The Last Beginning by Rachel Firasek

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The Last Beginning (CURSE OF THE PHOENIX - Book 3) by Rachel Firasek

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Length: Novella

Release Date: February 2012

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ADULT CONTENT

 
Sadie’s days fighting off greedy claim jumpers ended in 1856 when Osiris snatched her from her filthy room and placed her with a trio of phoenixes. After 150 years living a respectable life saving souls, she’s tired of playing by the god’s rules. It’s time the master of manipulation learned her creed: live hard, play for keeps, and never let the enemy see you suffer.

Osiris never imagined the true queen he’s spent two millennia searching for would be a half-pint redhead with a mouth that makes him blush. She needs a gentle hand to breach her defenses, but living with her and keeping his natural arrogance at a simmer proves a challenge worthy of any champion.

While Osiris teaches her the wisdom needed to rule a world with fairness, the irritating god only intensifies Sadie’s belief in her creed, reinforcing the walls that keep her from happiness. If Osiris can’t win her hardened heart, Sadie’s ascension might threaten the world he’s struggled to create.

This series has been absolutely amazing. Great characters, interesting story lines for each of the phoenixes and romances like no other. In this third and final installment of the Curse of the Phoenix series more of Osiris' story comes out and there is finally a glimpse at his emotional side. I was wondering if we would get to see this. 

Sadie's story is so unlike the others - where Ice and Ari both had committed great sins, Sadie had not. During the story we find out the reason that Sadie was chosen to become one of his phoenixes was because of Osiris' selfishness.  (I'm leaving it at that so as not to totally spoil things for those still wanting to read this novella).

They have this love hate relationship - he loves her unconditionally, but she hates him with all of her being one minute and the next she is drawn to his raw masculinity like a moth to a flame. Their desire for one another is quite smoldering, regardless that Sadie tries her best to not give in to her needs. 

When Sadie becomes deathly ill, Osiris does everything within his power to try and save her life. Though they have not been romantically inclined before, he is completely in love with her. With this need to save her life, Osiris calls upon Ice and Ari for some help and it is wonderful to see the other two phoenixes make an appearance via their new lives. 

Overall this story is fast paced, intense and unpredictable. There are things I just assumed would happen and the few small twists were perfect at keeping me on my toes. I loved how this series ended and it is one of my top novella series to date.