by Roni O'Connell
ISBN: 197568821X
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform on October 18th 2017
Genres: Paranormal, Romance
Pages: 300
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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.
Review of Inside Phoenix by Roni O’Connell
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. Pick up a copy on Amazon here!
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