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MAXWELL 2: Trial By Fire
MAXWELL, Part 2
As the trial becomes an emotional battle ground – within the courtroom and without – Max struggles to maintain his resolve to resist his heart. But as it becomes more and more evident that Horatio’s heartbreak over losing Max isn’t healing, but in fact growing worse, Max begins to question the choices he made so long ago.
Encompassed by inner fears that he doesn’t fully understand, Horatio continues to hide the truth from Max and cling to Seth. But Seth’s compassionate and selfless heart won’t allow Horatio to give up his dream of Max – even if Seth must give up his own to make it come true.
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
As the trial becomes an emotional battle ground – within the courtroom and without – Max struggles to maintain his resolve to resist his heart. But as it becomes more and more evident that Horatio’s heartbreak over losing Max isn’t healing, but in fact growing worse, Max begins to question the choices he made so long ago.
Encompassed by inner fears that he doesn’t fully understand, Horatio continues to hide the truth from Max and cling to Seth. But Seth’s compassionate and selfless heart won’t allow Horatio to give up his dream of Max – even if Seth must give up his own to make it come true.
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
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2014
4 people are currently reading
146 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 11, 2016
The end of book thirteen brought the revelation that Xavier, Horatio's father, had raped his stepmother many years before and it turns out that Xavier's stepmother was none other than Max's mother. This is why Max left and has kept Horatio at arm’s length for twenty years. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that Horatio has proof that he and Max aren't related, but Horatio doesn't want to show it to Max because he doesn't want to hurt Seth and Carl, the two innocent men who are in love with Horatio and Max. Ah, tangled webs indeed.
Abel's trial is still going on and let me tell you, it's an emotional wringer for everyone involved, including me. I hate seeing Abel have to retell what Craig did to him all those years ago at the orphanage, especially with Abel's boyfriend, Devlin, listening to what his older brother did to his lover. Believe me when I say this is not a series to pick up in the middle. You really need to start at book one, because now, at book fourteen, so many stories weave together I believe it would be impossible to understand without all the backstories.
There was so much going on here that I was spinning. Lots of possible drama that could pop up at any minute between Coulson wanting a full trial against Caleb that Samuel hasn't even mentioned to Caleb yet, to both Gabe and Cole afraid to tell the other that while they were apart they were both put at risk due to unprotected sex, and then there's the young love brewing between Maddy and Savannah except she's terrified of telling him she's HIV positive. Oy vey.
"And if Horatio was totally, painfully honest with himself… maybe that was why he didn’t tell Max the truth about their situation. He just wanted Max to love him enough to be with him regardless of everything else. But Max wasn’t capable of that. He would never love Horatio “that” much."
I loved and hated this ending. I adored Seth for wanting to make it right between Max and Horatio, knowing the only thing preventing Horatio from doing so was Seth himself. I really hope the author can get me some happy ever afters for Seth and Carl, too. They're going to need it. Another highly emotional addition to the series and now I'm heading right to the finale.
Abel's trial is still going on and let me tell you, it's an emotional wringer for everyone involved, including me. I hate seeing Abel have to retell what Craig did to him all those years ago at the orphanage, especially with Abel's boyfriend, Devlin, listening to what his older brother did to his lover. Believe me when I say this is not a series to pick up in the middle. You really need to start at book one, because now, at book fourteen, so many stories weave together I believe it would be impossible to understand without all the backstories.
There was so much going on here that I was spinning. Lots of possible drama that could pop up at any minute between Coulson wanting a full trial against Caleb that Samuel hasn't even mentioned to Caleb yet, to both Gabe and Cole afraid to tell the other that while they were apart they were both put at risk due to unprotected sex, and then there's the young love brewing between Maddy and Savannah except she's terrified of telling him she's HIV positive. Oy vey.
"And if Horatio was totally, painfully honest with himself… maybe that was why he didn’t tell Max the truth about their situation. He just wanted Max to love him enough to be with him regardless of everything else. But Max wasn’t capable of that. He would never love Horatio “that” much."
I loved and hated this ending. I adored Seth for wanting to make it right between Max and Horatio, knowing the only thing preventing Horatio from doing so was Seth himself. I really hope the author can get me some happy ever afters for Seth and Carl, too. They're going to need it. Another highly emotional addition to the series and now I'm heading right to the finale.
August 8, 2014
Every instalment now automatically gets 5 stars. This is just an amazing series. I think an editor has been employed cos look...no more mistakes!! And when this series is finished, whatever Ms Bishop brings out in future, I'll be buying asap.
Savannah suffers on the witness stand, Gabe & Cole threaten the prosecutor...nicely of course, Seth decides he loves Horatio too much not to give him a Happy Ending with Max, and enlists Carl's help.
Meanwhile, something is going on in the background of Samuel and Caleb's relationship...and I suspect it's to do with that perverted piece of trash Gabe, Cole, Dane and others..[not that there is a shred of evidence that it WAS them]...severely beat up a few months ago. More, more...we NEED more!!
Savannah suffers on the witness stand, Gabe & Cole threaten the prosecutor...nicely of course, Seth decides he loves Horatio too much not to give him a Happy Ending with Max, and enlists Carl's help.
Meanwhile, something is going on in the background of Samuel and Caleb's relationship...and I suspect it's to do with that perverted piece of trash Gabe, Cole, Dane and others..[not that there is a shred of evidence that it WAS them]...severely beat up a few months ago. More, more...we NEED more!!
June 3, 2022
Seth has laid everything out for Carl on what he found out about Max's actual debt and the fact that he is nowhere related to Horatio like they have thought for 20 years now.
Horatio was going to give it all up and let Max be happy thinking that is what he's wanted however it's clear as day that neither of them want to let that love go that they have had and they've kept having for 20 years now even though Max left when he was a young adults because he thought they were brothers the truth has come out now it just needs to be known to Max the truth.
Savannah had a health scare with all the stress going on with the trial and cross-examining and trying to make her think different things than what she knows. Maddy finally found out the truth about her having HIV. She was wanting to live a little while longer without having to face reality. The poor girl thought she could never have boyfriend or anything and that kissing would transmit what she had as well. Thankfully they have taken care of some of her fears.
Call Gabe Dane and Samuel are going to deal with the other issue that's going on with Brock going to come after Caleb in court now instead of pleading guilty he's changed his mind it's going to fight so he can hurt Caleb all over again. I cannot wait to see what goes down with that.
Horatio was going to give it all up and let Max be happy thinking that is what he's wanted however it's clear as day that neither of them want to let that love go that they have had and they've kept having for 20 years now even though Max left when he was a young adults because he thought they were brothers the truth has come out now it just needs to be known to Max the truth.
Savannah had a health scare with all the stress going on with the trial and cross-examining and trying to make her think different things than what she knows. Maddy finally found out the truth about her having HIV. She was wanting to live a little while longer without having to face reality. The poor girl thought she could never have boyfriend or anything and that kissing would transmit what she had as well. Thankfully they have taken care of some of her fears.
Call Gabe Dane and Samuel are going to deal with the other issue that's going on with Brock going to come after Caleb in court now instead of pleading guilty he's changed his mind it's going to fight so he can hurt Caleb all over again. I cannot wait to see what goes down with that.
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.
June 27, 2022
I am agree with Dane love is worth fight for. But it's Max turn to go after Horatio because Horatio has been after Max since he found him and all Max has done is hurt him at ever turn. we all look for the type of love Horatio his for Maxwell know matter how much Max want to move on because he believe the lies that Axvier told him.so for twenty years he his live with out the man he really love now Carl and Seth is in the middle of them. How can anyone get over the time hurting each other. If anything Max should learn that life is to short look at Savannah she finally met someone to give her heart too and now have to deal with having hiv. look at Gabe and cole Gabe almost die at quint's hand and Devlin his to come to term with what his brother did to his best friend and to the man he love. I am happy to see Angel and Dane and Samuel and Caleb are in love with the person who love them know matter what happen in there past and that a go thing. because in life that is a hard thing to fine in his day and age so you have to hung on to it when you find it. Horatio may thing not tell Max about the paper he got but he is not the only one know Seth know the truth too so it's not in Horatio hand any more. can wait for the next book to come out I do not understand why CJ bishop did not put out both books at the same time I hate reading a book and then put it down and wait for the next one to come out. I am not big on that kind of reading may be that just me.
August 25, 2014
Really can't blame Max for how his feeling, I mean that is a pretty big secret, I understand where his coming, however for a guy who proclaimed to love Horatio he handled that pretty badly. Horatio thought he hang the moon, he knew what it would do to him for him to leave. I thought the way he did was selfish. That being said my heart goes out to them especially Horatio, to be so in love with one person for so long staying in the shadows it had to be killing. Bravo to Seth for trying to make it right. I think he is the strength that both Horatio and Maxwell need but maybe more so Horatio. As I see it his doing what Maxwell should have done. I do believe all of this could have been avoided if Maxwell did not take what Xavier said at face value, that I think is the biggest mistake. I guess there wouldn't be a story there if it didn't happen as such.They should really take a page out of Cole and Gabe. These guys are awesome! I do hope something better is coming for all the characters especially with Abel and Savannah, Savannah and Maddy and Caleb and Samuel.
August 15, 2014
I would rate all the books as a 10+ if I could. I have read all the books in the series that have come out so far I'm now on Maxwell book 14. I got hooked after the 3rd chapter in Abel the first in the series, then Cabel, Angel, Gabriel & Maxwell each one had 3 books. I love the way each book in the series keeps all the people in each book its not like that one book is just about Angel but about all of them their stories in everyday life. The love these guys had for each other was unbelivable makes you want to be part of their lives, each book that person experienced some type of pain but with the help of all of them they made it through all the bad times only to come out better in the end. Cannot wait for the last book to come out already read a few paragraphs the C.J. Bishop had on her facebook page. I want to know how Max & Horatio ended up. Together I hope.
November 22, 2017
~ 5 stars! ~
I'm officially a Phoenix Boys groupie! I loved them so much.
Especially my favorite couples Gabe-Cole and Max-Horatio.
I feel Seth and Carl. I really did. But I know they're never have a chance with that rotten love between Max and Horatio. Their love is so strong.
I cried for them, I cried for Seth & Carl and their angel heart. Loved you guys!
And the ending was so perfect , I couldn't asked for more perfect ending.
#PS.I also ignored a crappy editing and name's misplaced. This story is too good to just annoyed by that. :)
Now, eagerly ATTENDING their happy ending in book 3 !
I'm officially a Phoenix Boys groupie! I loved them so much.
Especially my favorite couples Gabe-Cole and Max-Horatio.
I feel Seth and Carl. I really did. But I know they're never have a chance with that rotten love between Max and Horatio. Their love is so strong.
I cried for them, I cried for Seth & Carl and their angel heart. Loved you guys!
And the ending was so perfect , I couldn't asked for more perfect ending.
#PS.I also ignored a crappy editing and name's misplaced. This story is too good to just annoyed by that. :)
Now, eagerly ATTENDING their happy ending in book 3 !
December 13, 2015
WOW !! This one is packed with emotion as we go through Abel' trial for the killing of Chris, Devlin's brother. As well as going through that trial we get more glimpses into the past of Max and Horatio, finding out more of the secret that's kept them apart for 20 years. Then you've got the emotion you feel for Seth and Carl who at the moment are Horatio and Max's partners/boyfriends as they watch them fall apart but Seth knows the truth that Horatio is keeping from Max and both he and Carl know that they are just substitutes, that their hearts aren't with them.
I really feel sorry for Seth and Carl in all of this as they are just innocent bystanders, even though they're not getting hurt purposely by Horatio or Max.
Fantastic 5 star read yet again !!
I really feel sorry for Seth and Carl in all of this as they are just innocent bystanders, even though they're not getting hurt purposely by Horatio or Max.
Fantastic 5 star read yet again !!
August 26, 2014
I cannot believe I forgot to write a review for this book! What an idiot! Anyway, CJ (as always) did NOT disappoint this little reader. I just love how each character (and their partner) has their own little trilogy. Maxwell and Horatio have a story that is heart breaking to read and you can't help cursing Xavier for all the hurt and torment he has caused these two men. They deserve their happy ending and I for one can't wait to read theirs.
CJ is such an amazing writer. I am going to be very sad when she finally stops writing about those Phoenix Club men. Keep at it, CJ. Your adoring fans want more and more!
CJ is such an amazing writer. I am going to be very sad when she finally stops writing about those Phoenix Club men. Keep at it, CJ. Your adoring fans want more and more!
August 6, 2014
I might not have been in the right mindset to read this book because it just annoyed me. All I kept thinking was that its getting old drawing out Max and Horatio getting back together, them still fighting it is just pissing me off. The clips from all the other couples was nice but then again I just wanted this Maxwell series to be about Max and Horatio, and this book was more everyone else than them. I'm glad that Seth is stepping up to the plate and doing something about the relationship. Next book had better be them back together or I may give up the series all together.
September 13, 2014
Dying Here!
This trial is killing me I can't believe the things that lawyer is saying, about Abel and Savannah. I wanted Cole and Gabe to punch him so badly. The pain that Horatio and Max are going though is just ripping me apart. I need for them to find their way back to each other, they well need a little push book and God knows they should be together.
This trial is killing me I can't believe the things that lawyer is saying, about Abel and Savannah. I wanted Cole and Gabe to punch him so badly. The pain that Horatio and Max are going though is just ripping me apart. I need for them to find their way back to each other, they well need a little push book and God knows they should be together.
August 22, 2016
If what I think happened happened I'm going to hunt down Horatio's dad and kill him. I'm SO BEYOND sad for Maxwell, Horatio, Seth and Carl. Life can be SO UNFAIR sometimes
What I love about this book is that in such few pages you get so much from everyone. That's pretty good.
Off to finish this Series so I can get to the one I want to read the most... The Cowboy Gangster
What I love about this book is that in such few pages you get so much from everyone. That's pretty good.
Off to finish this Series so I can get to the one I want to read the most... The Cowboy Gangster
November 23, 2014
The least painful so far. While Max and Horatio are still in torment and Carl, as well as Seth are realizing the love they feel will never be enough nobody is raped or tortured in this installment.
The rest of the Phoenix Club boys take the time to reconnect and affirm their love for each other.
The rest of the Phoenix Club boys take the time to reconnect and affirm their love for each other.
February 12, 2016
As the trial picks up emotions run high.
Max starts to see Carl and even though his first love is in the room he can't just turn off his feeling and Carl knows everything but is he enough to fit his shoes.
Love how all these guys intertwine together.
Max starts to see Carl and even though his first love is in the room he can't just turn off his feeling and Carl knows everything but is he enough to fit his shoes.
Love how all these guys intertwine together.
August 2, 2014
cj bishop delivered again! I find myself eagerly awaiting each book, but not wanting this beautiful series to end!
August 21, 2014
Oh my!!!
Such a fantastic read!!
My heart again is being torn in two... just hope it gets put back together again!!
Such a fantastic read!!
My heart again is being torn in two... just hope it gets put back together again!!
August 28, 2014
These books got better and better the more I read. So in love with the Phoenix Club boys!
October 8, 2016
4.5 stars.
August 25, 2014
I love this book, and series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews