Title: The Last Rising
Author: Rachel Firasek
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Curse of the Phoenix #1
Publisher: Entangled
Number of Pages: 102 (EBOOK)
Source: Netgalley
After paying two millennia’s penance to Osiris, world-weary Phoenix Ice has had enough. Saving souls without any hope for her own redemption isn’t how she imagined spending eternity. Fed up, she decides her next death will be her last. But when she sacrifices her own life for a sexy Texan in a catastrophic plane crash, she has no idea the consequences will be so great…or that she’ll end up back in his life for her next assignment.Now that Turner Alcott has survived the worst, finding a wife and mother for his son matters more than ever before. When the mysterious Ice comes into his life, Turner knows she’s the one—but love is the last thing Ice wants. If he wants to win her heart, Turner must teach Ice how to forgive herself, and prove that love is the ultimate sacrifice.
(goodreads)
This book saved me from a serious reading slump and will forever hold a special place in my heart because of it. It's one of those rare stories that captures your imagination and doesn't let go.
Ice is as tough as they come. She was burned long ago for actions and has been paying for her mistakes ever since. Her job as a Phoenix is to save people, and to do that she's never in one place very long. Moving around doesn't leave room to grow close to people, and having your memory wiped after your last job doesn't help either. I just loved her as a heroine~she's so tough and maybe a bit detached on the outside, but on the inside she's as vulnerable and caring as they come.
Ice is the leader of a few other Phoenixes, and she might be pissed at Osiris for putting her in this position, but she's going to do her job well, and try her best not to get attached to Turner or his son Brodie, while at the same time looking out for those who are in the same situation she is in. What I liked about the other phoenixes is that you got to know them well enough to really like them and want to see them in other books, but they didn't take over any one scene. I loved their interaction with Brodie, and I have to say that little dude stole the show. He was one of my favorite characters in the book. That's saying a lot because I normally don't like books with single parents in it, but it just worked with this storyline.
Turner was really likable and I loved how his relationship with Ice developed gradually and that his emotions after surviving the plane crash weren't ignored. He is trying his best to be a good parent to his son Brodie, but knows he has to follow his feelings about Ice. Even though she backs away from him, he doesn't give up. I just adore books where the guy does most of the fighting for the girl!
The Last Rising was just a refreshing read, and I can't wait to read more of this series. Rachael Firasek is one to watch. I'm not just saying that because I follow her on twitter either~this is one novella that I can't wait to re-read.
Barrons Hero Hotness Meter: Medium
Martini Sigh Meter: High
Rhiannon Kick Ass Heroine Meter: High
Ethan/Merit Sizzle Meter: Medium
Curran Crush Meter: Low (But I still liked Turner)
Finn Sidekick Meter: High
