The first years out of high school are difficult for everyone. Major life decisions, first loves, finding one's true self, and dealing with defeat. Phoenix Rising begins as Janie Taylor, a beautiful, smart young woman struggles to hold on to herself, and truly find her own life's happiness. Although she doesn't seem to be finding it in any of the places she's looked, so far. Dark secrets, lust, and abusive controlling relationships keep Janie on a tight leash. With her friends close by her side, she does what she needs to do to set her life straight, and get it on track. To do this, she must be deceitful, dishonest, and secretive. While digging herself out of an ever deepening hole, she finds that her heart has unexpectedly fallen in love with someone else. Someone real. Someone who values her. Someone who also feels the depth and passion of their sudden budding romance. But now she could feel his eyes always on her... His presence surrounding her in the quiet times... Hints of him were everywhere... Will Janie ever be able to safely find her happiness?Gabriel Lazarus has always had a sixth sense about people, and situations he's gotten himself into. Always a rebel, and always one to push the limits. Meeting Janie Taylor instantly set off all of his internal alarms, and there was no way he could stay away from her. Moments after their first interaction, he could feel the strength of the invisible connection that was now pulling them together, and he knew he would do anything for her. Though months into their deep relations with each other, he finds himself having to defend the very new love he so badly wants to have, and his very own life. Together their love binds as one and is reborn, giving them the strength they need to drudge through the crazy times of break ups, and of course, new, hot beginnings...