Hooked on a Phoenix

Too many plot beats in quick succession, insufficient emotional realism, and a reliance on tired gender stereotypes mar Chase’s Phoenix Brothers paranormal series starter, which feels more like a late title from her Boston Dragons series. Phoenix shape-shifter and firefighter Gabe Fierro promises to keep an eye on his friend Parker’s younger sister, Misty Carlisle, who works as a bank teller in Boston, while Parker is deployed. Gabe thinks of Misty as a little girl and is surprised to see that she’s grown into a gorgeous woman with romantic feelings for him. He soon feels more attracted than protective. Misty must deal with a slimy boss, disturbing health issues, and the loss of her home, while Gabe manages his guilt about becoming Misty’s lover and fends off his mother’s aggressive encouragement of the relationship. The supernatural elements are meager: taking phoenix form seems joyless, depicted only as a family secret and a vague outlet for letting out frustrated feelings, and nothing supernatural enhances the bland sex scenes, even after Gabe discloses his identity. In a crowded field, this paranormal is missable. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (Mar.)