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Phoenix Rising #3
Strongman
A hard-bitten mercenary who's had a gutful of mud and blood and death, Fortitude McLaren joins the Ten Nations Fair as a roustabout. Tough, cold and competent, he's shocked and angered by his hunger for Griff, a circus acrobat. Brought up in the bigoted society of the Straight Church, Fort regards manlove with casual contempt. Not for him. Never for him.
Athletic, cocky and single-minded about what he wants, Griff sets about getting it. Fort fights with everything in him, but Griff affects him like no one else. It's not just his strong, supple body. Fort is irresistibly drawn by the friendship the other man offers so freely.
Fort may have found a friend, but the cruel memories of his childhood are the greatest enemy of all. When a job for Jan the Aetherii puts Griff in danger, Fort discovers what's really at risk — everything he is and everything he's ever believed in. To save Griff's life and preserve his own sanity, Fort must not only fight the battle in his soul, he must win it.
Athletic, cocky and single-minded about what he wants, Griff sets about getting it. Fort fights with everything in him, but Griff affects him like no one else. It's not just his strong, supple body. Fort is irresistibly drawn by the friendship the other man offers so freely.
Fort may have found a friend, but the cruel memories of his childhood are the greatest enemy of all. When a job for Jan the Aetherii puts Griff in danger, Fort discovers what's really at risk — everything he is and everything he's ever believed in. To save Griff's life and preserve his own sanity, Fort must not only fight the battle in his soul, he must win it.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
1 person is currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Denise Rossetti
24 books222 followersWhen I was very small, I had an aunt who would tell me the most wonderful fairy tales - all original. I grew up, as little girls do, but the magic of story still dazzles and enthralls me. On the good days, I like to think of myself as Scheherazade's sister. On the bad days - not so much.
I remain an incurable romantic who loves happy endings, heart-pounding adventure and the eventual triumph of good over evil. All hail the guys in the white hats - unless the ones wearing black are more...um...interesting?
I live in a comfortable, messy old house in the Australian suburbs. I'm small, noisy and tend to wave my hands around a lot, which can be unfortunate if the tale I'm telling happens to have explosions in it.
I remain an incurable romantic who loves happy endings, heart-pounding adventure and the eventual triumph of good over evil. All hail the guys in the white hats - unless the ones wearing black are more...um...interesting?
I live in a comfortable, messy old house in the Australian suburbs. I'm small, noisy and tend to wave my hands around a lot, which can be unfortunate if the tale I'm telling happens to have explosions in it.
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April 9, 2024
Re-read April 2024:
Ten years later... and it's still FIVE SOLID GOLD STARS
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
First of all, the writing - Denise Rossetti is truly gifted. She manages to be eloquent and thoroughly descriptive of characters and world-build without sliding into that awkward purple prose territory... something a lot of today's authors could really learn from!
It's a real shame her health prevented her from finishing book 5 in the Phoenix Rising universe. Thankfully, the way she wrote these books makes them interconnected without being inter-dependent, and they do make sense when read on their own. As much as I would have loved that 5th book, I'm grateful we weren't left hanging.
The cover - well that could use an update, but things have changed since2014 2008, omg!
And as for our couple, Griff and Fort - I think these two might be one of my all time favorite couples, and their story is just beautiful. And sexy AF.
Griffid, aka GRIFF:
Griff is an acrobat, or "Tumbler" at the Ten Nations Fair. He is easy going and well liked; friendly and kind and generally a ray of sunshine, but with an inner strength and resolve that becomes Fort's kryptonite.
Griff is beautiful and clever and magnetic, and incredibly comfortable in his own skin. Which is good, because his performance tights hide absolutely nothing.
Griff has enjoyed both male and female bed partners in the past but tends to choose women... Until Fort enters his world and knocks him right off his feet with their intense chemistry.
Griff is totally captivated by Fort's quiet strength and mysterious demeanor. He's utterly smitten, and he makes it his mission to get to know the new Strongman and hopefully get under him, ASAP.
But what starts out as sexual interest quickly turns into something much deeper as he begins to peel back the layers that are Fortitude McLaren ...
Fortitude, aka FORT:
Fort has just joined the Ten Nations Fair as a roustabout; one of the big strong guys that help set up and take down the tents and structures that keep the show running as they travel from place to place. Fort is intense and serious and quiet, the epitome of the strong silent type. He just wants to live a quiet peaceful life after setting aside his sword, literally.
Fort's past life, first as a child raised in the strict and abusive StraightChurch religion, then as a mercenary company commander, has left him with a lot of scars, on both his (gorgeous) body and his heart.
Wherever he goes, people recognize his strength and leadership and keep turning to him for direction and guidance. He's a natural leader and commander, even when he's trying to blend in and lay low. And that strength and self assuredness calls to Griff in a way nothing has before.
Griff's pursuit of Fort is a bit of a game at first, but before he knows it he's invested in getting to know the other man's hidden depths. Griff falls hard and longs to care for Fort, to love him, in a way Griff didn't know he was capable of:
Fort's strict religious upbringing (think Amish, but even more severe) shaped the way he views relationships between men, and as such he has never considered as a possibility for himself. He doesn't have a problem with it personally, he just believes it's... not for him.
Despite his hard life up to this point - or maybe because of it, in a way? - Fort has a secret appreciation for well made and beautiful things... and Griff, well... he is absolutely undeniably beautiful. And VERY well made.
And Fort cannot look away.
At first his appreciation of Griff is purely aesthetic, but on top of being gorgeous Griff is just so kind and magnetic and a persistent little shit. He seems to know when to push but also when to give Fort space to process... And before he knows it, Fort is wading through some pretty realistic inner turmoil as he comes to terms with his emotions and biases and preconceived notions.
The way Griff gets Fort so tied up in knots is intensely sexual, yes, but their connection is so much more than just physical and Fort understandably doesn't know how to handle it.
But when he gets a "grip" on his feelings ... boy does Fort show Griff the time of his life! The two of them really compliment each other in so many ways and they way their relationship unfolds is a delight.
In summary: if you can get your hands on this older but fabulous story, give it a read. I'm willing to bet you'll love it too.
Phoenix Rising Series:
Gift of the Goddess - MMF*
Tailspin - MMF*
Strongman - MM
Guilty as Sin - MMF*
*where it is a true 3-way relationship and the men are romantically and sexually involved
_______________________________
April 2014, first formal review:
I just re-read this bad boy because I am SO EXCITED for Phoenix Rising #5 to come out, especially because it's featuring two more of Ms Rossetti's HOT male characters! (Any chance we can get an m/m with two more Aetherii anytime soon? Please? *begs*)
Anyway... this story is a GEM. Fort is solid, strong, selfless, loyal, difficult to get close to, and smokin hot. Griff is just delicious... slinky, sexy, and drawn to Fort like a bejeweled moth to flame. While Griff is the persistent seducer, he does not come across as feminine at ALL which I really enjoyed. (I don't want an m-f disguised as m-m, or that's what I'd be reading... I digress). He has his own strengths that become integral to the way the story unfolds and help to balance out their relationship. The slow burn between these two culminates in a passionate, caring, loving relationship that neither of them expected. These characters somehow should not fit together, or work at ALL, but somehow they are soooo perfect for each other.
Their story reunites us with some of our other Phoenix Rising friends, and I cannot wait to see who we get to meet next from this world!
One more thing - I always appreciate that Ms Rossetti's work is meticulously edited, beautifully written, and sealed with agorgeous cover worth looking at. 10 years later it could use an update lol, but hey its still tolerable 🙃
Ten years later... and it's still FIVE SOLID GOLD STARS
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
First of all, the writing - Denise Rossetti is truly gifted. She manages to be eloquent and thoroughly descriptive of characters and world-build without sliding into that awkward purple prose territory... something a lot of today's authors could really learn from!
It's a real shame her health prevented her from finishing book 5 in the Phoenix Rising universe. Thankfully, the way she wrote these books makes them interconnected without being inter-dependent, and they do make sense when read on their own. As much as I would have loved that 5th book, I'm grateful we weren't left hanging.
The cover - well that could use an update, but things have changed since
And as for our couple, Griff and Fort - I think these two might be one of my all time favorite couples, and their story is just beautiful. And sexy AF.
Griffid, aka GRIFF:
Griff is an acrobat, or "Tumbler" at the Ten Nations Fair. He is easy going and well liked; friendly and kind and generally a ray of sunshine, but with an inner strength and resolve that becomes Fort's kryptonite.
Griff is beautiful and clever and magnetic, and incredibly comfortable in his own skin. Which is good, because his performance tights hide absolutely nothing.
Griff has enjoyed both male and female bed partners in the past but tends to choose women... Until Fort enters his world and knocks him right off his feet with their intense chemistry.
Griff is totally captivated by Fort's quiet strength and mysterious demeanor. He's utterly smitten, and he makes it his mission to get to know the new Strongman and hopefully get under him, ASAP.
But what starts out as sexual interest quickly turns into something much deeper as he begins to peel back the layers that are Fortitude McLaren ...
"Stories about the man had flown around the Fair within an hour of his arrival. He'd been an assassin - no, a mercenary - no, a captain of the King's Guard. Griff stole another glance. He looked formidable enough to have been any or all of them, his face guarded, full of secrets. Such deep reserve."
Fortitude, aka FORT:
Fort has just joined the Ten Nations Fair as a roustabout; one of the big strong guys that help set up and take down the tents and structures that keep the show running as they travel from place to place. Fort is intense and serious and quiet, the epitome of the strong silent type. He just wants to live a quiet peaceful life after setting aside his sword, literally.
Fort's past life, first as a child raised in the strict and abusive StraightChurch religion, then as a mercenary company commander, has left him with a lot of scars, on both his (gorgeous) body and his heart.
Wherever he goes, people recognize his strength and leadership and keep turning to him for direction and guidance. He's a natural leader and commander, even when he's trying to blend in and lay low. And that strength and self assuredness calls to Griff in a way nothing has before.
Griff's pursuit of Fort is a bit of a game at first, but before he knows it he's invested in getting to know the other man's hidden depths. Griff falls hard and longs to care for Fort, to love him, in a way Griff didn't know he was capable of:
"Traveler save him, Fort had seen some things. And gods, he knew the man had been a mercenary, but what had it done to him?
Not for the first time, Griff doubted his own common sense. Because if it meant Fort would smile at him, for him, he'd get to the root of it, try to drain the festering poison from the wound. He squeezed his eyes shut. Twister, he must be mad."
Fort's strict religious upbringing (think Amish, but even more severe) shaped the way he views relationships between men, and as such he has never considered as a possibility for himself. He doesn't have a problem with it personally, he just believes it's... not for him.
Despite his hard life up to this point - or maybe because of it, in a way? - Fort has a secret appreciation for well made and beautiful things... and Griff, well... he is absolutely undeniably beautiful. And VERY well made.
And Fort cannot look away.
At first his appreciation of Griff is purely aesthetic, but on top of being gorgeous Griff is just so kind and magnetic and a persistent little shit. He seems to know when to push but also when to give Fort space to process... And before he knows it, Fort is wading through some pretty realistic inner turmoil as he comes to terms with his emotions and biases and preconceived notions.
The way Griff gets Fort so tied up in knots is intensely sexual, yes, but their connection is so much more than just physical and Fort understandably doesn't know how to handle it.
But when he gets a "grip" on his feelings ... boy does Fort show Griff the time of his life! The two of them really compliment each other in so many ways and they way their relationship unfolds is a delight.
In summary: if you can get your hands on this older but fabulous story, give it a read. I'm willing to bet you'll love it too.
Phoenix Rising Series:
Gift of the Goddess - MMF*
Tailspin - MMF*
Strongman - MM
Guilty as Sin - MMF*
*where it is a true 3-way relationship and the men are romantically and sexually involved
_______________________________
April 2014, first formal review:
I just re-read this bad boy because I am SO EXCITED for Phoenix Rising #5 to come out, especially because it's featuring two more of Ms Rossetti's HOT male characters! (Any chance we can get an m/m with two more Aetherii anytime soon? Please? *begs*)
Anyway... this story is a GEM. Fort is solid, strong, selfless, loyal, difficult to get close to, and smokin hot. Griff is just delicious... slinky, sexy, and drawn to Fort like a bejeweled moth to flame. While Griff is the persistent seducer, he does not come across as feminine at ALL which I really enjoyed. (I don't want an m-f disguised as m-m, or that's what I'd be reading... I digress). He has his own strengths that become integral to the way the story unfolds and help to balance out their relationship. The slow burn between these two culminates in a passionate, caring, loving relationship that neither of them expected. These characters somehow should not fit together, or work at ALL, but somehow they are soooo perfect for each other.
Their story reunites us with some of our other Phoenix Rising friends, and I cannot wait to see who we get to meet next from this world!
One more thing - I always appreciate that Ms Rossetti's work is meticulously edited, beautifully written, and sealed with a
February 12, 2012
4.5 stars
Griff and Fort they are to die for! Griff is mesmerizing seductive and such a tease but watch out because he is one formidable opponent and totally yummy. Fort the lonely tormented mercenary is in for a shock when he comes up against Griff he really has no idea whats about to hit him. All his attempts at keeping his distance and denying his feelings are useless. The chemistry and sexiness between them sizzles its there simmering away slowly and building every time they are together.
I love how Griff took the bull by the horns so to speak and went after Fort with everything he had and boy he was devious and irresistible. What wowed me the most was the wrestling match who would have thought that such brutal fighting would be exciting, thrilling and sexy as hell. Beautiful and one of those rare fantasies (not a big fan) that worked for me and was easy to follow.
I am amazed that Strongman is not more popular and why is the author who is obviously very talented not writing more M/M! I would never have read this if it wasn't for a good friend who encouraged me to try it, thank you Sims this was so captivating I did not want it to end. Now if only Ms Rossetti would grant us our wish.
Griff and Fort they are to die for! Griff is mesmerizing seductive and such a tease but watch out because he is one formidable opponent and totally yummy. Fort the lonely tormented mercenary is in for a shock when he comes up against Griff he really has no idea whats about to hit him. All his attempts at keeping his distance and denying his feelings are useless. The chemistry and sexiness between them sizzles its there simmering away slowly and building every time they are together.
I love how Griff took the bull by the horns so to speak and went after Fort with everything he had and boy he was devious and irresistible. What wowed me the most was the wrestling match who would have thought that such brutal fighting would be exciting, thrilling and sexy as hell. Beautiful and one of those rare fantasies (not a big fan) that worked for me and was easy to follow.
I am amazed that Strongman is not more popular and why is the author who is obviously very talented not writing more M/M! I would never have read this if it wasn't for a good friend who encouraged me to try it, thank you Sims this was so captivating I did not want it to end. Now if only Ms Rossetti would grant us our wish.
January 9, 2009
Synopsis from Ellora's Cave.
A hard-bitten mercenary who's had a gutful of mud and blood and death, Fortitude McLaren joins the Ten Nations Fair as a roustabout. Tough, cold and competent, he's shocked and angered by his hunger for Griff, a circus acrobat. Brought up in the bigoted society of the Straight Church, Fort regards manlove with casual contempt. Not for him. Never for him.
Athletic, cocky and single-minded about what he wants, Griff sets about getting it. Fort fights with everything in him, but Griff affects him like no one else. It's not just his strong, supple body. Fort is irresistibly drawn by the friendship the other man offers so freely.
Fort may have found a friend, but the cruel memories of his childhood are the greatest enemy of all. When a job for Jan the Aetherii puts Griff in danger, Fort discovers what's really at risk — everything he is and everything he's ever believed in. To save Griff's life and preserve his own sanity, Fort must not only fight the battle in his soul, he must win it.
Griff has been omnivorous, shall we say, when it comes to sex. When he sees Fort watching him and the others practicing their routines under the big top he is intrigued. Not a day goes by without another rumour about the large, silent man. Griff has a motto for every occasion, and in this case it's ... If you don't reach, you don't get... and as his interest is aroused, he decides what he wants is Fort.
Fortitude, or Fort, is a mercenary and has spent many long years fighting. It is not initially clear why he has left soldiering but he is tired and also seems very alone. He has a commanding presence and leadership seems to come to him naturally. Even though he has just recently become a part of the Ten Nations Fair, the other men trust him implicitly. He has had a strictly religious and unpleasant upbringing where homosexuality is not tolerated. Indeed it is punishable by death. Despite this Fort is unprejudiced with others, and has a live and let live code. For himself though, his attraction to another man, a much younger man, causes him huge internal conflict. As a character I fell for him rather heavily. He is just so incredibly self-contained, I wanted to muss him up a little.
Griff is a smart ass, cocky and quick witted. He approaches Fort initially but is rebuffed and this is like a red rag to a bull. I loved the way he just put himself in front of Fort at every opportunity. He knows Fort wants him, if the size of his hardon was anything to go by! And even though it is taunting, teasing and perhaps a little unkind, it is just sex on a stick. You just feel Griff's dogged determination to get what he wants just might mean his own ultimate surrender. Ummmm surrender...
While Fort spends all his time pushing Griff away he still looks out for the younger man and protects him, while seemingly unaware of his own actions. Griff is quite capable of sticking up for himself and somehow this makes it all the sweeter.
The sex is hot, toe curlingly good. The first time is such a surrender for Fort, it is almost as though he cannot help but touch Griff. Freaking hawt smexin goodness. I liked the feeling of strength and size about Fort. While Griff is tall and muscular there is a definite contrast in size and I enjoyed this much. Oh, and wrestling and getting tied up?? Tasty! Merow.
The world building in this futuristic fantasy was tight and not bogged down in lengthy description. Because this is my 1st book in the series there might have been more set up stuff in other novels. It is very natural, without being obvious, and also well executed. Sometimes I feel authors think you don't have your big girl pants on and that they're obliged to explain everything to death. Not the case in this. I never found myself getting bored, lost or having a WTF moment and this is always a bonus! The only thing I could have wished for... sunscreen. snort.
I have my fingers, toes and eyes crossed that Denise writes more m/m books because this one rocked my socks. This might be my new measure of a good book, sock rockingly good! I might even go and read her 2nd book in the series, here, which is a menage, with a girl in it!!
Check out the live colour version on my blog here>>>
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2008/07/...
A hard-bitten mercenary who's had a gutful of mud and blood and death, Fortitude McLaren joins the Ten Nations Fair as a roustabout. Tough, cold and competent, he's shocked and angered by his hunger for Griff, a circus acrobat. Brought up in the bigoted society of the Straight Church, Fort regards manlove with casual contempt. Not for him. Never for him.
Athletic, cocky and single-minded about what he wants, Griff sets about getting it. Fort fights with everything in him, but Griff affects him like no one else. It's not just his strong, supple body. Fort is irresistibly drawn by the friendship the other man offers so freely.
Fort may have found a friend, but the cruel memories of his childhood are the greatest enemy of all. When a job for Jan the Aetherii puts Griff in danger, Fort discovers what's really at risk — everything he is and everything he's ever believed in. To save Griff's life and preserve his own sanity, Fort must not only fight the battle in his soul, he must win it.
Griff has been omnivorous, shall we say, when it comes to sex. When he sees Fort watching him and the others practicing their routines under the big top he is intrigued. Not a day goes by without another rumour about the large, silent man. Griff has a motto for every occasion, and in this case it's ... If you don't reach, you don't get... and as his interest is aroused, he decides what he wants is Fort.
Fortitude, or Fort, is a mercenary and has spent many long years fighting. It is not initially clear why he has left soldiering but he is tired and also seems very alone. He has a commanding presence and leadership seems to come to him naturally. Even though he has just recently become a part of the Ten Nations Fair, the other men trust him implicitly. He has had a strictly religious and unpleasant upbringing where homosexuality is not tolerated. Indeed it is punishable by death. Despite this Fort is unprejudiced with others, and has a live and let live code. For himself though, his attraction to another man, a much younger man, causes him huge internal conflict. As a character I fell for him rather heavily. He is just so incredibly self-contained, I wanted to muss him up a little.
Griff is a smart ass, cocky and quick witted. He approaches Fort initially but is rebuffed and this is like a red rag to a bull. I loved the way he just put himself in front of Fort at every opportunity. He knows Fort wants him, if the size of his hardon was anything to go by! And even though it is taunting, teasing and perhaps a little unkind, it is just sex on a stick. You just feel Griff's dogged determination to get what he wants just might mean his own ultimate surrender. Ummmm surrender...
While Fort spends all his time pushing Griff away he still looks out for the younger man and protects him, while seemingly unaware of his own actions. Griff is quite capable of sticking up for himself and somehow this makes it all the sweeter.
The sex is hot, toe curlingly good. The first time is such a surrender for Fort, it is almost as though he cannot help but touch Griff. Freaking hawt smexin goodness. I liked the feeling of strength and size about Fort. While Griff is tall and muscular there is a definite contrast in size and I enjoyed this much. Oh, and wrestling and getting tied up?? Tasty! Merow.
The world building in this futuristic fantasy was tight and not bogged down in lengthy description. Because this is my 1st book in the series there might have been more set up stuff in other novels. It is very natural, without being obvious, and also well executed. Sometimes I feel authors think you don't have your big girl pants on and that they're obliged to explain everything to death. Not the case in this. I never found myself getting bored, lost or having a WTF moment and this is always a bonus! The only thing I could have wished for... sunscreen. snort.
I have my fingers, toes and eyes crossed that Denise writes more m/m books because this one rocked my socks. This might be my new measure of a good book, sock rockingly good! I might even go and read her 2nd book in the series, here, which is a menage, with a girl in it!!
Check out the live colour version on my blog here>>>
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2008/07/...
October 29, 2010
Fort has been raised according to strict rules; he escaped his dreary childhood and his abusive father in a most disturbing way and married the woman he loved, but lost her long ago in childbirth. After years as a mercenary, he has recently "retired" to the Ten Nations Fair menagerie. He has always had this desire for men, but never given in to it, buried those urges so deep within himself he barely remembered them. Until - yes, until he meets Griff, a tumbler and knife-thrower, a seemingly careless, free spirited man so sexually bold and so charming he breaks right through Fort's fortress walls, straight into his trews - and into his heart.
This is the third book in Rosetti's "Phoenix rising" series, the only m/m after a het romance and a menage, and the author did really well with this. Both Fort and Griff are enticing personalities, both with their flaws and scars. Their relationship, after it got started, was strong and right.
Their beginning, though, was a bit far-fetched, and the author took great pains in making clear both of them actually preferred women, so it was pretty much a gay-for-you story. But Fort threw himself headfirst into Griff once he'd accepted his feelings, which went a long way for him to accept himself, so it all turned out good.
The worldbuilding was amazing. Those ideas - a city built on the leaves of a giant sea plant, flying people, feathered, claw-hoofed camel-like being to ride on, saurier-human hybrids - what an imagination! What's more, all this was largely internally consistent and very well thougt through.
Strongman is a great fantasy, a beautiful romance and a very entertaining read. Recommended.
This is the third book in Rosetti's "Phoenix rising" series, the only m/m after a het romance and a menage, and the author did really well with this. Both Fort and Griff are enticing personalities, both with their flaws and scars. Their relationship, after it got started, was strong and right.
Their beginning, though, was a bit far-fetched, and the author took great pains in making clear both of them actually preferred women, so it was pretty much a gay-for-you story. But Fort threw himself headfirst into Griff once he'd accepted his feelings, which went a long way for him to accept himself, so it all turned out good.
The worldbuilding was amazing. Those ideas - a city built on the leaves of a giant sea plant, flying people, feathered, claw-hoofed camel-like being to ride on, saurier-human hybrids - what an imagination! What's more, all this was largely internally consistent and very well thougt through.
Strongman is a great fantasy, a beautiful romance and a very entertaining read. Recommended.
October 26, 2010
i dont usually like fantasy/futuristic books, nor do i like the whole plot centered around coming to terms with ones sexuality. guess thats why i was rather shocked that this book had both and i thought it was quite good.
of course, the fantasy/setting of this book was fantastically done: there werent pages upon pages of dull explanation, rather the world was presented as a fait accompli.
similarly, rossetti didnt make Fort a whiney bitch; the introspection was well-balanced with action and reaction. all in all, a highly enjoyable story about a man struggling with his sexuality and his attraction to another man, and their experiences gathering intelligence on another species (at least i think theyre another species- although theyre described as a hybrid race). fantastic. well written, too. pretty much everything one could want out of a book.
of course, the fantasy/setting of this book was fantastically done: there werent pages upon pages of dull explanation, rather the world was presented as a fait accompli.
similarly, rossetti didnt make Fort a whiney bitch; the introspection was well-balanced with action and reaction. all in all, a highly enjoyable story about a man struggling with his sexuality and his attraction to another man, and their experiences gathering intelligence on another species (at least i think theyre another species- although theyre described as a hybrid race). fantastic. well written, too. pretty much everything one could want out of a book.
October 12, 2016
Oh my my my! Just when I think things can't get any more fun in this series they do. I think what I liked so much! I love the tie back to Mirry, Jan, and Fledge. It's like seeing old friends!
August 12, 2013
Let me start by saying that I don’t read fantasy when reading M/M. I definitely don’t read circus themed books; I also don’t start by reading the 3rd book in a series without having read the others. This book was all of the above and I still smiled and gave a little sigh when I finished it.
The world building took a chapter or two to get use to, and the characters from the previous books, while making an appearance, did not do so in a fashion that made one feel you where missing parts of the current story. Therefore it can be read as a stand-alone. In fact the characters from the previous books were intriguing enough that I want to read their story as well. The circus theme was very peripheral and in fact added a wonderful setting for the story of Griff and Fort. At its very core this was a GFY story, not an “Out for You” story, this was a definite GFY, as Fort’s extremely religious upbringing meant it definitely was not something he would have ever contemplated. The mythology Ms Rossetti has developed in world is very interesting and again, I don't enjoy books with mythological themes, yet the new religion Fort embraced enhanced the book in such a way that it would actually have lacked something if that element had not been there.
What I especially enjoyed about this book was in the traditional GFY trope the “straight” MC is the one that traditionally makes the advances once they have made up their mind. In this Griff pursued Fort despite the fact that Fort could squish him like a bug and oh my! When Griff finally takes that leap, the chemistry they generate sizzles, in fact one scene had me panting slightly *salacious grin* Griff was such a refreshing character, who lived in the moment and took risks and was carefree in a way few strong alpha males in MM are. Fort was the hulking, brooding, tortured MC that despite all that surprised me and when contrasted with Griff’s confidence came across as almost heart-breakingly vulnerable.
This story was tender in a way that was not flowery or trite. It was gentle and the perfect read if you are looking for something light, but not light as in fluff, the book has substance, but the over- all impression it left for me was warmth, it is really the only way I can succinctly sum it up.
The world building took a chapter or two to get use to, and the characters from the previous books, while making an appearance, did not do so in a fashion that made one feel you where missing parts of the current story. Therefore it can be read as a stand-alone. In fact the characters from the previous books were intriguing enough that I want to read their story as well. The circus theme was very peripheral and in fact added a wonderful setting for the story of Griff and Fort. At its very core this was a GFY story, not an “Out for You” story, this was a definite GFY, as Fort’s extremely religious upbringing meant it definitely was not something he would have ever contemplated. The mythology Ms Rossetti has developed in world is very interesting and again, I don't enjoy books with mythological themes, yet the new religion Fort embraced enhanced the book in such a way that it would actually have lacked something if that element had not been there.
What I especially enjoyed about this book was in the traditional GFY trope the “straight” MC is the one that traditionally makes the advances once they have made up their mind. In this Griff pursued Fort despite the fact that Fort could squish him like a bug and oh my! When Griff finally takes that leap, the chemistry they generate sizzles, in fact one scene had me panting slightly *salacious grin* Griff was such a refreshing character, who lived in the moment and took risks and was carefree in a way few strong alpha males in MM are. Fort was the hulking, brooding, tortured MC that despite all that surprised me and when contrasted with Griff’s confidence came across as almost heart-breakingly vulnerable.
This story was tender in a way that was not flowery or trite. It was gentle and the perfect read if you are looking for something light, but not light as in fluff, the book has substance, but the over- all impression it left for me was warmth, it is really the only way I can succinctly sum it up.
September 15, 2015
SPOILERS!!
It took me awhile to get to this book in the series. I'm so very glad I finally got around to reading. This is the 3rd installment of the Phoenix Rising series)and Denise Rossetti's original world building that she gave us in "Gift of the Goddess" is still as compelling, wondrous and magical. I want to live there, become part of the 10 Nations Circus and experience seeing the fantastic creatures and landscapes in these pages. Perhaps I'll even get to see Fledge, Miri and Jan
The main characters are complicated.......wonderful....richly drawn and I feel I love both Fort and Griff equally (though BIG men are my catnip). Each man must ultimately decided what IS love, what is worth fighting for and worth keeping. I'm not a stranger to "manlove" as it's been addressed previously in this series, but what strikes me is the utter longing to belong to someone. To give and take in a mutually loving relationship. In the end, I think we all strive for this and after all, Love Is Love. I celebrate Denise Rossetti's love.
It took me awhile to get to this book in the series. I'm so very glad I finally got around to reading. This is the 3rd installment of the Phoenix Rising series)and Denise Rossetti's original world building that she gave us in "Gift of the Goddess" is still as compelling, wondrous and magical. I want to live there, become part of the 10 Nations Circus and experience seeing the fantastic creatures and landscapes in these pages. Perhaps I'll even get to see Fledge, Miri and Jan
The main characters are complicated.......wonderful....richly drawn and I feel I love both Fort and Griff equally (though BIG men are my catnip). Each man must ultimately decided what IS love, what is worth fighting for and worth keeping. I'm not a stranger to "manlove" as it's been addressed previously in this series, but what strikes me is the utter longing to belong to someone. To give and take in a mutually loving relationship. In the end, I think we all strive for this and after all, Love Is Love. I celebrate Denise Rossetti's love.
August 25, 2014
WOW.
WOWZA.
I only write reviews when books are really great or really terrible (or when the mood strikes) and THIS BOOK IS GREAT. Why?
1. Romance is sweet, funny, touching, hot as hell. If problems arise, they aren't stupid or overblown, but believable because...
2. The characters are realistic, relatable, and likeable. The author writes well, so you get insight into their motivations and desires.
3. There is a story beyond the romance! It's adventurous and thrilling and moves the story along! I was actually sad that there wasn't more written about the workings of this world; I think this could have easily been turned into like a 400 pg adventure romance epic or something. So good.
4. THE SEX IS HOT, YO.
I am sure I will think up more reasons why this book is great, but for now, as a fan of M/M HEAs, I think this book is hard to beat. If you are also a fan, Strongman gets my highest rating and my recommendation!
I only write reviews when books are really great or really terrible (or when the mood strikes) and THIS BOOK IS GREAT. Why?
1. Romance is sweet, funny, touching, hot as hell. If problems arise, they aren't stupid or overblown, but believable because...
2. The characters are realistic, relatable, and likeable. The author writes well, so you get insight into their motivations and desires.
3. There is a story beyond the romance! It's adventurous and thrilling and moves the story along! I was actually sad that there wasn't more written about the workings of this world; I think this could have easily been turned into like a 400 pg adventure romance epic or something. So good.
4. THE SEX IS HOT, YO.
I am sure I will think up more reasons why this book is great, but for now, as a fan of M/M HEAs, I think this book is hard to beat. If you are also a fan, Strongman gets my highest rating and my recommendation!
May 14, 2011
I could not put this book down once begun. It took an entire Saturday for me to get from page one to ending, but what a ride and I would do it again in a heartbeat. A fantastic M/M Romance story, where the sex is not overly done and the characters make you FEEL for them. Awesome story and I became a fan of hers that very day! :D If you're into M/M stories, get this one! You won't regret it! It's been a few years since I first picked it up so I can't remember when I started it, but I finished it on the same day. I have it on Kindle now and plan to read it AGAIN! I love that she writes het romances, but I dearly love her style for the M/M angle, and wish there was more. (This is a shameless plea, Ms. Rossetti.) :D
September 4, 2013
As always I love everything about this series. Denise Rossetti has created the perfect world for me and everything about it I can not get enough of. Fort and his background was interesting and I love the way Griff broke him down and made him see what he was looking for and missing in his life.
There is so many wonderful things about this book that I don't even know where to start so I will just say I loved it all!
There is so many wonderful things about this book that I don't even know where to start so I will just say I loved it all!
June 7, 2011
So far this is my favorite of the series. Even after the second time I just can't get enough of Fort & Griff.
September 13, 2014
Oh Ms. Rossetti. Your talet is limitless. Thank you.
January 23, 2012
Well, one of the reasons I decided to do challenges, was to diminish my TBR pile, especially the old stuff that was beginning to petrify at the bottom of the pile. This was one of them. And I'm glad I read it at last.
This is the third book in the series and is at least as good as the other two, if not better. Fort is a deeply scarred man, with both his upbringing and his years as a mercenary inflicting deep emotional wounds. Griff on the other hand, has no such scars, but is unable to settle. When these two meet, it is obvious to the reader that each stabilizes the other, even if they themselves are slow to see it, particularly Fort. I really liked the slow building relationship, and the healing that comes with it. This is basically a character driven novel, with the plot almost taking second place to the emotional interactions of these two men. I enjoyed it much more than I expected - which is always a good thing, lol. (I also enjoyed catching up,with Fledge, Jan and Mirry).
This is the third book in the series and is at least as good as the other two, if not better. Fort is a deeply scarred man, with both his upbringing and his years as a mercenary inflicting deep emotional wounds. Griff on the other hand, has no such scars, but is unable to settle. When these two meet, it is obvious to the reader that each stabilizes the other, even if they themselves are slow to see it, particularly Fort. I really liked the slow building relationship, and the healing that comes with it. This is basically a character driven novel, with the plot almost taking second place to the emotional interactions of these two men. I enjoyed it much more than I expected - which is always a good thing, lol. (I also enjoyed catching up,with Fledge, Jan and Mirry).
July 24, 2014
Another great book in the series. Shied away from reading it at first since I prefer the mmf over the mm, but I am glad I read it. It is a good continuation of the story, and I can't wait to keep reading the series to see how all the interconnected pieces finally fit together. As usual, Rossetti does a great job in developing the characters and, unlike a lot of books in the erotica genre, there is not a lot of superfulous stuff. Most of the books I read make me want to take a red pen and scratch out about a third of the content as irrelevant. I don't feel that way with this series. Everything is well thought out and there for a reason. Even though you know what the end result between the characters will be, the journey getting there is enjoyable!
January 20, 2013
What is a retired mercenary to do? Fortitude McLaren joins the Ten Nations Fair as roustabout. He then catches the attention of a circus acrobat named Griff. While McLaren is cool, reserved, and a man of few words, Griff is the opposite. It took me awhile to read this book because of the relationship between two men. Initially, I doubted that the premise of the book would hold my attention. The author does a masterful job of telling a resilient tale about men who happen to love each other. Stereotypical situations are adroitly bypassed as the reader is engrossed in the tale. Yes, there are references to conservative religious beliefs, but this tale goes beyond. Be bold and step outside your comfort zone as Denise Rossetti delivers another in the Phoenix Rising Series.
August 5, 2012
Fort is a tough man who had a strict upbringing especially when it comes to men loving men. What's worse is Fort has feelings for Griff, a free spirited tumbler in the Ten Nations Fair. Griff just happens to have an eye for Fort and is out to get what he wants. They are as different as night and day, but when a job for Jan puts Griff in danger Fort will do everything in his power to save him, including fighting his own past demons with his upbringing. They are great on their own, but together Fort and Griff scorch the pages! This is an excellent continuation of Ms. Rossetti's Phoenix Rising series. I can't wait to read more!
June 7, 2016
Just talking about this book with some. It was one of (if not the very first) MM/Gay Fiction book I read back in 2008. Good memories. I need to re-read it one of these days. :-)
Too bad it was with published with Ellora's Cave ... it isn't available for sale right now. Hopefully the author considers bringing it back. If the blurb sounds good to you, make sure to mark it so you get notified if it gets republished elsewhere.
Too bad it was with published with Ellora's Cave ... it isn't available for sale right now. Hopefully the author considers bringing it back. If the blurb sounds good to you, make sure to mark it so you get notified if it gets republished elsewhere.
February 20, 2012
This is the only book of this series that's mm only. Fort and Griff are great characters and parallels can be drawn from Fort's experience with the Straight Church with modern time events. Who couldn't resist Griff?
March 7, 2012
Even though it's an Ellora's Cave title, I wouldn't classify this one as strictly erotica where it's sex with a bit of story just to glue the sex scenes together. There's a really great story in this one and I've actually read it more than once - which is rare for me. Two thumbs up for sure.
Read
May 20, 2012I really enjoyed this one - despite not realising it was a fantasy until I started. Fortunately the world-building was just the right balance, and I was swept up in the tale. Exceedingly sexy.
December 9, 2012
Yup, loved this one too. Can't wait to get to the next one.
September 2, 2016
Book #3 in the Phoenix Rising Series
Excellent world building. Characters that are easy to relate to. Fort & Griff are smoking hot together, their chemistry just about melted my Kindle.
Excellent world building. Characters that are easy to relate to. Fort & Griff are smoking hot together, their chemistry just about melted my Kindle.
November 16, 2015
loved it. two MC's who are made for each other.
Read
May 18, 2009You know that I'm not fond of fantasy in general, but I can say when I read a good book, and Strongman by Denise Rossetti is a good book. Truth be told she almost convinced me to read a menages not long ago thank to her interesting blurb and the very beautiful cover (Tailspin), but menages plus fantasy setting was really too much for me. So when Strongman came out, I quickly bought it, but for a reason or another, I didn't read it as soon as I bought it. And now I can say that it was a shame, since the story is really nice and the two characters are all I like in my man on man story.
Fortitude is a warrior, former mercenary and now roustabout in a circulating fair. Everyone in the fair respects Fort since he is the bigger and the strongest, but actually Fort is not the typical strong man without a brain. Fort knows how strong he is and he doesn't try to have all he wants only thanks to his body, he likes beautiful things, being them a fine china, or an embroidered blanket or the beautiful tumblers he sees everyday while they train. And there is a tumbler in particular he likes, Griffid. But Fort's likeness is purely aesthetic, he would never think to Griff as nothing else as a good tumbler who makes a very good show on stage. Fort was raised Straight Church, a very strictly religion which still considers sodomy a mortal sin, and even if he went far away from his home land, the strictly teachings of his youth still give him nightmares at night.
Griif is an easy man; he likes better women, but he sometime enjoyed also a man or two, and when he put his eyes on Fort, he is all for the conquest. He woos the man, he teases and plays, he at first thinks it is all a game. But more time he shares with Fort, more he realizes that have the man for a pleasure night is not all he wants. Fort is like an onion, he has many layers, and peeling them Griff risks to have tear on his eyes, but maybe also for joy. Fort is a man worth to fight for, and even if Griff is lithe and pretty, he is a strong fighter, one that never let go what or who is important for him.
I like very much how Fort and Griff's relationship develops, how it's not so easy for them to fall in love, since Fort's beliefs, even if wrong, are still implanted in his mind; Griff has to be patient and clever, ready to push when it's time, but also to back down when it's time for Fort to arrive to some conclusions for his own.
The setting is really nice, a medieval fantasy world that probably is common to the other two previous stories in the series, and so, if you have no problem with the menages or het stories, probably it's worth to try all the three stories together. Probably it would a shame to bond this fantasy world to only this story.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/50...
Fortitude is a warrior, former mercenary and now roustabout in a circulating fair. Everyone in the fair respects Fort since he is the bigger and the strongest, but actually Fort is not the typical strong man without a brain. Fort knows how strong he is and he doesn't try to have all he wants only thanks to his body, he likes beautiful things, being them a fine china, or an embroidered blanket or the beautiful tumblers he sees everyday while they train. And there is a tumbler in particular he likes, Griffid. But Fort's likeness is purely aesthetic, he would never think to Griff as nothing else as a good tumbler who makes a very good show on stage. Fort was raised Straight Church, a very strictly religion which still considers sodomy a mortal sin, and even if he went far away from his home land, the strictly teachings of his youth still give him nightmares at night.
Griif is an easy man; he likes better women, but he sometime enjoyed also a man or two, and when he put his eyes on Fort, he is all for the conquest. He woos the man, he teases and plays, he at first thinks it is all a game. But more time he shares with Fort, more he realizes that have the man for a pleasure night is not all he wants. Fort is like an onion, he has many layers, and peeling them Griff risks to have tear on his eyes, but maybe also for joy. Fort is a man worth to fight for, and even if Griff is lithe and pretty, he is a strong fighter, one that never let go what or who is important for him.
I like very much how Fort and Griff's relationship develops, how it's not so easy for them to fall in love, since Fort's beliefs, even if wrong, are still implanted in his mind; Griff has to be patient and clever, ready to push when it's time, but also to back down when it's time for Fort to arrive to some conclusions for his own.
The setting is really nice, a medieval fantasy world that probably is common to the other two previous stories in the series, and so, if you have no problem with the menages or het stories, probably it's worth to try all the three stories together. Probably it would a shame to bond this fantasy world to only this story.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/50...
August 5, 2013
Originally reviewed for The Book Vixen
2 1/2 stars
In a Nutshell: I wanted more character development than I got but the world was interesting and the romance sexy.
The Set Up: Fortitude McLean grew up in the Straight Church where men were killed for loving other men so he’s never been tempted until now. He’s the new strongman at the circus and the confident acrobat, Griff, sets his eyes on Fort. But when Griff chases Fort into a dangerous mission, Fort will have to save Griff and figure out if Griff is worth battling his demons over.
Why I Read this Book: This book has an excellent rating on Goodreads so figured I’d try it.
What I Liked: I’m a sucker for good sci-fi world building and that’s what I got here. In this book there are different nations of people with some worshiping a loving, matriarchal goddesses and have a society based on sex and love. Then there is the nation Fort grew up in, the Straight Church, where everything is based on fear, repression and abuse. This world includes lizard-like humans who gnaw on each other as punishment and angel-like creatures that ooze sex appeal. Any fan of sci-fi like me will love this world.
What I Also Liked: Griff is an easy character to like. He wants Fort and goes after him. I liked this honest chase, though I doubt I’d have put up with Fort as long as Griff did. I could see how Griff’s earnest affection would be difficult for Fort to ignore. The sex between Fort and Griff is exactly what you’d expect from an Ellora’s Cave book and it doesn’t disappoint!
What I Didn’t Like: Fort has some serious issues and I never felt like they were fully explored. Fort would explain to readers about the Straight Church and his upbringing but he never really talked to Griff about it and the repercussions on how it made him feel. Fort’s issues with his father and the family he left behind is hinted at but not truly explored.
Then I got a sense that Griff wore Fort down and I felt cheated out of Fort’s character development. I wanted to see Fort open up and embrace why his feelings for Griff changed, not just that they did. I love character development and thought Fort a good character that had a perfect opportunity for some introspective development but I never felt like I got that.
IMO: Loved the world building here and the sexy romance but Fort’s lack of character development reduced my enjoyment of this book.
*review copy from publisher*
2 1/2 stars
In a Nutshell: I wanted more character development than I got but the world was interesting and the romance sexy.
The Set Up: Fortitude McLean grew up in the Straight Church where men were killed for loving other men so he’s never been tempted until now. He’s the new strongman at the circus and the confident acrobat, Griff, sets his eyes on Fort. But when Griff chases Fort into a dangerous mission, Fort will have to save Griff and figure out if Griff is worth battling his demons over.
Why I Read this Book: This book has an excellent rating on Goodreads so figured I’d try it.
What I Liked: I’m a sucker for good sci-fi world building and that’s what I got here. In this book there are different nations of people with some worshiping a loving, matriarchal goddesses and have a society based on sex and love. Then there is the nation Fort grew up in, the Straight Church, where everything is based on fear, repression and abuse. This world includes lizard-like humans who gnaw on each other as punishment and angel-like creatures that ooze sex appeal. Any fan of sci-fi like me will love this world.
What I Also Liked: Griff is an easy character to like. He wants Fort and goes after him. I liked this honest chase, though I doubt I’d have put up with Fort as long as Griff did. I could see how Griff’s earnest affection would be difficult for Fort to ignore. The sex between Fort and Griff is exactly what you’d expect from an Ellora’s Cave book and it doesn’t disappoint!
What I Didn’t Like: Fort has some serious issues and I never felt like they were fully explored. Fort would explain to readers about the Straight Church and his upbringing but he never really talked to Griff about it and the repercussions on how it made him feel. Fort’s issues with his father and the family he left behind is hinted at but not truly explored.
Then I got a sense that Griff wore Fort down and I felt cheated out of Fort’s character development. I wanted to see Fort open up and embrace why his feelings for Griff changed, not just that they did. I love character development and thought Fort a good character that had a perfect opportunity for some introspective development but I never felt like I got that.
IMO: Loved the world building here and the sexy romance but Fort’s lack of character development reduced my enjoyment of this book.
*review copy from publisher*
March 1, 2017
3rd in the series, though I find that whilst you get some better background if you read them in order, it is by no means essential.
This seems rather conventional by the series standard. After tails, threesomes and some rather odd situation that were in the last novels 'Gift of the goddess' and 'Tailspin' (i think on that last one as I have not read that yet) the angst in this story was the rather normal (by my rather jaded standards) 'he be a man, I can't possibly be attracted to HIM'storyline. However at the same time it still had the fun and good erotic style that Denise Rossetti is brilliant at.
Also the reason for the less extrem sexual scenarios is simply because it didn't fit one of the characters. Recently I've read the Strong Epilogue which can be found free at her website and I wish that had been put in the story! It is definetely essential reading.
This seems rather conventional by the series standard. After tails, threesomes and some rather odd situation that were in the last novels 'Gift of the goddess' and 'Tailspin' (i think on that last one as I have not read that yet) the angst in this story was the rather normal (by my rather jaded standards) 'he be a man, I can't possibly be attracted to HIM'storyline. However at the same time it still had the fun and good erotic style that Denise Rossetti is brilliant at.
Also the reason for the less extrem sexual scenarios is simply because it didn't fit one of the characters. Recently I've read the Strong Epilogue which can be found free at her website and I wish that had been put in the story! It is definetely essential reading.
February 6, 2013
what is the greatest trait of m-m genre? perhaps, no women? what, again? NO WOMEN! certaintly not a main hero who walks and talks about wanting to fuck women, dreaming about fucking women, describing to the guy he wants (in all detail) his latest sex experience, again, with a woman. And it goes on and on and on and oh my god, I'd rather read about Hssrdan mating urges for a thousand times. whatever. 2 stars for you, bitchman.
March 4, 2012
Loved re-reading Strongman - Fort & Griff are the best! On to my first read of Guilty as Sin, loving it so far :)
November 28, 2016
The stars are just for the second half of the book and the off the chart hot as sin sex scenes.
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