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The Cowboy Gangster #2

Gunnin' for Love

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Clint and Axel’s new and vulnerable relationship is shaken to the core as Clint blames himself for Shay and Cory’s fate. Struck with the reality of his mistakes, Clint must make a choice that threatens to devastate Axel’s heart.

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2015

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About the author

C.J. Bishop

155 books531 followers
Pen 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.

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5 stars
276 (60%)
4 stars
124 (27%)
3 stars
40 (8%)
2 stars
11 (2%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for BevS.
2,883 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2015

4.5 stars. Episode 2 of The Cowboy Gangster Series, it was brutal!! Yes, I know Clint is a hit man, he does really awful things to people who upset him or his bosses BUT I really didn't want to get THAT 'up close and personal' with what happened with the two guys who tried to rape Axel [and yes, we still need to know who paid them to do it...and why]. Cochise, Clint's wing man is busy getting to know Kane, the veterinarian, a lot more closely and has a hissy fit himself where he goes berserk at someone they think is involved with the attack on Cory and Shay.

On the plus side, there is no doubt whatsoever that Axel and Clint are in love, and that Axel is making huge strides in becoming part of Angel and Maddy's family together with the other guys [Gabe, Cole, Dane et al] at the Phoenix Club.

Cory is safe although it was a close run thing, unfortunately I can't say the same for Shay :( and Clint's bosses, who treated the 2 young men as family, are clearly out for revenge. Hopefully there'll be no repeat of the farce I had to download this instalment when part 3 comes out.
Profile Image for ♣️ Lynda ♣️.
453 reviews48 followers
June 3, 2015
Holy Crap! This was a super packed book. Lots of action including hot sex and torture.

I was quite upset with The Egyptian at the end of this book, but rage and heartache will make you do terrible things.

I'm excited to read the next book and see what happens now that Clint has been read the riot act by Chochise. Poor sweet Axel just might pay the price.
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,438 reviews403 followers
December 7, 2017
You’re a dangerous animal –not a domestic pet. You belong in a cage…you always will.

Near the ending I wanted to pull the trigger to the Egyptian's head myself.
Clint is too weak, yes. But can't he be a human too?
He shouldn't be listening to that Egyptian, I hate him. Not a fan of him right now, maybe forever. I don't know.
As for Clint and Axel, I know book 3 will be the hardest of all. Even Clint is fucking moron right now, at least, I know he's still have a heart.
Poor Axel...Having so much hope of their fragile relationship.
"“I used to pray that he was real and he would get rid of Wade and my dad, and…take me with him. Even if I had to go back to hell with him, I didn’t care.” He swallowed thickly and lifted his eyes again. “I was already in hell.”"


I don't know if I'm going to continue to book 3 or sit here waiting for book 4.

I'm still hangover. Don't talk to me right now. I'm still pissed!

Still...these are some of my favorite quotes I can share with you.
"“You’re scared, Tucker.” The cowboy continued to comb his fingers through his hair. “Not sorry.” He leaned down close to his ear. “And you’re right to be scared.” His fingers curled, gripping drenched strands. “Because you see…I’m a selfish motherfucker and I…don’t…share what is mine. Understand?”

"“The pain we’ve caused in the past will always hurt us to some degree.” “But we can rise above, use it to our advantage…a reminder of the progress we’ve made, the obstacles we’ve overcome. It doesn’t have to ruin our lives.”"

"I won’t let anyone hurt you. I swear to God, I’ll fucking butcher anyone who even tries."
Profile Image for BlackMamba.
167 reviews39 followers
November 1, 2015
Spoiler alert

Bored up to 98% then, towards the end, just extremely pissed.
Mafiosi, gangster, mobsters or however you want to call them, kill an innocent boy of seventeen years in front of his father it's just an deplorable act and certainly it does not make me cheer for the "hero". In fact, right now, I just wish Cochise will meet a slow and terrible death but no, i know he'll get he's "happily ever after" and this thing pisses me off even more XD. Bah.
I want to see IF and HOW the asshole will redeem, and I will continue to read this series for that reason alone.

Sclero finito!
Profile Image for H..
33 reviews
June 15, 2015
Really loved this book,like the previous ones,but the end was a no go!!


Cochise killing an innocent 17year old just to prove the point of "collateral damage"and making Clint responsible for the whole mess just because of Axel.He wasn´t there either to prevent anything.

Looks like Cochise and Kane probably get their own books;i´m not sure weither i read them,since he´s not much better than the "bad guys",he´s usually killing.How do you explain/excuse something like that?That boy wasn´t really innocent?He knew about all and was part of the plan?

I will read the next book;i have to know what happens next with Clint and Axel.Hopefully without much presence of that egyptian,although i fear,everbody will be incredibly forgiving(just consider his lost.Ohh,the grief and rage.Yep,totally understandable)!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tracy.
819 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2015
Oh my god!! So many feels...
I can't believe it ended like that
The Egyptian is freakin deadly...damn
Profile Image for Carey.
1,217 reviews
October 15, 2015
2.5 stars
I have so many issues with this series that idk where to start. Let's just say 2 books were enough for me. I'm done.
Profile Image for Christy Roberts.
1,622 reviews49 followers
May 21, 2020
This took place along side of the last book. I still was hoping Shay would live. Feel so awful for Corey cause he loved him. I feel bad for Clint and the others too because they family and lost Shay. Couchie however upset me at end with the coldness and no remorse he gave by killing the way he did. An eye for an when he said but was too much. It got 4 star for that reason and the f word again.

Clint and Axel are so great together. And Clint is sweet with Jonah, the puppy he gave Axel. Jonah accidentally peed on his side of bed lol. I thought was adorable how he held him too.

Angel was in this book. I really like him and Dane, his finance. They keep Axel company while Clint was getting justice for guys tried rape him in book one. That was a rough part to read, but justice came. At end Clint went back to Axel. Axel gave him a gift of a necklace which was sweet representing his armor cause Axel said he was his knight in shining armour.

I'm terrified of the next book because of the ending. Also for what is to come in book four. I have to get through cause want read new books. Great job on this.
Profile Image for Nicole.
38 reviews
July 22, 2022
I love my boys. This is just as good as the first one, but certainly not my favorite book out of the series.
Profile Image for Michele.
189 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2015
More!!!....I REALLY need more! GREAT job CJ…you’ve done it again! I was at the edge of my seat throughout book 2 and the minute I was done, I was going through withdraw as I anxiously wait for book 3. I had the litle mix-up with the chapters, but it wasn't anything that took away from the story, just a little confusing.

In book 2, the intimate moments between Clint and Axel were precious. They are so great when they are together and it’s devastating that there are going to be major tears for these two before their HEA can happen. Knowing there is a massive heartbreak coming up for them, just makes me want to cry already! The Club scenes with the Phoenix Club boys were wonderful, as usual! Angel, Dane, Gabe and Cole, as well as the other Phoenix boys always brings a huge smile to my face. I especially love that Angel and Axel, as well as Dane are getting closer and spend so much time together. Clint and Axel’s club bathroom scene was so hot, I thought I was going to pass out from heatstroke!! Oh, and I can't wait to see what's in store for Gavin with his new living arrangement with Tommy, Rickyand Levi!

Normally violence doesn't bother me, but I was surprised that the Riley/Tucker scene didn't go over so well for me. CJ delivered a great eye-opener to remind us that Clint and Cochise really are the bad guys.

I cried again when Angelo and Anthony go to see Shay- their grief was tragic and then the passion was unexpected, yet spectacularly moving. I love the whole GFY scenario later in life, so this should be interesting. Cory has a tough road to recovery ahead of him. And I still can’t wait to find out how Clint’s going to explain about Jimmy being Cory and his history with Clint when Axel find out. He’s going to be so mad…and hurt! Axel is going to need his family to lean on when Clint gets back to the apartment.

There is so much potential for Kane and Cochise, but I’m pretty sure they are going to have their own books, so any sneak-peaks we get now are definitely a plus. Right now, I’m pretty angry at Cochise for….well lots of things, but I’m sure he will find his heart and redeem himself. As I said, lots of heartbreak coming up….for all of the characters. Just need to stay tuned….
Profile Image for Laudie.
92 reviews
February 3, 2016
Great story, I feel so bad for shay he was a nice guy. The end is surprising as well and I expect some nasty things to come. I'll just say I skipped the torture part of the book cause it was a bit too much for me so I just read the dialogue. Also, I'm starting to feel confused by the first names.... I mean we have Abel and Caleb and axel and angel, then we have Dane and Kane and gabe and Gavin and then here we have Angelo and Anthony.... I may be the only one but it's starting to get mixed up in my head. Oh there's also Cory and Cole even though that's an easier one. But I mean none of them could have been called Logan or John???? Food for thought, a bit diversity with the first names please...... Also the expression is "sit well with me" not " set well with me"

It is still my main issue with this series as a whole is the tears.... We're dealing with dangerous ppl or just men in general. I cannot wrap my mind around the fact that they cry so much and sometimes for not much. I must say its a bit dialed down since the Phoenix book 3 where it was just eyes glistening, glimmering, tears showing endlessly etc etc.... But still ......
Profile Image for Tash Hatzipetrou.
13 reviews3 followers
June 14, 2015
As with every single other book written by CJ Bishop/ A.m Snead Gunnin' For Love really was faultless. CJ proves yet again that she is incapable of doing any wrong.

Gunnin' For Love is Book 2 in The Cowboy Gangster series which is a spinoff from the hugely popular and fantastic Phoenix Club series. This is such a well written and excellent flowing story that every single page is a pleasure to read, even the sad and violent scenes BECAUSE IT ALL WORKS AND EVERY SINGLE WORD WRITTEN IS COMPLETELY REALISTIC. It is not a fluffy bunny rainbow book, it is a book about gangsters acting like gangsters but who are also finding true love and learning to accept it.

What CJ's characters go through and some of the acts they commit can be so heart wrenching but you just get the feeling that when you get to the HEA it will be truly spectacular. Even with the violence and the sadness I love how sexy and sweet this book was. The message of family, friendship and love is so strong it really is a heartwarming read.

Thank you so much CJ Bishop for writing this incredible book!
Profile Image for booklover.
1,494 reviews6 followers
January 8, 2016
Geez !!! Talk about a suspenseful intriguing read !
I am loving the developments that have occurred so far in this story, seeing Clint "softening is not something i expected but he's still got his "badass" side too which we see when he has a "meeting" with the guys who hurt Axel in the first book (and if you've got a weak stomach be prepared !!)
Also loved seeing Axel starting to feel a bit, not much, more comfortable being around Angel knowing what he put him through even though he's been told that Angel has forgiven him.
Something else i enjoyed was getting to see more of "Cochise" and even though we've so far not learned about his past we know that it's not going to be a pretty tale for him.
I am now intrigued to see what happens next, who is behind what happened to Shay and Cory ? Why are they targeting those closest to Clint ?? Will anymore innocents suffer because of it ??
Such a fantastically written, brilliantly detailed story which i'm totally loving !!!
Profile Image for Barb .
209 reviews
June 14, 2015
Amazing! This series is gritty, emotional, edgy and heartbreaking. iIt held me glued to every page and I cannot wait for book three. This is not your light easy read. There is a lot of violence but you'll still fall in love with the characters and be held on the edge of your seat waiting for what happens next.

You expect this book to start out where book one left off but it really doesn't. It covers the same time period in the other characters lives and doesn't address Cory's fate until near the end so it's very tightly woven and not much time has elapsed. This book also leaves you at a pivotal scene that I know will only hold more tears once it continues in the next book. I can see this book covering several more books and I'll be waiting for each and every one.
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,711 reviews
May 11, 2016
Read 9/14/15 This one was seriously gritty.

This is the continuation of Axel and Clint's story. And I'm warning you, it gets brutally graphic in parts. More of Clint's world is the focus of this story. It also has Axel getting closer to his brother Angel and the Phoenix boys. There are hints of other romances to come, hopefully in future books. The style is pretty much like the Phoenix boys books. There's a lot of gotta-have-it-now sex, a lot of teary emotional scenes and some cute and tender moments as well. You need to read Cowboy Gangster Book 1 at least, and it helps to read Angel's story from the prior series, to know what's going on.

4/1/16 just as absurd and OTT as ever. Book crack.
Profile Image for Lee Morin.
27 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2015
God I love this series!! At first I pouted a little bit because of the number of pages, but CJ packs so much into the book that by the end of it I was very satisfied. Clint is sexy as hell (as usual)and Axel is still working through his shit (gotta love his strength) and it's always nice to read about the other guys that I miss. But to be honest, I'm really digging Cochise (the man is a sexual beast...sexy as fuck) and Kane (poor guy is confused), can't wait to see where their story is going. And poor Cory, anxious to see what's going on with him. There's so much to come...CJ is just warming up to a great series!!
Profile Image for FantasyLiving.
604 reviews36 followers
November 8, 2015
The man tears were a bit too much. It almost feels like the story is about teenagers at times. I don't see Axel as an adult, which is weird. I know he is, but the angst gives a different perception.

I know men should and do cry, but in my experience, I cannot imagine them crying over everything. I don't even cry over everything, unless of course I'm pregnant, and then those damn diaper ads..... But that is beside the point....

Besides that, the last few chapters redeemed this story for me.

I want to know where this story ends up.

I do like the connections, even if it is a bit insta-love. And the strippers... Mmmmmmm .
I hope Axel can find a way to move past his guilt.
Profile Image for Nic.
949 reviews9 followers
June 3, 2015
OOOOKKKKKAAAAYYYY! Oh my goodness what a continuation from book 1!! My cowboy's walls are crumbling all because of Axel's kindness and love. I am so happy about Cory - - that was really distressing me - -trying to not give too much away. I really do like Clint and Axel together -- but I feel some kind of way because Clint is going to do something not so good for him and Axel. I enjoyed the glimpses of the potential relationship between Kane and Cochise! OH MY GOODNESS once again you have me salivating for the next installment!!
Profile Image for Anita.
2,047 reviews27 followers
February 8, 2017
Wow, this is probably closer to a 3.5 but rounded down. My fault because I didn't read the Phoenix series so am unfamiliar with the seemingly 8000 characters that popped up in this book. Nice focus on Clint and Axel but got confused with the parallel story lines that didn't hold my attention.
Profile Image for Billy J Stratton.
1,896 reviews12 followers
June 4, 2015
This series just getting better

I have read all the books from The Phoenix Club series and fell in love with all the characters. I think this story between Axel and Clint just keeps drawing me in so deep. I know Clint has been a serious Hadassah and done some terrible things but he so deserves to be with Axel and when this stops it is going to break them both. Waiting patiently on the next book. I do love how the Author doesn't put a lot of time in between books.
157 reviews
July 5, 2015
Great Read!

I gave this book five stars. It was a great read, how the writer captured the cowboys realism of him being human and really want to let Axel in but then tragedy strikes and it seems like the love story will end. Loved it. Cannot wait until the next book, PLEASE hurry. And, yes I would recommend this book to a friend, I already have.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
906 reviews4 followers
October 3, 2015
3.75 I was getting tired of Axel crying all the time so I took a break and when I returned it was to the torture scene of Ryder and Tucker and the executions of Gianni and his father...a mix of brutality and exaggerated sentimentality...I'll read the synopsis of the 3rd to see if it may be worth it to continue.
Profile Image for Debbie Bookers.
119 reviews5 followers
April 1, 2016
My heart is breaking

This is getting so emotional for me. I am so wrapped up in these characters that I swear I am feeling their feelings. The end was an emotional roller coaster and I can't even take a break. I am starting the next one immediately
Profile Image for ✿-Anna-✿.
576 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2016
C.J. 2nd books in any series is ALWAYS the hardest and saddest...UGH

I'm crying so hard for everyone, Jimmy/Colt, Shay, Cochise, Clint, Axel... hell I'm even crying for the guy who set them up to save his kid... this was a hard book, but ALL SO GOOD!!

off to get my happy ending.
21 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2015
Can't get enough of CJ Bishop. she gets better and better with each book. I loved this book. I love the characters. I love the story. I love the suspence.
Profile Image for carrie🤭.
42 reviews
June 22, 2015
Torn in since many freaking directions right now. These books just keep getting more and more amazing and depressing and emotional. Can't wait for the next one. like literally, put it out now.
Profile Image for Christopher Carter.
81 reviews
July 25, 2015
Damn good "next chapter" in the series and definitely makes me eager for the next in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews