Reed Security attempted to rebuild after the devastating attack that had them running and hiding out with their families for a year. Chances PTSD proves to be too much for him. He tried alcohol,, Meds anything to kill his flashbacks. Can he and Morgan find their HEA?

[Yvonne Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appropriate title

Enjoyed how all the lives of the Reed Security family are so intermingled. We get views on how they and their significant other's are coping with everything. The men fear they may be to old and that they are being replaced by younger people. They are each trying to put the pieces of their lives back together. The women have started a new venture and right out the door they find trouble. This is a good read and the women are awesome.

[Violet Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a start you must read these books in order. Its not that you couldnt eventually get into the story but they all play a part you wont want to miss! How can you be crying one minute and the next laughing at these amazing characters!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The team is broken but he knows he would do the same thing again even though the women blame him. He must find a way to bring the team back together. Can he bond the team again? Can the women ever forgive him? See if the team can be a strong team again

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose from the ashes

Everything about this book is amazing. The struggles, the roleplay, the triumphs. Every Reed guy has something to prove, to gain when they are put to the test. Grab some tissues because you might need them, but also take in the struggles they go through. It's like your right there with them.

[Pam Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!

I chose this rating because this is actually a pretty great book. I enjoyed most of all of the characters, well pretty much all of them. In this book basically everyone have a lot to say. I'm glad that Chance and Morgan are getting there stuff together and they're working on their relationship. Pretty great read! I recommend this book to all romance readers.

[Mary Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Phoenix Rises

Wow! What Chance went through to save Morgan's daughter was horrifying, for him to start coming back from that is so amazing & Giulia describes it in such a way that as a reader I felt I was right there watching him experience the flashbacks! Morgan's ordeal, although not as severe as his, was disturbing in lots of ways. A great read & very well written!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

The Reed Security Family has had a really tough year and now need to start rebuilding. Chance is not dealing well with everything. He thinks he can go on with life as usual but that ain’t happening. Another team is added and Cap is scheming trying to get Becky to stay. Lots of serious moments and lots of funny moments and plenty of steam.

[Lauren Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read about these guys the more I love them. And this book didn't disappoint in the slightest. It still had all the drama and wit that we have come to love in this series. I read this in one go and loved the glimpses from everyone's perspective. It was so good.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories never disappoint. Always Captivating. Always feel like I’m with the characters as they walk thru their story. Couldn’t put book down and had many short sleep nights to finish the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl O'Harney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read about these guys the more I love them. And this book didn't disappoint in the slightest. It still had all the drama and wit that we have come to love in this series. I read this in one go and loved the glimpses from everyone's perspective. It was so good.

[Jag Sanghera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved how this book was from many perspectives, it gave it an authentic feel compared to the others.

It reminds you of how the other characters think and feel and their camaraderie.

The only thing that I was disappointed about is that a great deal of it was revolved around Chance and Morgan.

[BRANDY M · Rating 5 out of 5]

They just keep getting better

It's truly amazing how each book in this series is better than the last. I feel like this book is a tease of everything so far. Rebuilding, catching up, and joy.
**PLEASE READ ALL THE BOOKS IN THE SERIES PRIOR TO THIS ONE FIRST***