Breaking Phoenix

Underground Bruisers #2

by E.C. Land, Rae B. Lake

Pain has always been my safe place. I understand hurt. I flourish in it. Phoenix Growing up in foster care I learned to roll with the punches and give as good as I got. I joined the Navy as soon as I could just to get away from the hell that was my life…of course the pain followed me there as well. Now I’m back home and all the years I’ve spent with my back against the wall fighting for my life has made me cold as ice. Impenetrable to the happiness and love others try to show me. Only Skyla, the popular girl from high school and the one woman who can break me with just a smile, can see through my mask. Too bad she doesn’t want me how I want her. Or so I thought. When a ghost from my past time in foster care shows back up in my life will I be able to survive the pain those memories bring or will this fight be the one to break me.

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2023

Reviews

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75stars-BREAKING PHOENIX is the second full-length instalment in the contemporary, adult UNDERGROUND BRUISERS erotic, dark, MMA/boxing romance series co-authored by EC Land and Rae B Lake. This is former US sailor turned fighter turned renovator Phoenix Seller, and masseuse Skyla Harrell’s story line. BREAKING PHOENIX can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual omniscient first person perspectives (Skyla and Phoenix) BREAKING PHOENIX follows the building relationship between former US sailor turned fighter turned renovator Phoenix Seller, and masseuse Skyla Harrell. Phoenix Seller doesn’t do relationships, doesn’t date but his heart has been set on Skyla Harrell since they met in high school. Phoenix Seller grew up in the foster care system, a system that let him down too many times. Believing himself unworthy, Phoenix keeps his distance but Skyla tends to place herself in the direct line of fire, and Phoenix finds himself rescuing our heroine at every turn. Skyla is a serial dater but a woman who picks the wrong kind of man. Assaulted and attacked on more than one occasion, Skyla struggles with her attraction to Phoenix, a man she doesn’t trust, and he in return. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Skyla and Phoenix, and the potential fall-out as Skyla is targeted, and Phoenix finds himself facing the demons from his past.

The relationship between Skyla and Phoenix is a friends to lovers but a relationship in which both struggle with secrets and lies. Skyla has a stalker but is quick to accept dates from strangers, and keeps hidden the ‘gifts’ bequeathed by an unknown source. Phoenix believes he is unworthy of friendships and love, and in this, uses fighting to make himself numb from the pain but the only bright light in Phoenix’s life is the woman who battles between head and heart, a woman who is often a little bit TSTL (too stupid to live) finding herself in dangerous situations at every turn. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all of the couples we have met in the previous story lines: Rhett and Christine, Kai and Marcella, Karter, Haven and Brooklyn. The requisite evil has many faces.

BREAKING PHOENIX is a story of betrayal and trust, power and abuse, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is heart breaking and infuriating; the romance is intense; the characters are broken, desperate and struggling in their daily lives.

[E Loprete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking Phoenix (Underground Bruisers#2) by E.C. Land & Ray B. Lake is a fast paced, intense romance story that is well written by these two talented authors. The storyline was emotional, painful and heartfelt as you follow Phoenix and Skyla's journey.

Phoenix is full of rage as he is still dealing with trauma and pain from his past growing up in a foster home abused by his foster brother. He avoids making friends, as his pain still haunts him, he feels he doesn't deserve happiness or love. Now back home from his time in the Navy has left him cold and unable to relate to others. He has become a brutal knuckle fighter who only knows pain, once he unleashes his fists, he can become deadly. The only person he always thought about was Skyla who he went to school with, even though they never interacted with each other they both had feelings for each other that the other one never knew about. Now years later, they will be thrown together and their lives will never be the same again as they have to deal with chaos and confusion.

Skylar is full of sass, who keeps making the wrong choices with her pick of men. She finds her friends are the only ones who have her back. When Phoenix comes to her aid with a date that goes wrong, she becomes angry and defensive even though she has always had a crush on him. Now the more she tries to keep her distance from him, fate intervenes as they are thrown together as Skylar feels he is stalking her when he continues to show up putting a halt to her date. Will Skylar finally admit how much she wants Phoenix when they shared a kiss or will Skyla and Phoenix pretend it never happened as Phoenix shuts down and they continue to argue. Phoenix knows that one smile from her will end up breaking him as she can see right through the walls he has put in place. Skyla can't seem to get Phoenix out of her head, with the emotions of love and hate she is feeling will she give in?

So many twists and turns in this story as Phoenix is given an opportunity to be an underground fighter with Corey of Bright's Gym. Phoenix and Skyla continue their ongoing battle of miscommunication denying their true feelings as both are stubborn and headstrong. As their paths continue to cross, can Skyla break down his walls allowing both of them to try to have a relationship? Phoenix finally takes a chance to form friendships with Karter, Reese and Travis while he is training at the gym. Phoenix will now have to face his demons head on when his foster brother Troy Crawford enters his life once more causing chaos and drama?

Will Phoenix destroy his chance to be with Skyla as these two give into the passion that is between them by allowing Troy to sabotage his one chance at happiness? E.C. Land and Rae B. Lake have given their readers an intense, raw, emotional no holds barred story about Phoenix and Skyla's journey. Can't wait for Karter's story next in the Underground Bruiser's Series.

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix and Skyla have known each other since high school, sorta of friends but not really. Now a few years later he is doing illegal fights at the docks, when he see her and saves her from her date when he gets a little too friendly. Afterwards they yell and things for them get off on the wrong footing. After another encounter and a steamy time at her work place, they both try to navigate doing a relationship but with is past he can't trust easy and her not knowing how to do a relationship they have another fight she makes a call to his foster brother Troy and it lands her in a sticky situation she tries to hide it from him, but with him and not thinking he is worthy of anyone, friends, a woman, and so much more he gets the wrong idea. When is foster brother shows up at the gym where is training they choose to make a fight in the ring. Will they be able to navigate a relationship or will they fall apart? Can he let go of the past or will he hold on to it? An emotional charged, heartbreaking, read full of twist, and turns that will bring tears to your eyes, and keep on the edge of seat wanting more. Loved it and can't wait to see what these ladies have next.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skyla and Phoenix have known each other since high school but kept distance between them, not knowing the other liked them. Years later, they keep running into each other and cannot deny the attraction. Yet self-sabotage and person from Phoenix’s last threatens their budding relationship. I liked Skyla, who is sassy and sweet but also finds it hard to get close to others aside from her besties. Phoenix has some mental trauma from the abuse he faced growing up so also finds it hard to believe when people want to get to know him and be friends. This is what causes rifts and drama between them, particularly in the communication department. Yet we have their friends to help rally and bring them together and you do hope they find their HEA. There were definitely some cute moments between all the angst. We also get hints for the next couple, Karter and Savannah, and after seeing Karter step up as Phoenix’s bestie here, I can’t wait to see what’s next.

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

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so so good. My heart broke for Phoenix as he is very misunderstood due to his anger issues but his heart is in the right place and he only is very protective of those that he loves and cares about and that includes Skyla whom he has known since high school and he has always had a crush on. Little does he know that Skyla feels the same for him but is very much a party girl because her feelings are not reciprocated. Everything explodes when Phoenix’s very nasty foster brother shows up and takes an unwanted interest in Skyla just so he can torment Phoenix. A little bit of madness and misunderstandings follow but in the end Skyla and Phoenix are able to get themselves together. Lots of excitement, passion and drama make this a great read by two of my favourite authors in EC Land and Rae B Lake and I am so excited for the next book.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoenix has had a hard life from being a young child child and allows it affects his adult life in many ways. Anger seeps in all his pores. He does not believe himself to be worthy of peace and contentment, always on the fringe of everyone and everything.
Skyla is looking for commitment and happiness, but her choices for dating and picking unsuitable men, making rash decisions are her weaknesses and her downfall. Her interest in Phoenix is masked by her attitude towards him.
Secrets, lies and deceit will never smooth the way for this couple. They each need to look deeper and then behave differently. I didn't like her at times, as she is self destructive for stupid reasons. He is disturb by anger and his past.

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

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two have done it again. I am loving this series and the characters in them. This is Phoenix and Skyla’s story. These two have known each other since high school. Phoenix grew up in the foster system and was abused and Skyla dates constantly, but seems to always pick the wrong guy. Phoenix and Skyla have feelings for each other, but Phoenix pushes the feelings away, thinking he is not worthy of having Skyla. Skyla is finding it hard to keep wanting a man who seems not to want her so she is trying to move on. This book is filled with the feels, sone suspense, angst, hurts, memories, truths, secrets and twists and turns. I am loving this series and can’t wait for the next one. This book just pulled me right in and kept me hooked until the end.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix and Skyla were in school together as kids...she was always nice, never picking on Phoenix like so many of the other students did, following his foaster brother Troy's lead...Now years later, she is a masseuse and Phoenix is a former SEAL who works at the docks, gaining a reputation as the best bare-knuckle fighter out there...he is still smitten by Skyla, never thinking she may be interested in him...Troy had abused and beat him so much that he still felt like a small child and worthless because of his upbringing, but could the faith in his abilities in the ring change his life for the better??? You will need to read this story to see what happens...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix and Skylar know each other from school. He had a rough life growing up so when he was old enough he joined the Navy to get away. Now he's back and seeing Skylar again proved to him that he's still crushing on her. Skylar has had bad luck with men but she's been crushing on Phoenix for years. These two have been avoiding their feelings for each other but when they finally get together sparks are flying. Breaking Phoenix is book two in the Underground Bruisers series. The writing is well done, the characters are believable and their journey of love pulled at my heartstrings. I was cheering them on to get their well deserved happily ever after. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is Phoenix and Skyla’s journey. Phoenix grew up in the foster system, and is full of rage and pain, and has a past which haunts him. Skyla is sassy and caring, and was the popular girl in high school, and she is the only one who can see through his façade to the man underneath.
This is a well written story which is a fast paced, emotional roller coaster, with trauma, friendships, tension, pain, anger issues, drama, heartbreak, miscommunication, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy page turner, which had me on tenterhooks throughout.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 2 of Underground Bruisers starring Phoenix and Skyla. This one will have you all kinds of emotional and angry. Between both these characters they have a past that will hurt but a love that will heal them and make them stronger. I loved how explosive these two are in the beginning and how hot they are once they give in, I loved how stronger they are together and the way Phoenix gets into Skyla’s home. That man needs to learn how to ask for permission sometimes when it comes to doors. Snickering here and you will to after you read this book.

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

[Escape to the pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story and found it a really pacy and fun read.

The characters were interesting and I liked how non-linear the story was with a lot of will they/won’t they drama.

I found myself ultimately liking both of them even though Phoenix was a little “poor me” at times and definitely self sabotaged himself with his attitude towards the members of the boxing group and Skyla.

skyla was independent and fierce and looking for the one. I loved how she took no crap though she did have her TSTL moments with her dating exploits!!

A fun read and looking forwards to the next installment.

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

[Lisbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Skylar and Phoenix is the second book in the underground bruisers series, and although it can be read on its own, I would recommend reading Finding Reese first. Skylar and Phoenixs story is raw, sometimes brutal, heart breaking but also full of hope and possibilities. There are some though situations described and this story is not for the faint of hearth. It is well worth reading though because it is a story that shows how you can come out on the other side of pain and suffering a stronger person if you allow yourself to see the good.

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

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoenix grew up in foster care after his parents left him by a dumpster. His life was hard growing up with Troy who was his foster brother and a bully that was mean to him everyday. When he comes out of the military he works at the docks and taking on fights to get out his anger and aggression. When he runs into Skyla the girl he always crushed on in school they start seeing each other but with his background he always had doubts that anyone would want to be with him and that almost caused him to loss the girl of his dreams.

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

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix has had a rough childhood, and as soon as he could get out and joined the military, he did. He was tortured by his foster father and foster brother. Now he doesn’t trust peoples motives when they are decent to him. Skyla has been the one constant in his life and he has had a crush on her since he met her. He’s had a chip on his shoulder, and when he’s offered a chance to do underground cage fighting, he jumps at the chance. He trains at a gym where everyone wants to be his friend but from past experiences, he is questioning their motives. Again, Skyla is a constant in his life. It’s hilarious how he gets into her house. They start a relationship, but miscommunications and mistrust will sabotage it before it even starts. Can Phoenix win a second chance with Skyla?

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read and the next installment of the series. The main characters Phoenix and Skyla have had crushes on each other since school, but neither has the confidence to act on it. They are both products of bullying and in Phoenix’ case also abuse and indifference.
When they finally get their heads out of their butts, they start to act on their feelings, but that in itself is another walk in the “I’m not good enough” area. They fight with each other and for each other, because they have come to realize that they are it for the other. Along the way you run into old friends from the previous books and they help Phoenix realize that he has had friends who are also family.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! This is book two of the series and boy does it pack a punch! I am loving it! These two authors are fantastic and when they do a project together it is spectacular in my humble opinion This is Phoenix and Skyla’s story. I love the characters and their story. It is not easy by any means. They both have their own demons to deal with. They have feelings and assumptions that have made them who they are now. Can they have a HEA? Can they find a way to let their walls down and trust in each other? Only way to find out is to checknout this book and the series. I can not wait to get my hands on the next book!

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix had a rough life growing, filled with abuse by his foster father and foster brother. He left town and joined the Navy, now he is back in town. He has had his eye on Skyla, cares deeply about her, but only seems to make her mad.

Skyla has always had a soft spot for Phoenix but continues to date the wrong men. She does not understand why he keeps chasing off guys if he does not want her.

I felt more empathy for Phoenix in this story than Skyla. He had been thru so much that it took a lot to undo the damage and fight his demons.

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

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skyla is lonely although she pretends to be a good time girl she is looking for someone to connect with and becomes a serial dater trying to find that person. Phoenix has had a rough upbringing and has closed himself off as a result. Once they hookup, they finally admit that they both had interest in the other and things heat up. This is a steamy, emotional quick read. Although listed as Book 2, there are two prequels plus book 1 that help with understanding some of the peripheral characters that do make appearances.

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

[Marie Devlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skyla really comes off as bratty and alittle nieve..she knows that the situations she puts herself in are bad yet she does it anyway.. guess she won't learn till the shit hits the fan and she becomes a victim before she realises her choices are bad.
This really annoyed me through the book and her insecurities of how much Phoenix actually liked her.
Phoenix was a little jaded and would let his insecurities get the best of him and he would lash out to save himself the hurt. After the upbringing he had no wonder he never let anyone close or thought he was good enough for Skyla.
Glad they finally grew up alittle and got their happy ending.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers

Breaking Phoenix is the second book in the Underground Bruisers series. I enjoyed this story about Skylar Harrell and Phoenix Seller. Be warned that there are a number of potential triggers for some readers, so be sure to pay attention to the warning before you decide to read this book. I will say that there were a few things that were unsettling to me but I understood how they played into the story-line and why they were there. This is a friends to lovers and maybe more romance, but also with secrets, lies, emotions, a stalker and more added in. The relationship that develops between Skylar and Phoenix is sizzling hot.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoenix and Skylar have known each other since he was in foster homes. He has dealt with abuse while Skylar always find herself dating the wrong men. Phoenix feels that he isn't good enough for her given his background and she is tired of waiting around for a man who doesn't want her. It is a touching story filled with emotional twists and turns that draws you in and have you in their corner cheering for them to arrive at the same destination leading them together and towards a happily ever after.

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

[LJ Metzger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story!
Phoenix comes from a rough childhood and has always cared about Skyla but never told her how he felt. He has trauma from his youth and always pushes everyone away.
Skyla always had a crush on Phoneix as well but didn't know he felt the same way. She always has a smile on her face and is friendly with everyone, but she's lonely.
I love how their story plays out. They both have to work on trusting people. Phoenix finally gains a group of friends and finds love in the process.
I enjoyed all the banter between everyone. Can't wait for the next one!

[Patricia Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix comes from a rough childhood and has always cared about Skyla but never told her how he felt. He has trauma from his youth and always pushes everyone away.
Skyla always had a crush on Phoneix as well but didn't know he felt the same way. Phoenix feels that he isn't good enough for her given his background and she is tired of waiting around for a man who doesn't want her.
The book was so well written, loved how the hero got the girl but then throw in the drama from his past that you wonder will they be able to survive

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic story. It was the second full length story in the series and it was quite a bit darker than the rest, this is definitely a story where the trigger warning should be read before diving in. I loved the darker parts of the story, Phoenix and Skyla both brought some interesting backstories and they didn’t always know how to be together. I thought the story was amazing and I didn’t want it to end.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story and full of emotions. This is the story of Skylar and Phoenix 2 wounded souls who have to find their way in life after they both grew out of foster homes. They both took damage and Phoenix more than Skylar. Desire for Skylar grows, but Phoenix doesn't know if she wants him or if he's good enough for her because of what he's been through. A story with many twists and turns and a rollercoaster of emotions. I enjoyed their story and is highly recommended.


I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good story. You have both Phoenix and Sklya who have always been attracted to each other but neither one can admit how they feel about the other one. Phoenix closes himself from getting close to people due to his childhood. Sklya is lonely but tend to date the wrong people. Will these two ever be able to get together and get their HEA? This is a quick story with sizzling steam. This was a really great story that I highly recommend.

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

[Rebecca Kleckner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew, I know have more books on my TBR list!
Phoenix is rough, boy is he rough. A horrible childhood, off the navy and back home but to him nothing has changed; no friends, no life. He just continues doing what he does. By chance walking past a bar he sees Skyla, from High School.

Whew, my heart breaks for Phoenix during this whole book, absolutely breaks for him. It's soo good and I'm so glad the way it works out and ends!! More to read, I need to know the story of the other guys! Sounds like some amazing friends that Phoenix didn't even know he had.

[Sua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about Phoenix and Skyla as he is more of an awkward grump and she’s a lonely woman looking for love in all the wrong places. When they do end up getting together it’s explosive and full of drama as they have different perspectives of being in a relationship. This story had the right amount of action and drama to pull me in as well as the other characters who balanced everything out.

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

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book and this series! These authors really know how to catch you in the feels. Phoenix had a rough up bringing! His foster brother tormented him as a child. Phoenix has had a chip on his shoulder since then! Can a girl from his past show him he can had a happy life or will his foster brother ruin the chance at happiness?.

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