A socially awkward but determined phoenix keeper must partner with her longtime rival to save her beloved exhibit from falling into obscurity in this charming, romantic fantasy debut. Perfect for readers of “Legends & Lattes” and “The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy.”
Aila is a little obsessed with phoenixes.
As head phoenix keeper at a world-renowned zoo for magical creatures, her childhood dream of conserving critically endangered firebirds seems closer than ever. There's just one glaring caveat: her zoo's breeding program hasn't functioned for a decade. When a tragic phoenix-nabbing cripples the flagship program at a neighbouring zoo, Aila must prove her derelict facilities are fit to take the reins.
But saving a species takes more than stellar animal handling skills. Carnivorous water horses, tempestuous thunderhawks-Aila has no problem wrangling beasts. Inspiring zoo patrons? That's another story. Finding the courage to ask for help from the hot dragon keeper at a neighbouring exhibit? Virtually impossible. And don't get Aila started on her arch-rival from college: the glamorous leader of the zoo's wildly popular griffin show, who's convinced that Aila's beloved phoenix would serve better as a performer than a conservation exhibit.
Aided by both friends and enemies, Aila must conquer her social anxiety if she is to restore her breeding programme. With the world watching and the threat of poachers looming, Aila's success isn't only a matter of keeping her job: the future of a species depends on her.
