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MAXWELL 3: Love's Conviction
MAXWELL, Part 3
A tender romance begins to blossom between Savannah and Maddy as darker issues arise when Cole, Gabe and Dane are clued in to Brock Coulson’s intentions to drag Caleb through a vicious court battle. Clint and Cochise return to lend a “helping” hand and Clint finds himself unexpectedly drawn to a least likely candidate for romance.
As Devlin is ready to take the witness stand, the trial is delayed another day due to unforeseen events, and Carl and Seth join forces to bring the two men in their lives together while Max and Horatio – oblivious to their lovers’ scheme – struggle to convince themselves that they can let go of the past and move forward, yet in their hearts continue to fall deeper and deeper in love with one another.
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
A tender romance begins to blossom between Savannah and Maddy as darker issues arise when Cole, Gabe and Dane are clued in to Brock Coulson’s intentions to drag Caleb through a vicious court battle. Clint and Cochise return to lend a “helping” hand and Clint finds himself unexpectedly drawn to a least likely candidate for romance.
As Devlin is ready to take the witness stand, the trial is delayed another day due to unforeseen events, and Carl and Seth join forces to bring the two men in their lives together while Max and Horatio – oblivious to their lovers’ scheme – struggle to convince themselves that they can let go of the past and move forward, yet in their hearts continue to fall deeper and deeper in love with one another.
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
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2014
5 people are currently reading
156 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
August 27, 2014
I loved, loved, LOVED this series, every single minute...apart from the editing niggles (which unfortunately seem to have re-appeared in this final instalment). The young men Abel, Caleb, and Angel...oh and mustn't forget Maddy, and the older guys Devin, Samuel, Dane, Gabe and Cole and last, but by no means least, Maxwell and Horatio. Oh, and the on-off partners too, Seth and Carl who both deserve a huge hug for letting Max and Horatio have their fairytale ending, and a big shout out for Savannah too!!
Will we ever get to find out whether Nick and Christian have a HEA?? I flipping well hope so, cos as far as I can see, they're the only couple whose thread wasn't neatly tied up in this finale.
Be afraid, be VERY afraid Brock Coulson!! Thank you SO much CJ for this outstanding series, which really has made for gripping and compulsive reading.
August 23, 2014
OMG, THANK YOU for finally letting my favorite boys Max and Horatio get back together. And not only that, but there were happy endings all around.
November 23, 2014
Isn't it funny how hard it was to get through the other books in this series that now I've reached the end am sorry it's over? Don't get me wrong, these stories are brutal, vivid and painful but so full of love you can't NOT read them.
I haven't been able to truly review these stories because they left me feeling so raw afterwards. C.J. Bishop doesn't pull any punches. She gives you full unvarnished vivid imagery of pain so you are right there in it, seeing it, feeling it, experiencing it with the characters. Rape, sexual sadism, emotional, psychological abuse, it's all here. There is no change to a different scene or character so that you know what is happening but don't have to look at it. These books keep you there, unable to look away, makes you aware of the savagery we as humans are capable of inflicting on one another, with no excuses.
Would I recommend these books, this series, this author? Right now? I don't think so. I don't know that I would have read them myself had I known the affect they would have on me. The books are brilliant, the characters and stories are richly detailed. The author is very talented and does some of the best writing I've ever encountered. But, and this is a big BUT, it's because the writing is done so well that I'm reluctant to recommend it. Disregarding the homosexuality, which in my opinion is of no consequence, not everyone is equipped to deal with the imagery so brilliantly exposed here. Only Diane Gabaldon's Outlander series has left me this exposed and raw emotionally and even that series should give a reader trigger warnings about the content.
I haven't been able to truly review these stories because they left me feeling so raw afterwards. C.J. Bishop doesn't pull any punches. She gives you full unvarnished vivid imagery of pain so you are right there in it, seeing it, feeling it, experiencing it with the characters. Rape, sexual sadism, emotional, psychological abuse, it's all here. There is no change to a different scene or character so that you know what is happening but don't have to look at it. These books keep you there, unable to look away, makes you aware of the savagery we as humans are capable of inflicting on one another, with no excuses.
Would I recommend these books, this series, this author? Right now? I don't think so. I don't know that I would have read them myself had I known the affect they would have on me. The books are brilliant, the characters and stories are richly detailed. The author is very talented and does some of the best writing I've ever encountered. But, and this is a big BUT, it's because the writing is done so well that I'm reluctant to recommend it. Disregarding the homosexuality, which in my opinion is of no consequence, not everyone is equipped to deal with the imagery so brilliantly exposed here. Only Diane Gabaldon's Outlander series has left me this exposed and raw emotionally and even that series should give a reader trigger warnings about the content.
June 3, 2022
Max finally knows the truth and it was so wonderful finally seeing them be happy together. Seth and Carl giving up what could have been happiness eventually knowing that it would never would be unless Max and Horatio were together like they should have been 20 years ago. That was so wonderful and extraordinary.
Clint and Cochise we're also back for a little bit of this book. They actually ended it with Brock who thought he wouldn't get a second visit from them if he didn't physically touch Caleb. He was definitely wrong in that factor.
The lawyer Tate dudes ended up letting Abel go. That moments in the courtroom was wonderful and his backstory with his deceased wife was definitely a turning point for him and I know there's another book that he's in the cowboy gangster series and maybe the next to last book or the last book.
All the main couples are now engaged and I cannot wait to read the next books with them. This book has been part of an emotional journey for more and I started Abel's book and continued right down to this. They got their happy ending.
Clint and Cochise we're also back for a little bit of this book. They actually ended it with Brock who thought he wouldn't get a second visit from them if he didn't physically touch Caleb. He was definitely wrong in that factor.
The lawyer Tate dudes ended up letting Abel go. That moments in the courtroom was wonderful and his backstory with his deceased wife was definitely a turning point for him and I know there's another book that he's in the cowboy gangster series and maybe the next to last book or the last book.
All the main couples are now engaged and I cannot wait to read the next books with them. This book has been part of an emotional journey for more and I started Abel's book and continued right down to this. They got their happy ending.
November 12, 2016
It seems very hard to believe that I'm finally at not only Max's final book in his trilogy, but the finale for the entire series. I will strongly advise that this series should be read in order as there is way too much backstory, not to mention all of the guys and their stories weave in and out of each other tying everything together.
'Love's Conviction' is the fifteenth book in a series that has taken me from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. I had no clue what to expect from this finale. I just know that I wanted Max and Horatio to get what they both desperately needed, I wanted Abel to be found not guilty, I wanted Gabe and Cole to be disease free, I wanted Caleb and Samuel to beat Brock at his own game, and I really needed Seth and Carl to be happy. That's not asking too much, is it? *grins*
I got most of what I wanted. Thank you to the author for that. I see some possibilities of more stories to be told, so perhaps there will be a spinoff. Until then I have my memories of a very hot, very sweet, incredible family who took care of one another and truly loved each other. We should all be so lucky to find that kind of family.
'Love's Conviction' is the fifteenth book in a series that has taken me from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. I had no clue what to expect from this finale. I just know that I wanted Max and Horatio to get what they both desperately needed, I wanted Abel to be found not guilty, I wanted Gabe and Cole to be disease free, I wanted Caleb and Samuel to beat Brock at his own game, and I really needed Seth and Carl to be happy. That's not asking too much, is it? *grins*
I got most of what I wanted. Thank you to the author for that. I see some possibilities of more stories to be told, so perhaps there will be a spinoff. Until then I have my memories of a very hot, very sweet, incredible family who took care of one another and truly loved each other. We should all be so lucky to find that kind of family.
November 22, 2017
***5 PERFECT ENDING STARS!***
CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF HE BOYS! THANK F*** THERE'S GONNA BE PHOENIX CHRONICLES ... THE FINAL.
TOO SAD THIS ONE ENDED. MISSED THE BOYS ALREADY.
EERRR..I WISH I COULD HAVE SOME ORGY WITH ALL THE GUYS. ESPECIALLY MY FAVORITE SUGAR DADDY HORATIO KAPLAN AND THAT TWO HUNK, COLE AND GABE. OMG!!! I'M OFFICIALLY ADDICTED!
I'm glad everybody have their HFN, while waiting for the final installment, Phoenix Chronicles.
It's better be reaaaaaaaaally great for my boys!
Can't wait for Carl and Lex story, more Seth (the real angel) and Jimmy the cute college guy, Axel and the "cowboy" Clint., more of the boys...the marriage...
Aaaarghhh...just let Phoenix Chronicles come already!!!!!!!
The boys will stay with me forever!!!
and...*cough* ..I have a secret wish that there's the day I can 'see' again Gabe-Abel-Cole threesome...*cough* (sorry Devlin)
CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF HE BOYS! THANK F*** THERE'S GONNA BE PHOENIX CHRONICLES ... THE FINAL.
TOO SAD THIS ONE ENDED. MISSED THE BOYS ALREADY.
EERRR..I WISH I COULD HAVE SOME ORGY WITH ALL THE GUYS. ESPECIALLY MY FAVORITE SUGAR DADDY HORATIO KAPLAN AND THAT TWO HUNK, COLE AND GABE. OMG!!! I'M OFFICIALLY ADDICTED!
I'm glad everybody have their HFN, while waiting for the final installment, Phoenix Chronicles.
It's better be reaaaaaaaaally great for my boys!
Can't wait for Carl and Lex story, more Seth (the real angel) and Jimmy the cute college guy, Axel and the "cowboy" Clint., more of the boys...the marriage...
Aaaarghhh...just let Phoenix Chronicles come already!!!!!!!
The boys will stay with me forever!!!
and...*cough* ..I have a secret wish that there's the day I can 'see' again Gabe-Abel-Cole threesome...*cough* (sorry Devlin)
"“Your shit is our shit. Anyone fucks with you, they’re fucking with us too. That’s just the way it is, so get used
to it, babe.”
"“I would rather go through it with you, than
lose you and have to face life alone. I’ve already gotten a glimpse of what my life would be like without you in it, and it ain’t fucking pretty. I don’t do so good on my own, just ask anyone.”"
"Soon, baby, Seth thought, and it will all
go away. You won’t have to hurt
anymore. Just love me one more
night…then I’ll set you free."
"Put the hurt from the past to rest,
don’t hold onto the pain."
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.
September 24, 2014
This is my first review in this series, but I pretty much feel this way about all of these books.
I cannot rave enough about these books. I think I've recommended them to everyone I know. CJ Bishop is the master of mixing the dark with the light and I think it shows amazing symmetry to how the world can be as a whole. There are terrible evils, but there is also a great deal of good in the world. That bipolar tone as well as some very lovable heros and plenty of hot steamy sex will suck you in until tragically reach the end, leaving you desperate for more.
I've been waiting FOREVER for Max's and Horatio's story and I wasn't at all disappointed. All of the couples in this series are amazing and I fell in love with each one of them, but these guys in particular broke my heart a little before the end. Will probably read ANYTHING from CJ Bishop at this point if this is the kind of books I can hope for.
I do wonder what ever happened with Axel and Clint ass well as Seth and Jamie. . . .
I cannot rave enough about these books. I think I've recommended them to everyone I know. CJ Bishop is the master of mixing the dark with the light and I think it shows amazing symmetry to how the world can be as a whole. There are terrible evils, but there is also a great deal of good in the world. That bipolar tone as well as some very lovable heros and plenty of hot steamy sex will suck you in until tragically reach the end, leaving you desperate for more.
I've been waiting FOREVER for Max's and Horatio's story and I wasn't at all disappointed. All of the couples in this series are amazing and I fell in love with each one of them, but these guys in particular broke my heart a little before the end. Will probably read ANYTHING from CJ Bishop at this point if this is the kind of books I can hope for.
I do wonder what ever happened with Axel and Clint ass well as Seth and Jamie. . . .
August 26, 2014
Oh boy! What an ending! Or is it a beginning? Anyone else gripped and fraught with emotion for Maxwell and Horatio? I have always had a soft spot for Max and Horatio. To start with I thought Horatio was an ass, but I did warm to him. CJ has had me hooked from Book One of The Phoenix Club and I am sad that it has come to an end. I am hoping and keeping everything crossed that CJ may write more. I want to read about Clint, Lex and the rest of the merry band of vigilantes. They have me intrigued and I want to read more.
I am so happy that Max and Horatio get their happy ever after. Having their story interwoven throughout the series has been mentally draining to read. I don't mean that in a bad way. You just get sucked right in and hang on tight for the ride. I loved this series so much, I am definitely going to read it again and again. You have GOT to read these books if you haven't already done so. I promise, you will be hooked like the rest of us. An amazing job, CJ!
I am so happy that Max and Horatio get their happy ever after. Having their story interwoven throughout the series has been mentally draining to read. I don't mean that in a bad way. You just get sucked right in and hang on tight for the ride. I loved this series so much, I am definitely going to read it again and again. You have GOT to read these books if you haven't already done so. I promise, you will be hooked like the rest of us. An amazing job, CJ!
December 22, 2014
This book was touching, heartfelt, and made me sigh with happiness. The romance of Max and Horatio spanned a lifetime, and left me with a warm feeling in my heart. There is the typical worry/angst/fear that is typical for this series. The trial was heart breaking to watch Abel, Savannah and Devlin relive the horror of what was done to them. But, it is the love and support of family that helps get them through the nightmare, cementing their own relationships, and helping lead to a budding new relationship between Maddy and Savannah. This book is a must read, especially those who have been pulling for Max and Horatio to bridge their gap,and take a leap of faith.
Oh, and their is a bit more about the mysterious cowboy, Clint, who would kill to avenge the wrongs done to his friends and family.
Oh, and their is a bit more about the mysterious cowboy, Clint, who would kill to avenge the wrongs done to his friends and family.
August 1, 2015
While it was great books, the whole Phoenix club series, I'm kinda glad that I finally finished them. They were good but the amount of angst drained me. All the rapes and the beatings and Max/Horatio relationship was just too emotionally draining for me. Especially how it was suppose to be their book but most of the serie was about them fucking Carl and Seth .The Maxwell serie was soooo exhausting because I just wanted Horatio to be selfish for once and tell Max the truth and I felt just so bad for Seth and Carl...It was great books but for my emotional stability, I probably won't read them again.
August 24, 2016
FINALLY, long time lovers are reunited... but I'm still with Seth, why didn't they just do a blood test years ago?
I'm glad Horatio and Maxwell are finally free to love each other, but I'm sad for Seth and Carl... those two guys deserve a Horatio and Maxwell type of love. To give up what they wanted so bad for love is a sacrifice I don't think many people would do... I hope they get their love.
Now off to FINALLY read the book that started me on this journey... the one I wanted to read in the first place... and I'm SO glad I wanted to read that book, mainly because it brought me to all these other amazing guys.
I'm glad Horatio and Maxwell are finally free to love each other, but I'm sad for Seth and Carl... those two guys deserve a Horatio and Maxwell type of love. To give up what they wanted so bad for love is a sacrifice I don't think many people would do... I hope they get their love.
Now off to FINALLY read the book that started me on this journey... the one I wanted to read in the first place... and I'm SO glad I wanted to read that book, mainly because it brought me to all these other amazing guys.
August 22, 2014
Love these boys from the 1st book all the way to the end!! More angst than anyone should go through and thats the readers as well as the boys!!
My heart can be happy at last. All the boys have someone looking after them now. They have all had their miracle and found true love and Max and Horatio are sorted at last only 15 books to get there!! All seems like it is well.
LOVED IT!!!
But just a few ends that need to be tied up now!!!
My heart can be happy at last. All the boys have someone looking after them now. They have all had their miracle and found true love and Max and Horatio are sorted at last only 15 books to get there!! All seems like it is well.
LOVED IT!!!
But just a few ends that need to be tied up now!!!
September 14, 2014
JUST BEAUTIFUL!!
I didn't think I would happen but seems that all, the Phoenix men have found their true love. And e v enough though Horatio and Max suffered the most they are happy now. Seth and Carl are some very spacial men, to let go of the men that they both loved so much just so that they could be happy, with someone else you just have to love them. Thank You CJ Bishop for a wonderful series!! All I can say is this is a must read series people!!
I didn't think I would happen but seems that all, the Phoenix men have found their true love. And e v enough though Horatio and Max suffered the most they are happy now. Seth and Carl are some very spacial men, to let go of the men that they both loved so much just so that they could be happy, with someone else you just have to love them. Thank You CJ Bishop for a wonderful series!! All I can say is this is a must read series people!!
December 13, 2015
I absolutely loved this !!! It wrapped up a lot of unanswered questions but opened up other questions too.
I'm so glad that we got to see what happened with Abel's trial,that we got to find out the truth about Max and Haratio and i loved that Savannah and Maddy seem to have a relationship blossoming too. This book was just BRILLIANT !!!
I'm so glad that we got to see what happened with Abel's trial,that we got to find out the truth about Max and Haratio and i loved that Savannah and Maddy seem to have a relationship blossoming too. This book was just BRILLIANT !!!
February 12, 2016
Now this was a finel to the whole club boys.
Max and Carl find even ground then Seth finds some news that will end the heartbreak for Max and Horatio lost love affair and will Seth and Carl do right.
We also get more with Maddy and Savannah which is beautiful.
This book brings all of them together and take action.
One big happy family.
Max and Carl find even ground then Seth finds some news that will end the heartbreak for Max and Horatio lost love affair and will Seth and Carl do right.
We also get more with Maddy and Savannah which is beautiful.
This book brings all of them together and take action.
One big happy family.
August 21, 2014
THANK FUCK! I have been a relentless groupie of these boys from Abels beginnings & was NOT disappointed! I love this whole series & wish there could more & more & more to come. But I guess all good/great things should come to an end eventually!
Fabulous job CJ!
Fabulous job CJ!
August 25, 2014
love, love, loved this book... the entire series is great! as with all the others it takes you on a ride of pain and terrible times but you always get your HEA.
if your looking for a quick, tense and hot read this is definitely one to go for.
if your looking for a quick, tense and hot read this is definitely one to go for.
August 27, 2014
5 stars and more!
Maxwell 1, 2 and 3 make up Volume 5 of the Phoenix Club Series. This author does a fabulous job weaving multiple continuing story lines through this series, with each volume's primary focus being on the title character.
Maxwell 1, 2 and 3 make up Volume 5 of the Phoenix Club Series. This author does a fabulous job weaving multiple continuing story lines through this series, with each volume's primary focus being on the title character.
June 26, 2015
Hot!!!Hot!!!
I loved the beginning to the end of the Phoenix's Club Book series. Every book just had me falling deeper in love with all the guys.
I loved the beginning to the end of the Phoenix's Club Book series. Every book just had me falling deeper in love with all the guys.
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June 28, 2022I love the book I wanted to tell all CJ fans that she put out an other book call phoenix Rising book one you can get it at amazon check it out you will not be sorry it a very good book
August 28, 2014
These books got better and better the more I read. So in love with the Phoenix Club boys!
September 19, 2014
MORE MORE MORE!
October 8, 2016
Finally! Yes!
August 27, 2014
A great book, and series. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews