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Phoenix Club #3
Abel: Shattered
Abel's heart is crushed by Devlin's vehement rejection and refusal to believe the truth about his brother. With the threat of prison hanging over him, Abel is sent away with Horatio Kaplan to Italy for safe keeping.
Certain he has lost Devlin forever, and broken by the reality that he has devastated Devlin's life, Abel takes an unexpected comfort in Kaplan when the man begins to show sincere care and affection for him.
NOTE: This is Book 3 in the ABEL Trilogy. It is highly recommended that you read IT CAN'T BE YOU and HEARTS IN CHAOS 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.
Certain he has lost Devlin forever, and broken by the reality that he has devastated Devlin's life, Abel takes an unexpected comfort in Kaplan when the man begins to show sincere care and affection for him.
NOTE: This is Book 3 in the ABEL Trilogy. It is highly recommended that you read IT CAN'T BE YOU and HEARTS IN CHAOS 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.
116 pages, ebook
First published February 7, 2014
5 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Bishop
137 books523 followersPen 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 15, 2017
3 stars!
When I started the Phoenix Club series, I was really hoping to find a new interesting m/m series, but while I still liked the first installment, I wasn't so sure about the second one. There was a little too much drama, a lot of annoying repetitions and I wasn't able to understand the reactions of the main characters all that well. I however wanted to finish Abel's story before deciding whether to go on or not - and I have to admit that this third installment was better than expected. There are still a lot of repetitions and typos, but I liked the plot of this part quite a bit. And I definitly want to find out more about Horatio and Max - there might be an interesting story hidden in the shadows!
The biggest trouble I am having with this book is however the fact that nobody is using condoms, which I find really disturbing considering the setting of the story and Savannah's illness. I already noted this in the previous installments, but I can't stop commenting on it! The author should have been more responsible in this context!
I am however going to have a loot at Caleb's trilogy!
When I started the Phoenix Club series, I was really hoping to find a new interesting m/m series, but while I still liked the first installment, I wasn't so sure about the second one. There was a little too much drama, a lot of annoying repetitions and I wasn't able to understand the reactions of the main characters all that well. I however wanted to finish Abel's story before deciding whether to go on or not - and I have to admit that this third installment was better than expected. There are still a lot of repetitions and typos, but I liked the plot of this part quite a bit. And I definitly want to find out more about Horatio and Max - there might be an interesting story hidden in the shadows!
The biggest trouble I am having with this book is however the fact that nobody is using condoms, which I find really disturbing considering the setting of the story and Savannah's illness. I already noted this in the previous installments, but I can't stop commenting on it! The author should have been more responsible in this context!
I am however going to have a loot at Caleb's trilogy!
September 13, 2015
Well it just keeps getting better.
February 16, 2014
What a wild ride! For real, I am seriously worn out! Abel and Devlin have every card in the pile stacked against them and at this point I was really nervous. This is the third installment of the Phoenix Club series and as the pages were winding down I was beginning to worry that maybe, just maybe there would not be a HEA for these two lost souls. Man, I am so happy to say that is not the case. It was a torturous ride but they made it, they finally have everything out in the open and their love was strong enough to conquer all their demons.
So for those who were holding off reading this series because of the cliff hangers in books one and two; well hold off no more. Pick it up and start to read because the part of the series involving Abel and Devlin ended on a high note…a seriously high note at that! From my understanding, there are more books to the series but with other guys, and hopefully (fingers crossed) a full book on Cole and Gabe (or as Jen calls them, the Dynamic Duo). Those two boys are smoking hot and I for one can’t wait to read more on them.
But to get back to Abel and Devlin; this was NOT an easy read. This was probably the hardest book in the series for me. When I say I was worried, I mean I was freaking worried! Abel has escaped the country with Kaplan and is starting to have feelings for him. He is not in love with him, but he is seeing him as the good man that he is and begins to warm up to him. They still have some issues, but Kaplan is not the icky man I initially thought, but instead has a story of his own. I am very interested to see where that goes; and how Max fits in with it.
So even though I love the series and I will eagerly await the next book, I did have a couple issues. One, the connection with Abel and Devlin was not very strong for me. I could read how much they felt for each other, but a great portion of the series they are apart so I didn’t feel it as strongly. I would have liked a little more Abel and Devlin togetherness before the drama; it would have made their angst more real. And two, the lack of condoms. I was not going to bring it up, but it did bug me, especially since there is a sister who is HIV+ and they work in a strip club. It bugged me but I ignored it and allowed myself to just enjoy the story.
So for those who like rent boys, a ton of angst, maybe a little dubious consent, and are willing to wait three whole books before the heroes finally get it right, then this book, this series is for you! But be warned, it is not pretty and it is not easy, but it is worth it.
So for those who were holding off reading this series because of the cliff hangers in books one and two; well hold off no more. Pick it up and start to read because the part of the series involving Abel and Devlin ended on a high note…a seriously high note at that! From my understanding, there are more books to the series but with other guys, and hopefully (fingers crossed) a full book on Cole and Gabe (or as Jen calls them, the Dynamic Duo). Those two boys are smoking hot and I for one can’t wait to read more on them.
But to get back to Abel and Devlin; this was NOT an easy read. This was probably the hardest book in the series for me. When I say I was worried, I mean I was freaking worried! Abel has escaped the country with Kaplan and is starting to have feelings for him. He is not in love with him, but he is seeing him as the good man that he is and begins to warm up to him. They still have some issues, but Kaplan is not the icky man I initially thought, but instead has a story of his own. I am very interested to see where that goes; and how Max fits in with it.
So even though I love the series and I will eagerly await the next book, I did have a couple issues. One, the connection with Abel and Devlin was not very strong for me. I could read how much they felt for each other, but a great portion of the series they are apart so I didn’t feel it as strongly. I would have liked a little more Abel and Devlin togetherness before the drama; it would have made their angst more real. And two, the lack of condoms. I was not going to bring it up, but it did bug me, especially since there is a sister who is HIV+ and they work in a strip club. It bugged me but I ignored it and allowed myself to just enjoy the story.
So for those who like rent boys, a ton of angst, maybe a little dubious consent, and are willing to wait three whole books before the heroes finally get it right, then this book, this series is for you! But be warned, it is not pretty and it is not easy, but it is worth it.
May 14, 2020
I couldn't wait for this to end. Kaplan gives me the creeps, Devlin is falling apart and Abel is a mess.
Has no-one heard of condoms!!!
Has no-one heard of condoms!!!
March 22, 2014
Oh God, this series. A superb, gripping and tense trilogy. Again 1/2 a star deducted for lack of editing and silly mistakes. 4.5 stars.
I really did think that Abel (or should I say Jesse) would top himself in this instalment, he just didn't know where to turn and really suffered, and I have to admit that Kaplan wasn't as bad as I thought BUT
Devlin has at last been given proof of his brother's slimy and perverted ways in the form of a statement from his ex best friend who knew that something was not right with Craig. This precipitates a small mental breakdown in Devlin who finally has to accept that he's lost Abel because of his attitude towards him and the fact that he thought Abel couldn't possibly be telling the truth....so in effect he's lost 2 people cos he's also had to accept that his brother was not the goody two-shoes Devlin thought he was, and THAT was what Abel was trying to protect him from. There is so much love between these two but can things ever get back to how they should be?? Over to you dear reader.....
August 15, 2014
The conclusion to the first edition of the Phoenix Club series.
I'm glad this book finally gave closure to the major conflict presented in the end of ABEL 2: Hearts in Chaos and gave Devlin & Abel their well deserved HEA.
I have to say though that as much as I liked their story, it was Horatio Kaplan that stood out for me in this edition. He was the catalyst and major driving force in mending the rift between the major characters in the book. It was also hinted that he and Max (owner of the Phoenix Club) had a romantic past which I'm dying to read about. I think the book titled "Maxwell" that was shown on the last few pages may be dedicated to them? Something very good to look forward to, I hope ^_^
February 9, 2014
I'm still really enjoying this story and am committed to seeing it through. We get to see a bit more behind Kaplan's actions, and he is honestly growing on me. I really want to know more about his background with Max.
Things move along in this book, though, at times, I was just hoping it didn't take quite so long. Everyone is beating themselves up over everyone else in this segment, and it was getting a bit tiresome.
I'm still loving all of these characters, and am now really excited to see where this is headed. Will we see more about Kaplan and/or Max? More Cole/Gabe, whom I have dubbed the Dynamic Duo? Or maybe about the new guy taking Abel's place at the club. Either way, I'm looking forward to it.
June 4, 2016
Yuk, sugar overload, angst overload, flowery language overload! All the guys are so fucking perfect in this and no-one uses condoms despite the main protagonist's sister being HIV positive.
Had just about enough of:
'hot inner caverns'
'aching members'
and 'magic buttons'
'Abel had absorbed the pain, tried to hide the truth... just to protect Devlin. You are an angel, baby... a real live angel. And I ripped off your wings and broke your halo.'
Oh Come On!
Had just about enough of:
'hot inner caverns'
'aching members'
and 'magic buttons'
'Abel had absorbed the pain, tried to hide the truth... just to protect Devlin. You are an angel, baby... a real live angel. And I ripped off your wings and broke your halo.'
Oh Come On!
July 26, 2016
Loved these, even though they were full of angst and torturous situations, there was an underlying hope that every thing would turn out ok! So even with uncomfortable situations and extreme complication, I felt like eventually thing were going to get better.
September 20, 2014
Yes, you guessed it. I waited a couple of hours and dove head first into 'Shattered', Abel's finale within his trilogy. I would've gone immediately to it, but I had to actually go get groceries. I can go without eating, but my husband would be mighty irked. Anyway, it was tough going out and having to wait to read what the resolution and outcome of Abel and Devlin's love story is, but also, more importantly, what Devlin is going to do with the information that Abel is the kid who killed his brother.
Abel has left the country for awhile with Horatio Kaplan, the man who is paying Abel for the use of his body. But, as much as I disliked Kaplan before, he's being genuinely caring and compassionate with what Abel is struggling with. I'm starting to realize there is more to Kaplan than meets the eye, particularly when it comes to Max, Abel's boss and the owner of the Phoenix Club. The author has a unique way of introducing other story lines, without muddying everything up, and I'm enjoying it. Gabe and Cole are still exploring their new feelings, while being terrified that something is going to happen to Abel and they won't be able to save him.
Wow. Well, I got my resolution, and my happy ever after, but I can tell, I'll be seeing more of Abel and Devlin throughout the other books. It's obvious in how the author is writing these stories that all of the characters will continue to be seen. Not to mention that Devlin is having a private investigator look into Craig's "activities" and Kaplan's own lawyers are going to defend Abel so he can finally live his life without looking over his shoulder. This was a great beginning to the series and I'm looking forward to reading the next trilogy. I adored Abel and Devlin, along with all the other people I met. There is plenty of drama, and smoking hot sex. What else could you ask for?
Abel has left the country for awhile with Horatio Kaplan, the man who is paying Abel for the use of his body. But, as much as I disliked Kaplan before, he's being genuinely caring and compassionate with what Abel is struggling with. I'm starting to realize there is more to Kaplan than meets the eye, particularly when it comes to Max, Abel's boss and the owner of the Phoenix Club. The author has a unique way of introducing other story lines, without muddying everything up, and I'm enjoying it. Gabe and Cole are still exploring their new feelings, while being terrified that something is going to happen to Abel and they won't be able to save him.
Wow. Well, I got my resolution, and my happy ever after, but I can tell, I'll be seeing more of Abel and Devlin throughout the other books. It's obvious in how the author is writing these stories that all of the characters will continue to be seen. Not to mention that Devlin is having a private investigator look into Craig's "activities" and Kaplan's own lawyers are going to defend Abel so he can finally live his life without looking over his shoulder. This was a great beginning to the series and I'm looking forward to reading the next trilogy. I adored Abel and Devlin, along with all the other people I met. There is plenty of drama, and smoking hot sex. What else could you ask for?
February 22, 2014
My Rating reflects my thoughts on the series as a whole….what can I say I feel in love with Abel and Devlin and Savannah and Cole and Gabe. I was routing for them all.
The ending was so sweet. Able and Devlin had a case of Instalove and for the most part I don't mind as long as I can feel a connection with the Mc's. They spent more time apart than together but somehow C.J. was still able to make this work for me. I was kind of fed up with Able's flight reaction and Devlin's denial got old quick….at about 60% of Shatterd I found I wanted to skim but I forced myself to keep going.
I kind of wish there was more maybe and epilogue or something. I wanted to see them together in there lives….Able's not at the club so where is he? Perhaps we'll get a book for Cole & Gabe…..I couldn't imagine another 3 book series for them we kind of got a 2 for one in this series. Abel & Devlin then Cole & Gabe, but hey I ain't complaining.
I did have 1 MAJOR issue…..There's a very important supporting character whose been diagnosed as HIV+….there were many Smutty moments ( I ain't complaining) but where were the condoms seriously….
Overall, I think I'd like to check out other books in this series…mainly MAX & Kaplan….there to old to play games...
The ending was so sweet. Able and Devlin had a case of Instalove and for the most part I don't mind as long as I can feel a connection with the Mc's. They spent more time apart than together but somehow C.J. was still able to make this work for me. I was kind of fed up with Able's flight reaction and Devlin's denial got old quick….at about 60% of Shatterd I found I wanted to skim but I forced myself to keep going.
I kind of wish there was more maybe and epilogue or something. I wanted to see them together in there lives….Able's not at the club so where is he? Perhaps we'll get a book for Cole & Gabe…..I couldn't imagine another 3 book series for them we kind of got a 2 for one in this series. Abel & Devlin then Cole & Gabe, but hey I ain't complaining.
I did have 1 MAJOR issue…..There's a very important supporting character whose been diagnosed as HIV+….there were many Smutty moments ( I ain't complaining) but where were the condoms seriously….
Overall, I think I'd like to check out other books in this series…mainly MAX & Kaplan….there to old to play games...
February 24, 2014
Third and final to the series, but hopefully they will continue on with the series with Max and Kaplan. I am very intrigued with the past of this relationship. Anyway, this book delves into Devlin discovering his past that he has hidden about his so called wonderful brother, deals with how much he hurt Abel when he promised he never would, or would never leave him no matter what he found out about his past. And for the nasty words he throws at Abel. Abel, through the help of Kaplan and his friends with the club, starts to deal with his past and whether or not he is worthy of love or if he deserves all that is happening to him. This is a touching end to the series. I got so wrapped up into it, had to stay awake to finish the whole series in one night.
This is the first I have read of this author, assuming this is a new author and I would continue reading their books.
I hope there is a continuation of the series with the other characters introduced in the series, I would love to hear about how Max and Kaplan met.
This is the first I have read of this author, assuming this is a new author and I would continue reading their books.
I hope there is a continuation of the series with the other characters introduced in the series, I would love to hear about how Max and Kaplan met.
December 4, 2017
*** 4- I love Horatio- freakin'-Kaplan -stars!***
OMG! What I loved about this book is the Epilogue! And the encounter between Abel and Kaplan! That sweet sweet badass mother fucker with a heart of an angel!
At some point I wanted Abel ended with Kaplan instead of that "drama queen" Devlin.
Kaplan was perfect for him...but I guess the Author saved this sexy man for the last...
And the Epilogue saved the whole story, it was outstanding!
Max, baby, your turn would be a loooooong journey.... I wish... I wish...finally he would know that you still love "him"
OMG! What I loved about this book is the Epilogue! And the encounter between Abel and Kaplan! That sweet sweet badass mother fucker with a heart of an angel!
At some point I wanted Abel ended with Kaplan instead of that "drama queen" Devlin.
Kaplan was perfect for him...but I guess the Author saved this sexy man for the last...
And the Epilogue saved the whole story, it was outstanding!
Max, baby, your turn would be a loooooong journey.... I wish... I wish...finally he would know that you still love "him"
September 13, 2015
Glad to see Abel get his HEA, but geez there was so much drama. And crying. Lots and lots of crying. I think either Abel or Devlin was sobbing in almost every scene.
January 28, 2016
Finished in 1hour..So much drama from Devlin. But I love Horatio,he was so kind. And I loved the ending..so sweet
Read
August 13, 2018High drama, but I kind of like that. If you can suspend disbelief on things like coincidence and condoms and lube; enjoy tight relationships between very emotional guys; vulnerable men tormented by their pasts; and lots of sex, you'll enjoy the Abel series. I read it in one gulp because I got the Phoenix Club set. I found it sort of refreshing to read an MC who has sex with different people on page. On the other hand, I didn't feel much of a connection between the two MC's, but I think that was more due to the insta-love and the fact they don't share a lot of page time than the fact that Abel slept with other people. I'd like to see poor Horatio have his HEA. I unexpectedly loved him.
June 7, 2023
Fue lindo el final, tuvieron su final feliz.
Me equivoqué con Kaplan (menos mal), agradezco que no lo hayan puesto de malo. Es lo mejor del libro, me hubiese gustado que hubiera quedado con Abel pero bueno. Espero leerlo pronto, es mi personaje fav.
Nota: Hay muy poco lubricante para todo lo que cogen.
Me equivoqué con Kaplan (menos mal), agradezco que no lo hayan puesto de malo. Es lo mejor del libro, me hubiese gustado que hubiera quedado con Abel pero bueno. Espero leerlo pronto, es mi personaje fav.
Nota: Hay muy poco lubricante para todo lo que cogen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2017
just as nice as the prequels!!
September 20, 2014
*** 4 heart wrenching stars ***
“Not everything in this world is ugly and painful. Some of it is...healing. And beautiful. And reminds us that life can be a good thing, something to savor and treasure...and not merely an existence we're just trying to survive.”
I'm glad that finally Abel found his own happiness. Even to reach that, he must through all the tears and "bleeding".
“Love is a battlefield, baby...don't ever stop fighting.”
Couldn't agree more...
And Abel is really true angel...
When he think that his whole world and life are "nothing" and keep blaming himself for what happen to people he loved, he didn't realized that...actually, he's the one who saved people life's....
“You are everything. And everyone whose life you touch...can't help but love you. You're our angel...our gift from God.”
Indeed...
I love the whole Abel's series.
These books really gave me mixed feelings.
I cry, I angry, hate and love some moments while reading Abel's stories.
I know that the next books still hv the same "formula" ~ someone had warned me before, and my heart is ready for all next "tortures" ...
There are three characters that succeed stolen my heart and started to fallin' love with since the beginning I read Abel's story...
Cole and Gabe, these guys are really REALLY adorable, and their love to Abel really touching my heart....
The other one ~ of course ~ is...Mr. Kaplan. There's something in this man that attract me a lot, and what this man did to Abel...warmed my heart.
Read
October 30, 2022I 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.
- 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.
March 20, 2015
3.5 stars.
So I finished this a little before midnight last night. Once again I was caught up in the emotions of Abel and Devlin and really felt their pain. It seemed so cruel that the actions of one man could ruin their entire relationship.
In relation to Kaplan, I'll admit that I softened towards him just not enough for me to enjoy reading the various sex scenes between him and Abel (In fact, I skipped some altogether). It just seemed wrong to me. But he's a nicer guy than I first thought. And I'm intrigued by the thought of something happening (again) between him and Max.
As for Cole and Gabe it always seemed kinda obvious that they would get together properly instead of just hooking up every now and then. They're good for each other.
Back to Abel and Devlin. I'm glad that they finally ended up talking to each other, without someone running off in despair, and got everything out in the open. As everyone kept pointing out throughout: they are great for each other and so in love.
And I must confess that, although I could barely see through my tears, I really liked the ending. It was different but so good. I was waiting for an unhappy, throw my kindle at the wall, ending but it all turned around so quickly and nicely and I was wearing a big smile by the end.
So I finished this a little before midnight last night. Once again I was caught up in the emotions of Abel and Devlin and really felt their pain. It seemed so cruel that the actions of one man could ruin their entire relationship.
In relation to Kaplan, I'll admit that I softened towards him just not enough for me to enjoy reading the various sex scenes between him and Abel (In fact, I skipped some altogether). It just seemed wrong to me. But he's a nicer guy than I first thought. And I'm intrigued by the thought of something happening (again) between him and Max.
As for Cole and Gabe it always seemed kinda obvious that they would get together properly instead of just hooking up every now and then. They're good for each other.
Back to Abel and Devlin. I'm glad that they finally ended up talking to each other, without someone running off in despair, and got everything out in the open. As everyone kept pointing out throughout: they are great for each other and so in love.
And I must confess that, although I could barely see through my tears, I really liked the ending. It was different but so good. I was waiting for an unhappy, throw my kindle at the wall, ending but it all turned around so quickly and nicely and I was wearing a big smile by the end.
December 24, 2014
Okay so, I finished the whole Abel trilogy in less than two days and I have to say, I have to get my hand on this whole 15-book series!
I was already familiar with the author of these books' writing because I know they were only commissioned by CJ Bishop to write these, but uh, yeah... It only validates my feelings toward their style.
Character development was amazing and I could ask for more from them. Sure there were side stories throughout the whole trilogy (and I'm sure there will be more side stories in the other volumes too) but it never took away from the main plot at all. I bet you will love all of the characters in the book... Even those you believe to be the villain.
Anyway, the ends of the first two books are cliffhangers , so it's better to read them now than when you still have to wait for the next book to come out. I got hooked really quickly with the first one, so I never had a hard time staying focused on the whole story. It was really hard to put down these books.
I highly recommend it for everyone to read as long as you're of age! These books contain a lot of smexy scenes!
I was already familiar with the author of these books' writing because I know they were only commissioned by CJ Bishop to write these, but uh, yeah... It only validates my feelings toward their style.
Character development was amazing and I could ask for more from them. Sure there were side stories throughout the whole trilogy (and I'm sure there will be more side stories in the other volumes too) but it never took away from the main plot at all. I bet you will love all of the characters in the book... Even those you believe to be the villain.
Anyway, the ends of the first two books are cliffhangers , so it's better to read them now than when you still have to wait for the next book to come out. I got hooked really quickly with the first one, so I never had a hard time staying focused on the whole story. It was really hard to put down these books.
I highly recommend it for everyone to read as long as you're of age! These books contain a lot of smexy scenes!
March 18, 2014
First of all, I loved all three of the Phoenix Club books and hopeful for this series to continue. I would love to see more written about Max as well as Kaplan, the author really leaves you hanging here and my curiosity is going in full force. I think a lot can be said about these two. Their past, present and potential future. Also, I would love to see where Gab & Cole's story goes in the future and details about their past together as well.
Abel and his story really draw you into his world and the author does a fantastic job of making you feel his emotions, from extreme joy to extreme heart ache. What else is great about the trilogy, you really grow attached to these characters and constantly want to know more.
My one criticism would be, the constant use of '...' throughout the series. I get it, but they seemed to be a little excessive to me.
With that said, I would absolutely love to get my paws on actual printed copies of these three books to add to my shelves of favorites. They were that good. I can not wait for whatever comes next from the author!
Abel and his story really draw you into his world and the author does a fantastic job of making you feel his emotions, from extreme joy to extreme heart ache. What else is great about the trilogy, you really grow attached to these characters and constantly want to know more.
My one criticism would be, the constant use of '...' throughout the series. I get it, but they seemed to be a little excessive to me.
With that said, I would absolutely love to get my paws on actual printed copies of these three books to add to my shelves of favorites. They were that good. I can not wait for whatever comes next from the author!
January 17, 2015
So after the big and painful blowout in book 2 Abel flees the country with the man that pays for his sisters treatment. And like 90 % of this book Abel has sex with this other man. The healing kind of sex. In book 2 he nearly pukes to have to touch this man, but in this book the touch is like healing magic. The doktor goes through a difficult time, learning to accept things about his brother. When Abel and the doktor finally meet, it is all painful and Abel flees. But words are barely spoken. Then Abel decides to permenantly leaves the country whith his sister. And finally someone steps in and puts Abel and the dokter in 1 room to talk it out. Of course there is no talking, just healing lovemaking. OMG...really??? I don't even know where to begin...this book has so many troubling issues, but healing sex is the answer to everything. Unprotected and no lube sex that is. I just don't get the reviews for this series. A ton of shit happens to the MC's, trust is ruined, sex is healing magic, but there is no communication. It's ridiculous. Maybe this series is not for me.
February 24, 2016
Its sad to say but the more I read Abel's story the less into it I was.
The crazy obssessive almost sickly intense love between him and Davlin is a little uncomfortable at some point and I skip a big chunk of the third book (this one) because there was way too Abel/Kaplan scene and They read all the same. I felt way more for Gabe and Cole than for Abel and Davlin.
Abel falls someone ridiculously easy. He gets into Davlin super quick and feel for him from the get go then he has sex with Gabe and Cole and suddenly he feels like he almost can't live without them then he goes back to Davlin AND THEN he gets with Kaplan and seems into him. Abel is your typical abused victim who falls for anyone that give them some kind attention.
There way too much 'baby' and 'fuck' and 'uuungh' it read like a bad straight porno script.
The crazy obssessive almost sickly intense love between him and Davlin is a little uncomfortable at some point and I skip a big chunk of the third book (this one) because there was way too Abel/Kaplan scene and They read all the same. I felt way more for Gabe and Cole than for Abel and Davlin.
Abel falls someone ridiculously easy. He gets into Davlin super quick and feel for him from the get go then he has sex with Gabe and Cole and suddenly he feels like he almost can't live without them then he goes back to Davlin AND THEN he gets with Kaplan and seems into him. Abel is your typical abused victim who falls for anyone that give them some kind attention.
There way too much 'baby' and 'fuck' and 'uuungh' it read like a bad straight porno script.
July 7, 2014
3.5 on this one I think...this whole series was so emotional and poor Abel just could not catch a break. I felt so badly for him.
It was awesome to watch the evolution of Cole and Gabe, to see little things with Max and Kaplan. I have read ahead a bit so I know I do end up liking Kaplan, but I have to be honest, I did not care for him at all in these books, but he gets better.
Poor Devlin as well, though he really hurt me by reacting the way he did last time.
I think this wasn't as gripping as the first one and there were times with the sightseeing that I was just kind of bored, there were so many other ways that time could have been used, but overall I really enjoyed Abel's story and will keep reading into Caleb's now.
It was awesome to watch the evolution of Cole and Gabe, to see little things with Max and Kaplan. I have read ahead a bit so I know I do end up liking Kaplan, but I have to be honest, I did not care for him at all in these books, but he gets better.
Poor Devlin as well, though he really hurt me by reacting the way he did last time.
I think this wasn't as gripping as the first one and there were times with the sightseeing that I was just kind of bored, there were so many other ways that time could have been used, but overall I really enjoyed Abel's story and will keep reading into Caleb's now.
October 14, 2016
more like 3.5*
Too much described about the suffer Devlin goes through (didn't know men can cry that much), about Abel tourchered soul.
Loved Horatio (strange name :) ) and all that he's done for Abel.
I think that the HEA Abel finally got should have been little bit sooner so that we could enjoy their relations after all that they gone through.
And what about Gabe & Cole?? And Max?? Can't wait to get to their stories! They seem to be even hotter than Abel.
The only thing I was disturbed by in this first trilogy was the unsafe sex they all had. Im up for hot steamy sex scense (and loved what I read) -but why no condoms?
Too much described about the suffer Devlin goes through (didn't know men can cry that much), about Abel tourchered soul.
Loved Horatio (strange name :) ) and all that he's done for Abel.
I think that the HEA Abel finally got should have been little bit sooner so that we could enjoy their relations after all that they gone through.
And what about Gabe & Cole?? And Max?? Can't wait to get to their stories! They seem to be even hotter than Abel.
The only thing I was disturbed by in this first trilogy was the unsafe sex they all had. Im up for hot steamy sex scense (and loved what I read) -but why no condoms?
May 29, 2022
3.5 stars - the pain they went through was tough. I didn't like that Abel warmed up to Kaplan and that Kaplan actually had feelings for him. But it finally all worked out. I love the secondary characters. No sure why we would have the next set of stories about a character that we briefly saw at the end of this trilogy. I would have liked to jump right into Gabe & Cole's story as they are very hot together or Horatio & Max as there is still a lot of heat there & I want to know what happened to drive them apart.
September 28, 2016
I enjoyed Abel's story. There were some things that annoyed me but for the most part this was a good story. Devlin got under my skin and I was hopping that Abel would end up with Kaplan. Even though that didn't happen I still liked the ending, I am hoping Kaplan will find his love in the other story. Especially now that we know who it was that he loved so long ago. I did get annoyed with all the weeping. I know that they all were dealing with a lot of painful memories but did everyone have to be crying all the time?
August 23, 2014
Nice HEA. I wanna see more of the other boys. Caleb? I'm sure his story will be good, but I really wanna bypass it, and get to the characters we have already invested in. Like Horatio and Max.
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