Abel: Hearts in Chaos

Phoenix Club #2

by C.J. Bishop

Devastated after learning his abuser (and the man he killed in self-defense) was Dr. Devlin Grant's much beloved brother, Abel feels he can no longer have anything to do with the man because of his secret.

Now locked into his agreement with Horatio Kaplan – and suffering heart break over Devlin – Abel finds no purpose in his life except taking care of Savannah. When Devlin refuses to be put off and insists Abel tell him the truth of why he is suddenly pushing him away, Abel must make the hard decision of whether or not to expose the hideous acts of Devlin's brother – and shatter the man's heart.

NOTE: This is Book 2 in the ABEL Trilogy. It is highly recommended that you read IT CAN'T BE YOU first.

1. It Can't Be You
2. Hearts In Chaos
3. Shattered

Warning: This book contains homosexual relations and language not suitable for readers below 17yo.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Abuse, Erotica, LGBT, Dark

112 pages, ebook

First published February 7, 2014

About the author

Pen name of author A.M. Snead.

Born and raised in scenic Coos County, Oregon, CJ enjoys the small town atmosphere and down-to-earth country folk who populate the area. She is a single mother and lives with her 18-year-old daughter, 1 horse, 4 dogs and 6 cats deep in the country woodlands which gives her plenty of time to write.

She is a Christian and a strong supporter of the LGBT community and favors gay erotic romance when it comes to writing. She hopes that her stories of love and acceptance will help further compassion and understanding for LGBT people who she feels is greatly misunderstood and persecuted - in a large party by the Christian community.

Most of all, she is hopeful that her stories will bring comfort to those who have been told that God hates them because they are different. It is her strong belief that God loves everyone and His love covers all.

Reviews

[The Bursting Bookshelf of a Wallflower · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up to 3 slightly disappointed stars!

I read the first installment in this series in one sitting and after the twist at the end I was really looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, we didn’t get all that much of a story. It felt extremely repetitive at parts and I think that one could have shortened up this story quite well in order to make it more intense and catchy. I forced myself not to lose interest in the middle of the book and I am honestly a little afraid about the next stories in this series.

Considering that there hasn’t been much plot, I can’t say much about it. I was suffering with Abel - especially at the end and I can only imagine how hurt he must be. My major problem with this book has been that I didn’t feel connected to Devlin. We haven’t gotten much from his point of view in the first book and I thought that this second installment might be focusing a little more on him, but all - and I mean it - all of his short parts in this part were all about the exact same thing. To be honest, he feels like a foreigner to me.

And this book had a shitload of typos and they have been annoying as hell! I really hope that the next part of Abel’s story will be better again.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geez, poor Abel! Give the kid a break. I'm enjoying this series and can't wait to see what happens next.

[Melissa *Pervy* · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars...

[Alona · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, aparantly, all the lube in the world is gone!! But, you'll be happy to hear that it is not needed like you always believed it is!
Again: Why?? Why no lobe?? And why no condoms??? With rent boys and clients and... Anyone? Anywhere?. I really don't get it!!

Lots of typos (that was not there in book #1 I must say), and a somewhat immature writing, IMHO.
Another thing that I didn't get was how EVERYONE was 'baby'... Friends, clients, rent boys, lovers, fuck-buddies...

It was basically more of the same as book #1- poor Abel (his name should have been Ayob) gets all the bad thing a person Han get in a lifetime, thrown at him time after time.
I liked him a lot, and felt for him, but everything else was just too much for me to ignore, and to give it more stars, unfortunately :(

I would have liked to know what happens with Abel and Davlin, and how they get their HEA, but I'm not sure about reading the last book in the series.

[Sandi ♥'s way too many M/M books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars this poor kid could really use a break. Cole and Gabe still crushing on there hotness

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping and mesmerising read. 4.5 stars, but I do wish that the writer would employ an editor to get rid of these silly errors.

Will Devlin finally start to accept what he's been told about his pervert of a brother when his own repressed memories start to surface??

Will Abel be able to bed Horatio Kaplan (snort!!) when he knows without a doubt that he's in love with Devlin and that Devlin feels the same, AND that Kaplan has bought his services... which obviously makes him no better than a whore?? And what's the deal with Kaplan and Max, the owner of the club....something not quite right there for me.

Cole and Gabe finally acknowledge that the 'something' between them is more than lust...could it be that other 'l' word?? *happy dancing*

And Savannah...is her treatment going to be successful, and what will she say when she discovers that Abel has sold himself to pay for her treatment?? On to book 3 when hopefully all my questions will be answered.

[Dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues. Angst, angst, angst..

[Susan65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic follow-up to Abel – It can’t be you. It starts immediately from where book one left off; and I do mean no time passes at all, you miss absolutely nothing and the drama from the cliffy starts rolling. I loved that it happened that way, I really dislike finishing a book and the next book starts in some random time that had nothing to do with the ending from the book before it. This did not happen here. You can go straight from book one to this book and feel like you’ve just turned the page. Awesome!

I was hopeful that the business arrangement that Abel began in the previous book would be settled and dissolved but that would be just too easy. And God knows, nothing has ever been easy for Abel so why start now, poor kid. Even Cole and Gabe are starting to believe that God has it out for him, seriously, how much more could possibly go wrong for him?

So Abel is devastated and beyond stressed out. Devlin has lost his mind worrying over Abel and trying to figure out what the hell he did wrong to lose him. And Cole and Gabe are caught in the middle (and yes, being caught between those two would be a dream come true, trust me….they sizzle). But that isn’t what I mean here, obviously. Cole and Gabe just want Abel safe and happy. Neither of which is looking likely for now.
Speaking of Cole and Gabe; I am definitely seeing a future book for these two friends with benefits. There is no doubt that the emotions are there, they just need to get Abel and Devlin squared away first. But I am waiting with baited breath for their story; I know it’s going to be hot!

So you already know from book one what Abel’s secret is that he can’t tell Devlin. Talk about being stuck between a rock and hard place. And Cole is absolutely right when he tells Devlin “trust me; you really don’t want to know”. Unfortunately Devlin won’t let it go, he learns the secret, and now we have to wait for book three for the saga to continue. I’ve heard that book three will be out very soon, YAY!

This book, this series, packs a very powerful punch. There is love but it’s not a fairy tale. If anything it’s a total nightmare for the guys trying to make all the pieces fit together. They are not there yet, but I am hopeful that one more book of Abel and Devlin should settle their MAJOR issues and put their demons to rest for good…I hope. This book is not for those looking for light and fluffy…there is none of that here. But it is well worth it and I recommend it for those willing to take a walk on the dark side…in a very long tunnel…with the light so far at the end you can barely see it…for now!

[Shakisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm feeling a little beat up right now... the story of Abel and Devlin is very intense and I can feel every emotion, all the tension and pain. I feel like every other page I'm crying.... I thought the first book was angsty but that was puppy love in comparison to this one....on to the next one.

I so hope they get it right....fingers crossed.

*Note to self...I need to fluffy flowers, hearts and rainbows after this series..

[Robert Crutchfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

TERRIBLE

Can not believe that I read the first two of this trilogy! This lame story and thin "plot" is barely ONE book or short story. A

[Chappy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is falling apart for me. Devlin is turning into a stalker, Abel is getting annoying and Savannah is just there to add another problem to the plot.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I jumped immediately into this second book of Abel's trilogy in the 'Phoenix Club' series by C.J. Bishop. I was blown away by book one and delighted that it was so much more than what I thought it'd be. I couldn't wait to start reading after the epic shock that Abel received at the end of 'It Can't Be You', when he realized that Devlin's beloved brother, Craig, was the monster who abused Abel for two years in the orphanage, and who Abel killed in self-defense. Now do you understand why I said there was no happy ever after or even a happy for now, at the end of that book?

Abel can't tell Devlin. He knows the man will never believe a stripper that his saintly brother was an abuser. More than that, Abel knows that Devlin will probably tell the police and then his whole life and Savannah's will be over. Cole and Gabe step in, to keep Devlin away, even though the man continues to try to see Abel. I felt really bad for Devlin because he had no idea what he'd said that caused Abel to tell him he could never see him again. Devlin is falling in love with Abel and he just wants to fix it, fix them. Meanwhile, Abel knows that traveling with Kaplan on the weekends, out of the country, will be a way to get away and, hopefully, Devlin will forget about him. It'll also get him the money he needs to pay for Savannah’s treatment, but in selling himself, Abel knows he really is the whore Craig accused him of being.

It broke my heart to suffer through the weekend with Abel and Kaplan. On the other hand, I was very happy to see Cole and Gabe have the beginning of being more than just close friends who have incendiary sex together. Watching them fall in love is going to be a whole lot of fun. Devlin was breaking my heart, too, in his utter devastation over the loss of Abel. But the worst was seeing Abel just give up, and accept that there's nothing he could do to change his life, and his utter certainty that God hates him. The inevitable confrontation occurs between Abel and Devlin, and, yes, it was just as horrific as I feared it would be.

I am completely entranced by this series. I'll admit that Devlin and Abel falling for each other so quickly isn't 100 percent believable, but I'm trusting the author to get them where they need to be. I will make one comment on something that has struck me as very different. Not bad, but different from the norm. Once again, though, I'm putting my trust in the author and the world she's created. There has not, as of yet, been any use of lube or condoms. The men at the club are all tested, but the lack of this is somewhat disconcerting, particularly if you're a die-hard fan of this genre. Again, there is no happy ever after or happy for now. Since the next book is the end of Abel's trilogy, I'm really looking forward to some resolution. So far I'm loving it.

[vLadimiR · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Semi-spoiler alert (although it's already mentioned in the blurb)*

The story mainly revolves around Abel distancing himself from Devlin in order to keep the latter from discovering that it was Devlin's brother, Craig, who sexually abused Abel and his sister during their time at the orphanage.

The story is still well written and the length is just right. But the ending cost a star on my rating mainly because Devlin's reaction was a bit melodramatic for me. It wasn't even depicted if he had an internal struggle with reconciling the truth about his brother and his feelings for Abel he just immediately lashed out and called Abel a whore even after declaring his love for the young man . I mean, talk about fickle.

Anyway, still looking forward to the next book. I'm excited to see how Kaplan would start having feelings for Able. Maybe even become a competition for Devlin?

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the continuation of the first. Abel realizes that Devlin and he have more in common than he thought. Abel is tied to Devlin's past in a way that takes your breath away. After Devlin and Abel have their (night), Abel avoids Devlin because he never wants to reveal how Abel is connected to Devlin. It practically kills both of them. Abel turns to his friends at the club for support and comfort, in which they give. Max (owner of the club) sets Abel up for a way to get his money and that comes with all kinds of strings. After pushing and pushing, Abel finally reveals to Devlin why they can never be together and about his past. All hell breaks loose and my heart literally breaks and tears flow during this part.

Devlin takes off with Kaplan (the money guy) for safety and that ends this book.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abel is breaking my heart. Not sure what Kaplan's deal is yet, as his intentions are a bit hot and cold.

Still loving Cole and Gabe and wishing Abel would just end up with them. I'm not feeling Abel's "relationship" with Devlin, and not quite sure how it escalated to them being so in love, but we shall see where it goes from here. Off to book 3.

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should love this story more if only Devlin didn't act like a drama queen.(lots and lots eye rolling episode when it comes to Devlin)
All the tears, exhausted me.
Abel was doing what he had to do, and Kaplan seemed like the best way to run away for a while.
Gabe and Cole .. OMG...I wanted to see them together someday, they're just perfect for each other.

Heading book #3

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart is literally breaking right now, for both Abel and Devlin. I am starting to feel emotionally drained from this series. I HATE Kaplan and I hate that Abel felt no other option was available to him in order to monetarily take care of Savannah.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS
These books just keep getting better

[KetiKet · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much tears..but I liked it

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but somewhere along the way it moved from dramatic to melodramatic for me.

[Free_dreamer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Two things that really bother me about this series:
1.) The lack of lube. They're always at it and never a single word about lube. Ouch?
2.) The lack of condoms. Seriously? Abel's little sister has AIDS, he should know how important safer sex is. Even if she didn't get it from sex.

Other than that, I like this series. It's not spectacular or amazing, but it's a good read. And so addicting. I'm glad I got the box set and can keep reading. This is heartbreaking!

[Mopest · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Holden Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad piece to the trilogy. To have an entire book devoted to one issue, did run its course. Would've liked to see more character development and another story line emerge from all this.

[Nic]

I got a couple of the stories from this series for free (via Smashwords) which started me on the series. Those that know me, also know that I have a bit of an obsession with finishing a series once I have started, so I read these pretty much back-to-back. I'm not going to write about each story individually, rather just leave some overall notes.

- the series is made up of a number of trilogies so there are 3 books to be read to bring each characters story to conclusion (you can buy them as separate stories or as the trilogy which I think is more cost effective)
- there are recurring characters through out each book, including Max and Horatio who don't get their stories until right at the end, although there are teasers right the way through
- there are very dark moments - rape, abuse, torture
- there is lots and lots of sex between all the couples, not just the main ones featuring in the current story. All couples seem versatile and all call each other 'baby'.
- condoms and lube seem entirely optional (mainly earlier in the series?) although there's an HIV theme
- these guys have lots of emotions and like to think about their feelings. They are also all prone to tears and heartache for each other

In summary, I think this series suits a reader looking for lots of drama, characters who agonise over emotions, are comfortable with abuse themes and like lots of sex in a book. I moved between 3 and 3.5 stars as I read through the series. In general I liked it, I did get invested in the stories.

[Mary Devereaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

**** 3.5 Stars ****

The continuing story of Able and Declan.
The knife twisted at the end of book 1 and as a reader you spend the 120 pages of this story just wanting the two me to talk and get it over with. Character growth is good, again, I LOVE Gabe and Cole and could spend the whole thing reading about the two of them. The sexual innuendos and tension between them is fantastic. It helps that they are 'friends with benefits'... and that's all I'll say about that!

Again I found myself wishing I didn't have to buy three separate books to get the whole story. With their short lengths, these should have been put into one book. The price wasn't the issue; it was more the feeling of being reeled in over and over. But hey, clearly it worked. I now have the trilogy.

Warning: Able still cries. All. The. Time. I really hope he hydrates.

This was definitely a filler piece of the story; the bridge to the end. There's a few heart wrenching moments, and one scene where I felt the break in Abel happen as he gave himself up to the emptiness inside.
If you read book one, read two and then three. The author seems to be growing with each one, I personally think they're worth the chance.

Now, on to book three!

[BlackMamba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mhmh questo l'ho preferito di meno rispetto all'altro, Abel continua a spezzarmi il cuore ma in questo secondo capitolo l'ho sopportato di meno. Capisco che la sua storia sia un bel pò pesante da reggere, per chiunque. Ma quello che mi ha fatto davvero pena qui non è lui, bensì Devlin. Quel poveraccio si è innamorato del ragazzo che ha ucciso suo fratello per autodifesa, dato che Craig lo ha stuprato per due anni. Un vero mostro, ma comunque, Devlin non ne sapeva nulla, e da bravo fratello, lo ha idealizzato credendo davvero che Craig fosse un santo che proteggesse e "salvasse" i bambini. Non mi sono arrabbiata per le brutali parole che dice ad Abel, è più che normale reagire così. Quindi, quando Cole lo aggredisce - anche se Devlin se lo merita - non mi è piaciuto molto.
Abbiamo Devlin che passa tutto il libro a struggersi per Abel, a cercarlo come un disperato,completamente innamorato, ossessionato. Spesso ho pensato che dovesse chiudere quella storia, per la sua stessa salute mentale! Ma lui ha persistito fino alla fine per poi .... ripeto, poveraccio pure lui.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so the plot thickens. You can't help but get caught up in the emotions of Abel and Devlin. The story grips a hold of you and doesn't let go. At this point in the trilogy, you really are rooting for the little guys. Although some of the background story may seem graphic, this story is unfolding beautifully. This little reader is sitting on the edge of her seat to see the outcome. Will the Abel and Devlin end up together? Will they break apart tragically? What other stories will unfold from the Phoenix Club? I hope all these questions and more all have happy endings. A beautifully written story. Sure, there may be a couple of little glitches as other reviewers may point out. Trust me! I've seen worse from supposed established authors! I urge you to read this book. You will fall in love with those dancing men!

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

What is the deal with the word baby every 5 mins throughout this book. Baby this and baby that. Everyone was baby. I hope you don't use that word throughout the whole series as much as you do in the first and second.

I liked the characters but Cole and Gabe shouldn't have almost whole chapters about them. They are supposed to be supporting characters.

And you made Devlin into the biggest whimp I've every read about in my life. No amount of love or rejection reduces a person to basically stalk a person to get answers of why they can't be together.

And poor Abel/Jesse. I feel sorry for him. If all the people to meet in the world he meets Devlin. And it's just cruel how everything but the kitchen sink is thrown at this boy. I'm hoping the third book is better than the second.

[Funzee Shu · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** 3.8 heart breaking stars ***

Even the nightmares hurt less than the reality that was now crushing down on his heart, squeezing the life out of him, slowly killing him one broken heartbeat at a time.

When the truth hurts someone you love very bad, and his reactions ripped you heart and shattered your body slowly from inside....

"Don't ask question that you're not ready for the answer..."

Sigh....

My dear Abel ....

[Stephanie GooglyEyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho-lee shit! This series has become so intense. It gets better with every book.

I can honestly say i dont think I've read a series quite like this one. It's angsty as hell with sweet undertones, and just when you think something good is going to happen, it gets ripped out from under you. You feel as though something really big is going to happen. You cant explain it, you just feel it. With all the hell that Abel has and is going through, somethings gotta give.

I'm sweet on Abel and Devlin and i must continue their story...A.S.A.P!!