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Phoenix Rising
From an outsider’s perspective, the Phoenix Club might be just another high-end gay strip club, catering to the taboo desires and fetishes of wealthy men who wish to remain discreet about their preferences. But the Phoenix is so much more than a “workplace” to the owner, Maxwell Raines, and the young men who dance there.
Max’s bond with his boys reaches far beyond that of employer and employee. For many of the boys, the club has become the only home they’ve ever known, and Max the only “father” figure to step up and lay claim to them, taking them in, caring for them, protecting them. The Phoenix boys have been through the worst of the worst, but amidst the nightmares both past and present, their love, devotion and faith in one another has risen above the pain and anguish that once crushed them and threatened to break their family apart.
Hearts have been healed, lives saved, trust renewed. Now the worst is behind them and for the first time, they begin to relax and enjoy the blessing of their lives. But smaller issues linger over from past events and, if not dealt with, could threaten the newfound peace and contentment.
Max’s bond with his boys reaches far beyond that of employer and employee. For many of the boys, the club has become the only home they’ve ever known, and Max the only “father” figure to step up and lay claim to them, taking them in, caring for them, protecting them. The Phoenix boys have been through the worst of the worst, but amidst the nightmares both past and present, their love, devotion and faith in one another has risen above the pain and anguish that once crushed them and threatened to break their family apart.
Hearts have been healed, lives saved, trust renewed. Now the worst is behind them and for the first time, they begin to relax and enjoy the blessing of their lives. But smaller issues linger over from past events and, if not dealt with, could threaten the newfound peace and contentment.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2014
About the author
C.J. Bishop
155 books531 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 28, 2014
Of course it will get 5 stars!! Thank you so much CJ for letting us have some catch-up books on the guys.
Max and Horatio have already given each other rings, they just need to make it official, and their exes Carl and Seth are busy forging new relationships with Lex and Jamie respectively. My God, these guys get around hehe.
Dane and Angel, Gabe and Cole are still solid as couples as are Devlin and Abel. Savannah and Maddy however; well, Savannah is trying to work things out in her own mind given that she has HIV, and doesn't want Maddy to have to bear any more burdens than he already has. Maddy is growing up fast, and at the end of this story has just punched Axel, who forced him to watch Angel being raped by Wade and Byrd, although to his credit he did help them escape. As the story says though 'does one good deed cancel out all the bad things he did??'...Clint certainly hopes so.
Hope we get to find out what became of Samuel and Caleb in the next story Phoenix Undone. 5 Fiery Golden Stars from me. Woot!!
Max and Horatio have already given each other rings, they just need to make it official, and their exes Carl and Seth are busy forging new relationships with Lex and Jamie respectively. My God, these guys get around hehe.
Dane and Angel, Gabe and Cole are still solid as couples as are Devlin and Abel. Savannah and Maddy however; well, Savannah is trying to work things out in her own mind given that she has HIV, and doesn't want Maddy to have to bear any more burdens than he already has. Maddy is growing up fast, and at the end of this story has just punched Axel, who forced him to watch Angel being raped by Wade and Byrd, although to his credit he did help them escape. As the story says though 'does one good deed cancel out all the bad things he did??'...Clint certainly hopes so.
Hope we get to find out what became of Samuel and Caleb in the next story Phoenix Undone. 5 Fiery Golden Stars from me. Woot!!
October 10, 2014
“Does one good deed cancel out the many bad ones?”
Well, I'm the Phoenix Boys groupies, so, I probably bias. But it's really good finally "meet" the boys again, to finalized what they had been through.
Angel is still the main focus, with his problem with his step brother, Axel. The interesting is, that Clint, the cowboy has ' a feeling' for Axel.
Let's see where the story gonna lead them in the future.
But what I loved the most is the last part when Maddy finally stand up for Angel. That's made me cry and yeah...this time, no mercy for Axel who made Maddy 'watch.'
Reminds me to a very hard time of their lives. They're bleed. But they're survived. Thanks to the family.
The boys, are all obviously very happy after the trial. They're all deserves it.
Loved the story, and can't wait to read the next in the series. Just can't get enough of the boys.
“I just want us to do like you said and pick up where we left off, before everything went to hell. You don’t have anything to make up for. And I don’t want you to feel like you do. Just…be with me, love me. That’s all I need, Max. Just…you.”
“One thing I learned during my time away…is that when you care for someone…you cherish them, savor them, and above all let them know without a doubt that their heart is your treasure, and the physical stuff…it’s just icing on an already beautiful, delicious cake.”
March 25, 2015
I'd forgotten how much I loved the boys from The Phoenix Club. This first book refreshes us on what has happened previously, who is doing who and carries on with the story where the last one left off. It's just as good as the previous instalments and the sex and chemistry between the men is as hot as ever. So good to have them back and see new relationships form for characters that have missed out on true love in the past.
November 5, 2014
Just Wow!!
The first thing that really made sad was the thought of Lex not having anyone. I've wanted one of the boys to fall for Lex and it looks like Carl could be the one. Now what's going to happen with Clint and Axel, that's going to take sometime to get use too. Can't wait to see where that odd match may go.
The first thing that really made sad was the thought of Lex not having anyone. I've wanted one of the boys to fall for Lex and it looks like Carl could be the one. Now what's going to happen with Clint and Axel, that's going to take sometime to get use too. Can't wait to see where that odd match may go.
February 10, 2015
Of course I loved Phoenix Rising....who doesn't love anything to do with the Phoenix boys!!! I have been reluctant to start The Phoenix Chronicles books because it is the beginning of the end for the series, but it was good to catch up with everybody again. This is a book full of HOT sex and I loved every page of it. If you loved all the other books, this will not disappoint!!
September 17, 2022
This was bittersweet reading it because it was the first book of the series I had to read without Vicki my sister. She got me into this series and I have loved it.
This is kind of an interlude story that Max is kind of telling us from journal entries and it's all so first hand as well. I really enjoyed that. It has everyone from all 15 of the previous books in the Phoenix club series. It also has Clint and Axel who get it on for the first time. So Axel is still terrified at this point but he's trying to figure out what is happening because he doesn't understand his feelings.
Maddy and Angel confronts axle about the past and what happened. I really loved that Maddy did two things for Angel one he punched axle as hard as possible could and then he gave him forgiveness. He said only a true brother was sacrifice his self the way that Axel did for Angel that night and one act as he did forgives all of his past that's what he's learned.
It shows what they are doing after Abel's trial and the events of what happened with Angel. It talks about Caleb and his brother Nick. Savannah is also there and her feelings for Maddy. It was a really great book no real drama which I loved. My heart was melting. Plus has Carl and Seth getting some love after they gave up what could never really have with Max and Horatio.
This is kind of an interlude story that Max is kind of telling us from journal entries and it's all so first hand as well. I really enjoyed that. It has everyone from all 15 of the previous books in the Phoenix club series. It also has Clint and Axel who get it on for the first time. So Axel is still terrified at this point but he's trying to figure out what is happening because he doesn't understand his feelings.
Maddy and Angel confronts axle about the past and what happened. I really loved that Maddy did two things for Angel one he punched axle as hard as possible could and then he gave him forgiveness. He said only a true brother was sacrifice his self the way that Axel did for Angel that night and one act as he did forgives all of his past that's what he's learned.
It shows what they are doing after Abel's trial and the events of what happened with Angel. It talks about Caleb and his brother Nick. Savannah is also there and her feelings for Maddy. It was a really great book no real drama which I loved. My heart was melting. Plus has Carl and Seth getting some love after they gave up what could never really have with Max and Horatio.
April 28, 2015
Ok, yes, this series has wayyy too much sex, lube and condoms are rarely used and sometimes the angst is a little too much to take. HOWEVER, that being said, I want these men to actually exist in real life. I want to have them over for dinner. I want to simply watch them interact together. Dear god, I would even like to be a voyeur and sit in on their little sexcapades. Some are downright sexy (Max and Dane, you know I'm talking about you). Others are sweet and dear (Able, Caleb and Angel *sighs*) And some of you are just downright dirty and dangerous (Cole, Gabe and last but definitely NOT least, Clint *I wanna have your baby* the Cowboy Gangster). These books took me by the hair and dragged me along like a caveman in his prime. He made me his bitch and I'm loving every second of it. I've had the pleasure of being able to read these books back to back but I can see some really bad withdrawals in my future when I finish Shot Through The Heart, but damn, it's worth the addiction. More please!
March 1, 2016
I haven't read the previous books but what the hell. There is absolutely no plot. It starts off with a gangster, Clint, molesting and sexually assaulting a young man, Axel. It wasn't even dubious consent. There was literally no consent. The guy is scared shitless! And I'm not into that.
Then it skips to other couples having sex. Sex for 90% of the book I'm guessing and the sex isn't even good. The only surprise for me at 50% is when Clint asked Axel to top him. So what I did is skipping the other couples to see what happens with Clint and Axel because they're the only fucked up "couple." Turns out Axel is the first guy that Clint let fuck, and he's making Clint's cold, dead heart beat. Does it get any more cliche?
This book most probably isn't meant for newcomers to the series because I have no desire to continue reading even when I read the last chapter. The cast is huge and there are no memorable characters besides Clint the dickwad and Axel, the guy who did bad stuff in the past.
Then it skips to other couples having sex. Sex for 90% of the book I'm guessing and the sex isn't even good. The only surprise for me at 50% is when Clint asked Axel to top him. So what I did is skipping the other couples to see what happens with Clint and Axel because they're the only fucked up "couple." Turns out Axel is the first guy that Clint let fuck, and he's making Clint's cold, dead heart beat. Does it get any more cliche?
This book most probably isn't meant for newcomers to the series because I have no desire to continue reading even when I read the last chapter. The cast is huge and there are no memorable characters besides Clint the dickwad and Axel, the guy who did bad stuff in the past.
May 20, 2015
I loved the Phoenix Club series so read this follow up series. You need to have read the Club series to enjoy this one. In my opinion it's not quite as good. What I loved about the Club books was the combination of gripping angst ridden plots and the developing characters of the sexy men from the Club. Now this series tied up some lose ends & is more sex than plot, which is ok as I love the characters but the series doesn't really add anything new. Despite my criticism I still give 4 stars overall for the series.
November 13, 2016
PISSED, that I didn't read these books before reading The Cowboy Gangster series.
Though there really wasn't much in the line of a story line, because it was mostly a bunch of guys in love having amazing sex... there were a little parts that made some parts in The Cowboy Gangster series make sense now.... so PLEASE read this BEFORE reading The Cowboy Gangster series
but even with that annoyance, I still enjoyed it, enjoyed reading about how good the guys are doing in their love lives... so I'm off to read book two
Though there really wasn't much in the line of a story line, because it was mostly a bunch of guys in love having amazing sex... there were a little parts that made some parts in The Cowboy Gangster series make sense now.... so PLEASE read this BEFORE reading The Cowboy Gangster series
but even with that annoyance, I still enjoyed it, enjoyed reading about how good the guys are doing in their love lives... so I'm off to read book two
December 13, 2014
This book was more of a recap, or an "I remember when" book. There isn't much plot development, and the story does not move forward. The majority of this book is spent in the bedrooms of the men, and showing how they each celebrate Abel's court victory, and express their love for each other. There is an interesting story line development between Clint and Axel that left me scratching my head, and wanting to read more.
September 24, 2014
She has done it again.
Once again JC Bishop has left me speechless and making me hold my breathe waiting to see what the hell is going to happen. The whole series is EPIC. Love this series and when it finally over it will break my heart.
Once again JC Bishop has left me speechless and making me hold my breathe waiting to see what the hell is going to happen. The whole series is EPIC. Love this series and when it finally over it will break my heart.
September 25, 2014
YOUR KILLING ME!!! I love everything about these boys (men). I'm so glad Lex has a place now. I've always liked him. And tho Axel & Clint are pretty shitty people, I LOVE them together lol. Can't wait for more of them, more of all of them!
November 24, 2015
I kept putting this book down because it felt very jumbled, but about a 1/3 way in, I finally got hooked. I think I had to get used to the snippet style across so many different characters and storylines.
January 4, 2016
Absolutely LOVED this !!!
It was great to catch up with EVERYONE from the Phoenix Club, seeing how they were coping with things. It had me laughing and crying too. I can't wait to start the next in this series !!
It was great to catch up with EVERYONE from the Phoenix Club, seeing how they were coping with things. It had me laughing and crying too. I can't wait to start the next in this series !!
April 22, 2016
I've just bought all the Phoenix chronicles books and the cowboy gangster 1 to 4 books! I am so looking forward to reading all these books! Heard so many good reviews about these.. I seriously can't wait!!
October 10, 2014
Love Love Love, not a huge cliffhanger, but a sweeter side of watching the boys work through life together
December 3, 2014
I read/skimmed most of the previous stories before this book. In most ways it was helpful, but it seems like Phoenix Rising is also supposed to serve as an introduction. A little bit confusing.
Read
June 6, 2015DNF at 59%
August 12, 2016
I really enjoy this author. Good series.
October 9, 2016
Welcome back, guys. Missed you a lot.
December 11, 2014
review to come
December 26, 2014
I love this book and new series. Can't wait to read book two.
Read
April 1, 2018Entering a previously read book
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews