Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Phoenix Rising
AUTHOR: Valerie Ullmer
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 209 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 6, 2024
BLURB:
Phoenix Aalto had everything he wanted in life.
His own bakery, close friends, and his plants.There was nothing more he could ask for after escaping the life his father wanted for him.Or that’s the lie he told himself each time the two men of his dreams walked into his bakery, looking every bit a happy couple. He wasn’t delusional enough to believe it was more than a one-sided attraction, but it didn’t stop him from daydreaming of something more.
Luka Kavka lived with his best friend, and they ran a successful landscaping business together. He’d come out during college, but like his friend, no one lasted more than a date.But a routine meeting in an out of way bakery with a real estate developer changed his fate.
Burton Horváth loved life. Working with his best friend while living with him was everything he thought needed.
When he spotted Phoenix behind the counter, everything he knew about his life changed. The younger man wasn’t his first crush on a man. If he were honest with himself, that honor would go to Luka. But he was the one who shook up his viewpoint at thirty-one years old and made him want a change.
Luka and Burton agreed they would ease into letting Phoenix know they were interested, which included months of daily visits. But change for all three men came when Luka charged in, giving Luka and Burton the opening they needed.
But as they navigate their newfound relationship, will the obstacles from Phoenix’s father allow them to find their happiness?
Phoenix Rising is an M/M/M romance with two best friends who fall in love with the same man. Includes a bisexual awakening, best-friends-to-lovers, a wonderful support system of friends and family, two adorable dogs, hot sexy times, and a definite HEA.
REVIEW:
Oh how I love a good poly book. And these three men scorched the pages!
Phoenix has finally achieved what he wanted. He is out of his father’s rein, owns a quaint and quirky bakery in a fun area. And every day he gets to see the two men that light a fire within him when they come for their daily bakery fix of his treats. So what if he never is with his crushes. At least he gets to take a peek and dream. But when a grabby nuisance sets the two gorgeous men off and leads to a first date, Phoenix starts on the adventure of a lifetime.
Angst! Some is good but I will admit that this got a bit monotonous. All three men constantly questioning themselves, questioning if this would last, questioning things from their past, questioning whether they would be able to keep the other two satisfied. It got to be a bit too much redundant. Add in Phoenix’s disgusting excuse of a father and his constant attacks and it almost stopped me from continuing. But it was Luca, Burton and Phoenix that kept me going. I needed them to figure out all was good and start just enjoying what was before them and the bright future they could enjoy if they just gave in and allowed their love and relationship to bloom.
I did love that, with his men always there for him and had his back, Phoenix finally grew enough confidence to stop allowing his father to steal his happiness. That man deserved to rot in jail for all the nastiness he threw at Phoenix all his life. He didn’t deserve the love and sweetness that was all Phoenix. But Luca and Burton deserved all his love and showed him daily how thrilled that they are all together. And together, along with the support of their parents and Phoenix’s friends, they can stop Hale and his minions. I was just thankful when all the angsty questioning finally stopped and we got to the heart of the book. That was when it shined.
RATING: 
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