T & G Book Boutique: Ember Blog Tour: ARC Review and Giveaway

RELEASE DATE: FEB 19
Eagle Elite Series Book 5

I am a Killer. A Rapist. A Monster.

I know only pain and survival.

That is until the Cappo's sister walked into my life.

And changed everything.

She's a light who makes my darkness darker, her smile makes my heart turn to ice, and I can't escape the fear her seductive looks instill--knowing it's only a matter of time before I fail--again, and take her for myself.

This is the story of my redemption.

But it's not pretty...I died, and now I'm alive, but not living, breathing but not surviving. I am Phoenix De Lange, son to a murdered mob boss, estranged brother, horrible friend, monster in the making, newest leader to one of the most powerful families in the Cosa Nostra.

And I will have my vengeance.

Or die trying.

I am Phoenix De Lange.

Death is all I know.

Until she offers me a piece of life--I can't resist taking.

BUY LINKS:

B & N | iBooks | Kobo

Review:
5 out of 5 stars

I was waiting for this book because I knew there was so much more to Phoenix. I got exactly what I wanted in this book. I got more Phoenix. I got to see what he went through. I saw his sadness and his regret. I saw him as more than what others saw in him. I saw him like Bee saw him. I saw his light and I knew he was capable of love. I knew he was capable of loving Bee. I liked that Bee saw the goodness in him while his friends and his own sister did not. They didn't think he could be saved but Bee wanted to save him.

Now Bee has become my new favorite of the female characters. She is spunky and has quick wit. She makes you laugh with her responses and she makes Phoenix lose control. I love that. He tries everything to stay in control around her but when we are in his POV we see just how hard it is for him to control it. We see just how hard it is to control his attraction to Bee. Poor Bee thinks that she doesn't get under his skin but she does and it is funny to watch it play out.

Their relationship is so cute. I can just imagine Phoenix hearing me say that. I don't think he would appreciate my use of the word cute but oh well, it is. He struggles with his past and the things he did. It is hard for him to get past it but Bee is just the person to help him with that. She sees the good that he is and she doesn't run away from his past. She understands him like no one else. I love that she helps him with little things that mean so much to him like food. I thought that Bee was amazing for that! When you read it you will understand what I am talking about (lasagna hint hint).

Now the suspense in this book is good but what can I say? I mean all Eagle Elite Series books have so much Mafia and problems. These guys are experts by now but things still come out and surprise me. I won't say much else because I don't want to include spoilers in my review so don't worry! Just know that this book did Phoenix justice and it made me so happy. I think my favorite couple has now become Bee and Phoenix. They are just so great and I love their little arguments and teases to each other. Now what really had me going was the ending of the book and the little sneak peak into the Book Elude! Now this one is going to be heartbreaking I'm sure. I can't wait to read Sergio's story. He is quite the mystery man!

EXCERPT:

I wasn’t sure how to act. Wasn’t sure if I should apologize for attacking him or thank him for not laughing in my face. Embarrassed and irritated that he was most likely going to ignore whatever it was between us even if it killed him, I stared hard at the cement floor.

“How are you feeling, little girl?”

“I’m not little.”

“You want me to call you fat?”

“No.” I lifted my head. “Call me gorgeous like you did last night.”

“Well, shit.” Phoenix ran his hands over his face then grabbed my arm and dragged me down the hall into a darkened corner. “You remember?”

“You kissed me.”

“Prove it.”

“What’s wrong with you?” I pushed against his chest. “You like me! Admit it!”

Phoenix made a face. “You were drunk, launched yourself at me, and I caught you. Did we kiss?” His eyes went completely black. “Yeah, we did, but it meant nothing.”

“Really?”

“Really.” He hissed out a breath through his teeth.

“Prove it.”

“What?”

I pushed him against the wall. “Prove it meant nothing. Let me kiss you now, and if it meant nothing it will be like… what? Kissing your sister.”

“I’ve sworn off women.”

“So this should be an easy test then, right?”

“Bee…” Phoenix’s face was pained, as if I was holding a gun to his head rather than offering to kiss him. Was the idea so abhorrent? “Please…” His voice had a pleading tone I’d never heard before. “Don’t do this.”

“One. Little. Test.” I rose up on my tip toes and kissed him full on the mouth.

His lips refused to move against mine.

I wrapped my arms around his neck.

He stiffened even more.

Irritated, I bit his lower lip. He gasped, and I slid my tongue inside his mouth. He pushed me away with a curse then wiped his lips. “Done. Your little test is done. I didn’t respond. Happy now?”

His eyes were furious; the blue flashed like lightning against his skin. His fingertips shook as he made a fist.

“You like me.”

“Bee…” Phoenix pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingertips. “…find someone your own age, someone who’s interested in you in the way you deserve, alright?” His tone was gentle, and maybe that was what hurt the most.

It was like he was letting me down slowly, hoping I didn’t break.

But the joke was on him.

Because I was already broken.

I didn’t want boys my age — I wanted him.

“You’re a good liar.” My eyes narrowed. “And you’re lucky I’m patient.”

“Lucky?” He sputtered out a laugh. “That you like toying with me?”

“No, lucky that even though you constantly push me away…I keep coming back for more. But, Phoenix… everyone’s time eventually runs out.”

“Go to breakfast, Bee.”

“Go to hell, Phoenix.”

About Rachel Van Dyken:

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

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