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MAXWELL 1: Not Without Guilt
MAXWELL, Part 1
While Abel faces trial for the death of Devlin’s brother – Craig Grant – Max and Horatio struggle with memories of the past, and what they still mean to one another. Holding the key that will free their hearts from the chains that have bound them for two decades, Horatio must hide it away and keep it secret now that “new” hearts are involved.
But as Seth and Carl watch the two men fighting to let go of the past – and crumbling beneath their age old love for each other – they begin to understand that you don’t get to choose who you love, but that your heart chooses for you. And that “great love” never dies…and cannot be replaced.
Warning: This book contains homosexual relations and language not suitable for readers below 17yo.
NOTE: For those coming across the 'Phoenix Club' series sporadically, they were written in this order, and if possible, should be read accordingly, due to story lines that run through all the books :
ABEL
CALEB
ANGEL
GABRIEL
MAXWELL
While Abel faces trial for the death of Devlin’s brother – Craig Grant – Max and Horatio struggle with memories of the past, and what they still mean to one another. Holding the key that will free their hearts from the chains that have bound them for two decades, Horatio must hide it away and keep it secret now that “new” hearts are involved.
But as Seth and Carl watch the two men fighting to let go of the past – and crumbling beneath their age old love for each other – they begin to understand that you don’t get to choose who you love, but that your heart chooses for you. And that “great love” never dies…and cannot be replaced.
Warning: This book contains homosexual relations and language not suitable for readers below 17yo.
NOTE: For those coming across the 'Phoenix Club' series sporadically, they were written in this order, and if possible, should be read accordingly, due to story lines that run through all the books :
ABEL
CALEB
ANGEL
GABRIEL
MAXWELL
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2014
5 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Bishop
136 books524 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 10, 2016
It's been too long since I was here with my guys from the 'Phoenix Club' series. In case you aren't familiar with it, each main character gets his own trilogy, but all of the characters and their stories weave in and out. It sounds confusing, but it's actually not. I couldn't wait to see more of Abel, Devlin, Caleb, Samuel, Angel, Dane, Gabe, Cole, Max, and Horatio. These men have made a family of their own choosing and it's one I treasure reading about.
It seems like forever that I've been waiting for Max and Horatio's story. But it's no longer just the two of them is it? No. There are also Seth and Carl. Max and Carl have started a relationship together and so have Horatio and Seth. The problem? Max and Horatio have been in love with each other for so long that I can't see them not being together. Not to mention I'm dying to find out what the great secret is they're hiding.
It was wonderful to see everyone come to court to support Abel while he testified as to what he endured in the orphanage at the hands of Devlin's brother. The same man Abel killed. Even Gabe was there just two days out of the hospital after the abuse he suffered. And of course, Horatio and Seth, and Max and Carl were there. It was painfully obvious to both Seth and Carl that something serious is going on with their men but they don't know what. Well, they have a pretty good idea but they're not sure what they can do about it.
I will give my warning, again, that this author tends to write sex scenes that require little to no lube, often no condoms, and very little prep. Both parties, meaning the main characters, are having a good time but it is a big difference in the genre and I feel you should be prepared for it.
This was an insanely emotional ride as I imagine the next two books in Max's trilogy will be. That won't prevent me from reading them but I'm going to need a break afterward. The author reveals at the end what Horatio's father told both Max and Horatio, the secret that caused Max to leave Horatio and that has kept them apart for twenty years. It's a doozy, but I'm pretty sure the paperwork Horatio keeps in his safe will straighten it all out, if he'll just tell Max. But of course, then there are two innocent hearts to worry about, and Horatio doesn't want anyone to get hurt. Well, we'll see about that. Hate to tell you, but life hurts.
It seems like forever that I've been waiting for Max and Horatio's story. But it's no longer just the two of them is it? No. There are also Seth and Carl. Max and Carl have started a relationship together and so have Horatio and Seth. The problem? Max and Horatio have been in love with each other for so long that I can't see them not being together. Not to mention I'm dying to find out what the great secret is they're hiding.
It was wonderful to see everyone come to court to support Abel while he testified as to what he endured in the orphanage at the hands of Devlin's brother. The same man Abel killed. Even Gabe was there just two days out of the hospital after the abuse he suffered. And of course, Horatio and Seth, and Max and Carl were there. It was painfully obvious to both Seth and Carl that something serious is going on with their men but they don't know what. Well, they have a pretty good idea but they're not sure what they can do about it.
I will give my warning, again, that this author tends to write sex scenes that require little to no lube, often no condoms, and very little prep. Both parties, meaning the main characters, are having a good time but it is a big difference in the genre and I feel you should be prepared for it.
This was an insanely emotional ride as I imagine the next two books in Max's trilogy will be. That won't prevent me from reading them but I'm going to need a break afterward. The author reveals at the end what Horatio's father told both Max and Horatio, the secret that caused Max to leave Horatio and that has kept them apart for twenty years. It's a doozy, but I'm pretty sure the paperwork Horatio keeps in his safe will straighten it all out, if he'll just tell Max. But of course, then there are two innocent hearts to worry about, and Horatio doesn't want anyone to get hurt. Well, we'll see about that. Hate to tell you, but life hurts.
July 31, 2014
Lots going on in this one. Abel's trial starts for the murder of the pervert and abuser Craig; meanwhile, Craig's brother and Abel's boyfriend Devlin and Abel are quietly falling apart, Savannah is asked to give evidence on Abel's behalf but the prosecuting lawyer is a shark, and has already made Abel look like a total slut. Max and Horatio are wallowing in their memories of each other...where does that leave Seth and Carl?? Cole takes steps to find out whether he's caught HIV from having angry unprotected sex whilst he thought Gabe had another lover, when in fact he was being tortured and raped repeatedly by a complete monster and his cronies. Do we find out why Max and Horatio can't be together....yes, but the news isn't good..... This series, this series...just amazing!! 5 stars.
July 15, 2014
UGH, I totally made the mistake of reading this book while at work today. Thank god I have Kleenex at my desk as I was a mess. This author always has my emotions all over the place and I'm a little bit crazy when I read the books because of that. I have been dying inside waiting for Max and Horatio to get back together, and there were times in this book I thought it might hint at that. Poor Abel is being brought to hell and back at the trial, I just want to hug and hold him and make it all better.
November 23, 2014
So much love, but the pain...Ugh! Seriously, we need trigger warnings on these books!!
Abel goes to trial for the death of the sexual predator Craig he killed in self defense at the age of FOURTEEN. I really dislike spoilers but the prosecuting attorney is almost as vile as Craig in what he does to Abel on the witness stand. The whole gang is there to lend support to Abel and Devlin during the trail. Abel has to relive it all while seeing what that knowledge does to Savannah and Devlin as well.
Max and Horatio are trapped in memories and we get to experience their love from the very beginning through these flashbacks. Unfortunately both Carl and Seth can see how much Max and Horatio still love each other. I honestly can't decide who I feel worse for of the four of them.
Horatio receives a fax that could change everything but doesn't reveal the information because of Seth and Carl as their hearts are involved too. Seth finds the information, knows what it will do too but keeps that secret, even from Horatio.
Of course their is a cliffhanger, we find out why Max left Horatio behind all those years ago.
Abel goes to trial for the death of the sexual predator Craig he killed in self defense at the age of FOURTEEN. I really dislike spoilers but the prosecuting attorney is almost as vile as Craig in what he does to Abel on the witness stand. The whole gang is there to lend support to Abel and Devlin during the trail. Abel has to relive it all while seeing what that knowledge does to Savannah and Devlin as well.
Max and Horatio are trapped in memories and we get to experience their love from the very beginning through these flashbacks. Unfortunately both Carl and Seth can see how much Max and Horatio still love each other. I honestly can't decide who I feel worse for of the four of them.
Horatio receives a fax that could change everything but doesn't reveal the information because of Seth and Carl as their hearts are involved too. Seth finds the information, knows what it will do too but keeps that secret, even from Horatio.
Of course their is a cliffhanger, we find out why Max left Horatio behind all those years ago.
June 2, 2022
I gave this one a four star. Loving so far so much of it in this book.
Max and Horatio have been through 20 years of horribleness because Horatio's dad didn't do simple DNA test see if max was really his. He made them separate and it has left them both dying inside.
Abel, Savannah and Devlin along with others are going through pain too as Abel's trial is happening. The production lawyer trying make seem like wasn't self defense when was. I loved what Cole and Gabe did.
The sex in here is hot as always. I be glad when Seth and Carl put Max and Horatio back together because just so hard watch them falling farther into pain. Trigger warnings for recounting of past abuse and rape.
Max and Horatio have been through 20 years of horribleness because Horatio's dad didn't do simple DNA test see if max was really his. He made them separate and it has left them both dying inside.
Abel, Savannah and Devlin along with others are going through pain too as Abel's trial is happening. The production lawyer trying make seem like wasn't self defense when was. I loved what Cole and Gabe did.
The sex in here is hot as always. I be glad when Seth and Carl put Max and Horatio back together because just so hard watch them falling farther into pain. Trigger warnings for recounting of past abuse and rape.
January 9, 2015
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.
- 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.
July 17, 2014
OMG! I am stunned beyond comprehension! I had tried to figure out why Max and Horatio could not be together. The only scenario that didn't cross my mind was that they could some how be related ... Until, a fellow reader put that idea into my little brain and then I just did not want to think of them that way. It's Max and Horatio! The two men destined to be together!
CJ, I sure hope they get their forever after. My emotions are well and truly rung out with their story. Please tell me that it's some kind of mix up? Myself, along with every single one of your fans, are hoping that it all has a very happy ending. I know that Maxwell is the final trilogy for The Phoenix Club. But, I hope that you will consider writing more about our favourite group and club.
I just love your work! I need my CJ fix!!!
CJ, I sure hope they get their forever after. My emotions are well and truly rung out with their story. Please tell me that it's some kind of mix up? Myself, along with every single one of your fans, are hoping that it all has a very happy ending. I know that Maxwell is the final trilogy for The Phoenix Club. But, I hope that you will consider writing more about our favourite group and club.
I just love your work! I need my CJ fix!!!
August 19, 2016
I'm slowly dying of heartache for everyone ESPECIALL Horatio, Maxwell, Seth and Carl... I don't want anyone to lose out on love. I think they should all just move in with other and enjoy life.
I knew Horatio and Max's secret after reading one their memories in Gabriel's story and I totally agree with Horatio... he father is a TOTAL ass. An ass for what he did, for not telling the boys the minute Max came to live with them and for not paying more attention to was developing between them to stop it before it got so far... see TOTAL ASS.
and the trial is driving me crazy... yes, I watch too much Law and Order SVU. There is so much crap they NEVER would have allowed and it's driving me crazy that this judge is allowing it... UGH OBJECTION!!!
I knew Horatio and Max's secret after reading one their memories in Gabriel's story and I totally agree with Horatio... he father is a TOTAL ass. An ass for what he did, for not telling the boys the minute Max came to live with them and for not paying more attention to was developing between them to stop it before it got so far... see TOTAL ASS.
and the trial is driving me crazy... yes, I watch too much Law and Order SVU. There is so much crap they NEVER would have allowed and it's driving me crazy that this judge is allowing it... UGH OBJECTION!!!
June 27, 2022
As always was cry with CJ bishop books. but I call it about Horatio father will. I can never can understand why a parent would hurt his son the way Axvier did. Seth is a good guy but he new Horatio will never give him his heart because it be long to Max one thing I do not get is why Max and Horatio never take a D.A. test done to make sure that they are brother and not take the word of Axvier but I guess we know now that Horatio know the real truth but not only him Seth know too now. buy the way goodreads fan book two of Maxwell is out now on Amazon it's call trial by fire
October 21, 2014
Heart breaks
love the book. going to need a box of tissues for this one! I feel sad for Abel that he has to live what had happen to him all over again. And that family has to hear it all. I agree with Cole and Gabe! I happy that Maddy is there for Savannah and I hope those two will be happy.
love the book. going to need a box of tissues for this one! I feel sad for Abel that he has to live what had happen to him all over again. And that family has to hear it all. I agree with Cole and Gabe! I happy that Maddy is there for Savannah and I hope those two will be happy.
August 31, 2014
So I love love love this series. Even though I did not start at the beginning, I will go back and read them all. Loved the first in Max's story, so much hurt and pain but so much love also. Only thing that annoyed me a bit and "just a little bit" is the going back and forth between past and present. I can't wait to read the next one and the others in the Series.
August 21, 2014
My heart is breaking for so many of the boys!!
I had guessed what was keeping Horatio and Max apart. I just want them to get their happy ending.
But I also want Abel and Devlin to be happy and this trial is kicking everybody in the arse!!
Well kleenex at the ready for the next installment!! Need shares in them with this series...
I had guessed what was keeping Horatio and Max apart. I just want them to get their happy ending.
But I also want Abel and Devlin to be happy and this trial is kicking everybody in the arse!!
Well kleenex at the ready for the next installment!! Need shares in them with this series...
September 16, 2014
Finally after WAY too many stories we find out the secret. Which was so freaking obvious. Well poop. I hope the other volumes are faster. Abel is such a wiener also. Like man the f up. Lawyers are shitty. Don't let them mess with you. I do enjoy this story. But I'm hoping this shitty wishy washy stuff ends. Lets just be in love for serious sakes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2014
I love this series and am reading them so fast that I've run out of books. Miss Bishop is a very captivating author and the story line that is the Phoenix Club has become a delicious addiction! Can't wait for more!!
August 25, 2014
Can't stop being emotional about this series and Maxwell is no exception since I have been waiting to read this for so long. After reading Caleb's book kept me wondering what the big secret was between him and Horatio. Did not disappoint though now I want to read the rest. Can't wait.
September 12, 2014
It Can't Be True!
Ok CJ you got me with this one, I had a guess at what was coming but did not see that little twists, you put in there. Can I take on more God I hope so. I really don't like that so called lawyer I hope he rots in hell.
Ok CJ you got me with this one, I had a guess at what was coming but did not see that little twists, you put in there. Can I take on more God I hope so. I really don't like that so called lawyer I hope he rots in hell.
December 13, 2015
Wow !! I knew the secret preventing Max and Horatio would be a "big one" and had a sneaky suspicion about what it was. My suspicion was right but then we get thrown a curve ball too !!
I'm loving this series sooo much and can't wait to see what happens.
I'm loving this series sooo much and can't wait to see what happens.
February 12, 2016
Max he wasn't my favourite but I went in opened minded and there was more to him then just a club owner.
Very touching story about first loves lost and found.
This is based at Abels trial and brings the whole club together.
Very emotional start.
Very touching story about first loves lost and found.
This is based at Abels trial and brings the whole club together.
Very emotional start.
July 16, 2014
Heartbreaking
Heartbreaking
I'm so excited to know the story of Max and Horatio!!! I've read every book of the Phoenix Club series and this is by far the Best!!!
Heartbreaking
I'm so excited to know the story of Max and Horatio!!! I've read every book of the Phoenix Club series and this is by far the Best!!!
July 16, 2014
it shattered me! love these characters whole heartedly. but am left with a giant book hangover!
August 28, 2014
These books got better and better the more I read. So in love with the Phoenix Club boys!
December 4, 2017
I'm dizzy now. This book is so fucking depressing
September 18, 2014
I KNEW IT!
February 18, 2015
wow - didn't see that one coming, there brothers? twf?
April 30, 2016
Not good enough
I was afraid this was where the story was going. Frankly, it is not a good enough reason for twenty years of drama.
I was afraid this was where the story was going. Frankly, it is not a good enough reason for twenty years of drama.
October 8, 2016
These two men...
August 25, 2014
I loved this book, and the series.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews