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Phoenix Club: The Complete 15 Books Series
THE PHOENIX CLUB series is bundled together for the first time.
Over 600,000 words, more than 1,000 pages of hot, scorching MM romance.
What's Inside this box set:
ABEL
It Can't Be You
Hearts In Chaos
Shattered
CALEB
When World's Collide
Torn In Two
Unbroken
ANGEL
When Angels Cry
When Angels Fall
Angels and Demons
GABRIEL
Hostage Hearts
Ransomed Love
Heroes and Villains
MAXWELL
Not Without Guilt
Trial By Fire
Love's Conviction
NOTES:
The Phoenix Club is a gay romance series.
Though the romance in this series is beautiful, if you are looking for strictly "fluff" romance, you won't find it here.
Contains strong adult content and touches on the issues of abuse and violence...
Over 600,000 words, more than 1,000 pages of hot, scorching MM romance.
What's Inside this box set:
ABEL
It Can't Be You
Hearts In Chaos
Shattered
CALEB
When World's Collide
Torn In Two
Unbroken
ANGEL
When Angels Cry
When Angels Fall
Angels and Demons
GABRIEL
Hostage Hearts
Ransomed Love
Heroes and Villains
MAXWELL
Not Without Guilt
Trial By Fire
Love's Conviction
NOTES:
The Phoenix Club is a gay romance series.
Though the romance in this series is beautiful, if you are looking for strictly "fluff" romance, you won't find it here.
Contains strong adult content and touches on the issues of abuse and violence...
1909 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2016
134 people are currently reading
248 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 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 5, 2017
Wow, took me forever to finish this, but there were 15 books included. Had mixed feelings about several points, but rounded up from 3.5 to 4 stars because of the appeal of some of the characters. There seemed to be a lack of lube and condoms, and that makes me nervous. Some of the intimate scenes were repetitive, and the characters were overly vocal. Not that getting loud and freaky is a bad thing, but it was a bit over the top at certain points. Lot of insta-love, tons of angst, and some really lecherous, treacherous secondary characters are front and center throughout the entire series.
The things that stood out to me, and made the series enjoyable, were the loyalty, devotion and abundance of love (both romantic and platonic) these men had for one another. The strip club is not only a place of employment for them, but the nucleus of an unconventional family unit. The men have bonded over shared experiences, tragic events, and most of all because of the club owner, Max. He is a strong and caring man, always willing to help someone in need, even while he is fighting his way through his own personal hell--being in love with a man who he believes is forbidden to him.
Plan to move on to The Phoenix Chronicles: The Complete 3 Books Series because I simply have to get the rest of the story.
The things that stood out to me, and made the series enjoyable, were the loyalty, devotion and abundance of love (both romantic and platonic) these men had for one another. The strip club is not only a place of employment for them, but the nucleus of an unconventional family unit. The men have bonded over shared experiences, tragic events, and most of all because of the club owner, Max. He is a strong and caring man, always willing to help someone in need, even while he is fighting his way through his own personal hell--being in love with a man who he believes is forbidden to him.
Plan to move on to The Phoenix Chronicles: The Complete 3 Books Series because I simply have to get the rest of the story.
August 24, 2017
WARNING: This is a long review! There are five separate stories, each with three parts. That's 15 novellas people! There's a lot to cover. Please don't continue with this review if you don't want to invest the time. Nobody is making you read this. I won't do the author a disservice by not addressing her writing as comprehensively as deserved when offering a review, so continue or don't. Your choice. Thx!
PRE-REVIEW:
Okay peeps. Here I am, 1% in and I have counted no less than 5 randomly italicized words. Why, oh why? Italics are supposed to be used for emphasis not to pointlessly draw your attention to words without it adding something specific to the narrative. See how that was done? See? Also, internal dialogues or thought processes i.e. I can't believe I'm explaining this in a review in hopes the author sees it.
I thought it was isolated at first but I also noticed it in the Cowboy Gangster series when I got a few pages in before realizing this series (Phoenix Club) by the author came first and switched gears. That indicates it is a purposeful choice made by the author and/or a consistent and egregious oversight on the part of the editor. Either way, it blows.
I realize this is a pet peeve thing but it is both aggravating and highly distracting. I'd like to think readers can be given some credit for having the level of intelligence required to appreciate a play on words or a pun. We don't have to be beat over the head with italics to catch gay sex innuendo. 'Preciatecha. Ugh. I will update my review to reflect how I feel about the actual story if I don't dnf on stupid, erroneous stylistic choices first.
MID-REVIEW: (39%)
Fair warning--This is heavy reading. I am actually anxious about what's coming next because a lot of it so far has been really, really bad. I can only imagine the trend will continue and anything worse than what's already occurred will be awful indeed. Please be aware anyone with abuse triggers. There is a lot of dub-con and non-con although it's not gratuitous. It IS purposeful to the story and the "world" environment.
I am actively dreading what's coming for the remaining characters, especially Gabe. While the types of emotions this book is inspiring are sometimes excruciating and downright unbearable, I can appreciate the talent it takes for the author to convey and/or extract that level of emotion from the audience. I can't imagine I'm alone rowing that particular boat.
FYI: The italic issue calmed down a bit but still exists, just sayin', but the story is so engrossing that it's become forgivable even though I confess to snarky eyerolling and flat out double-take glaring at the godsforsaken italics from time to time. It remains aggravating.
A Rundown so far:
ABEL'S story got more than a little schmoopy in the dialogue department. Ever had that feeling where you're almost embarrassed for someone(s)? That's the best I can describe it. It often verged on unbelievable until you got to know the characters a little more. It faded from unbelievable to slightly stretching credibility after a while but eventually became buyable. Hard to explain except in two words: hidden progression.
That said, besides schmoopiness the dialogue sometimes just sucked. At times the characters are articulate and at others it seemed like the author was dumbing them down. The contrast was jarring. Take note of the contractions if they don't jump right out at you already. You'll see what I mean. Poetry to cognitively challenged ... odd dichotomy. HOWEVER--and this is big--though Abel's story was heartbreaking at times, at no point did it seem to be incompatible with a real life scenario. The MCs were equal parts adorable, super sexy, and just plain out HOT, the sex was steamy, and the supporting characters blew me away. ALL of them.
CALEB'S story was both emotionally wrenching and gut-churning pretty much throughout. I missed out on the relationship development here for some reason. I understood cerebrally that he and Samuel loved each other but didn't really feel the reciprocation on Caleb's end. It was stated but for some reason my heart wasn't buying it. In other words, I believe it but don't feel it. Not like with Abel and Devlin, Cole and Gabe, or hell even Max and/or Abel and Kaplan. The dynamic just wasn't as emotive or as evocative.
ANGEL'S story was ... appalling. Thank God for Dane and the boys. I am also really getting a kick out of the glimpses we're getting of Clint and company. And is Angel's Axel also Clint's Axel from the Cowboy Gangster blurbs? Hmm ... I don't want to accidentally spoil anything so I'll leave it at that. I will say that it is as I feared. Each subsequent character's tribulations get increasingly difficult to read. Again, if you have abuse triggers, be wary.
GABRIEL'S story made me cry ... repeatedly. I was gutted ... repeatedly. I don't know why I related to him and Cole in this one as much as I did, but holy hell, they broke my heart ... repeatedly. You get the idea. Unlike with Caleb's story, these guys hit me in the feelz.
MAXWELL'S story was less devastating but more suspenseful. I had a pretty good idea what was keeping he and Horatio apart going into this, mostly by process of elimination along the way. I mean, really, what else could it be once we were told Xavier was dead and they were independently wealthy adults? Anyway, since I had a pretty good idea what the problem was (and I was right) I spent most of this one trying not to skip to the end to find out what the hell the solution was going to be. Otherwise, I believed these two had an intense connection and was root-root-rooting for Horatio the whole time.
And that concludes my coverage of the individual stories. Next up: Holy hell get a new editor and get out of the word rut! Please, please, please!
N-A-V-E-L = bellybutton; NOT naval. Naval makes me wish Clint or somebody was a smokin' hot ex-SEAL or something. It's a tease (sort of) especially since it is always used improperly. And it was used a lot.
Snuggly=cuddly; NOT tight. That would be snugly (in case you were wondering).
A person can start or startle in surprise. They therefore started or startled if you're using the past tense (past perfect?) I'm no grammar wiz so don't lynch me. I can, however, tell when it's being used incorrectly.
No more "staggered breath"(s) whatthefuckisthat anyway? One person breathes then the other one does? Well, if that's not what the author was going for that's unfortunate because that's how it's written when taken in context. If I had to guess, it's in this compilation and/or in subsequent ones more than 100 times. I think the term someone was looking for was "shuddering breath"(s) or a synonym of the same. Staggered implies alternating or otherwise rhythmically or intentionally interrupted, so unless sighs are equated to lamaze these days, dear gods, please everybody stop using that word pairing [WP].
There are quite a few overused WPs as a matter of fact. For example, if I never see another "velvet cavern" again it will be too soon. I should have written them all down, but who has time for that? What's scary is some of the (incorrect) WPs are used so often that they become endearing--like old friends--instead of distracting. It's the fucking Stockholm Syndrome of repeated incorrect word-usage! If anyone needs a new editor, fucking hire me instead! I have excellent, marketable proofreading and copyediting experience.
Uh-uh-uhhh-oh my God! Fuuuuck! Fu-fuck me, baby! Harder! I wanna come! Fuck me harder! Uh-uh-uhhh, yes! in every sex scene got old too. For fuck's sakes, you've got a shit-ton of hot, sexy, sexually irrepressable gay strippers and their plus ones (or twos) and that's all we get for FIFTEEN books?! SHOOT ME NOW!
If the stories weren't so damn good and if the overarching storyline wasn't as well-crafted as it is, the avoidable writing errors and overused phraseology and somewhat formulaic sex would be dealbreakers. The characters, almost all of whom are fan-fucking-tastic, really saved the bacon in the bedroom. All of these couples are so hot together you forget to care (until you occasionally can't overlook it anymore) that it's Groundhog Day between the sheets sometimes.
I was only a little over half of the way through when the sex stuff started sporadically boring me. It became more and more apparent after that because I dunno ... I finally noticed it?
That said, I absolutely, unequivocally, love the fact that we get to revisit smexy times with ALL the characters whether they're the current MCs or not. Unfortunately, it was hit-or-miss disappointing otherwise because there were quite a few similar scenes that seemed to barely be worded differently, except for the uh-uhhh...s. It might be this realization was more a result of a binge read than actually having a concrete basis in fact. I might be predisposed to becoming overly critical of what are otherwise relatively minor negatives, so please don't let this point dissuade you from picking up this series.
I think that covers the rest of my pet peeves. I binged and read every available book in this series and all of the currently available spinoffs in three days if I'm just clocking hours. Four or five on the calendar. Even I have to sleep sometime. So, I absolutely recommend them ... all of them, but if you're a stickler or unable to look past some grrrrrrrr writing distractions just be aware, there are dazzling and diverse multitude of them throughout this series and those subsequent.
PRE-REVIEW:
Okay peeps. Here I am, 1% in and I have counted no less than 5 randomly italicized words. Why, oh why? Italics are supposed to be used for emphasis not to pointlessly draw your attention to words without it adding something specific to the narrative. See how that was done? See? Also, internal dialogues or thought processes i.e. I can't believe I'm explaining this in a review in hopes the author sees it.
I thought it was isolated at first but I also noticed it in the Cowboy Gangster series when I got a few pages in before realizing this series (Phoenix Club) by the author came first and switched gears. That indicates it is a purposeful choice made by the author and/or a consistent and egregious oversight on the part of the editor. Either way, it blows.
I realize this is a pet peeve thing but it is both aggravating and highly distracting. I'd like to think readers can be given some credit for having the level of intelligence required to appreciate a play on words or a pun. We don't have to be beat over the head with italics to catch gay sex innuendo. 'Preciatecha. Ugh. I will update my review to reflect how I feel about the actual story if I don't dnf on stupid, erroneous stylistic choices first.
MID-REVIEW: (39%)
Fair warning--This is heavy reading. I am actually anxious about what's coming next because a lot of it so far has been really, really bad. I can only imagine the trend will continue and anything worse than what's already occurred will be awful indeed. Please be aware anyone with abuse triggers. There is a lot of dub-con and non-con although it's not gratuitous. It IS purposeful to the story and the "world" environment.
I am actively dreading what's coming for the remaining characters, especially Gabe. While the types of emotions this book is inspiring are sometimes excruciating and downright unbearable, I can appreciate the talent it takes for the author to convey and/or extract that level of emotion from the audience. I can't imagine I'm alone rowing that particular boat.
FYI: The italic issue calmed down a bit but still exists, just sayin', but the story is so engrossing that it's become forgivable even though I confess to snarky eyerolling and flat out double-take glaring at the godsforsaken italics from time to time. It remains aggravating.
A Rundown so far:
ABEL'S story got more than a little schmoopy in the dialogue department. Ever had that feeling where you're almost embarrassed for someone(s)? That's the best I can describe it. It often verged on unbelievable until you got to know the characters a little more. It faded from unbelievable to slightly stretching credibility after a while but eventually became buyable. Hard to explain except in two words: hidden progression.
That said, besides schmoopiness the dialogue sometimes just sucked. At times the characters are articulate and at others it seemed like the author was dumbing them down. The contrast was jarring. Take note of the contractions if they don't jump right out at you already. You'll see what I mean. Poetry to cognitively challenged ... odd dichotomy. HOWEVER--and this is big--though Abel's story was heartbreaking at times, at no point did it seem to be incompatible with a real life scenario. The MCs were equal parts adorable, super sexy, and just plain out HOT, the sex was steamy, and the supporting characters blew me away. ALL of them.
CALEB'S story was both emotionally wrenching and gut-churning pretty much throughout. I missed out on the relationship development here for some reason. I understood cerebrally that he and Samuel loved each other but didn't really feel the reciprocation on Caleb's end. It was stated but for some reason my heart wasn't buying it. In other words, I believe it but don't feel it. Not like with Abel and Devlin, Cole and Gabe, or hell even Max and/or Abel and Kaplan. The dynamic just wasn't as emotive or as evocative.
ANGEL'S story was ... appalling. Thank God for Dane and the boys. I am also really getting a kick out of the glimpses we're getting of Clint and company. And is Angel's Axel also Clint's Axel from the Cowboy Gangster blurbs? Hmm ... I don't want to accidentally spoil anything so I'll leave it at that. I will say that it is as I feared. Each subsequent character's tribulations get increasingly difficult to read. Again, if you have abuse triggers, be wary.
GABRIEL'S story made me cry ... repeatedly. I was gutted ... repeatedly. I don't know why I related to him and Cole in this one as much as I did, but holy hell, they broke my heart ... repeatedly. You get the idea. Unlike with Caleb's story, these guys hit me in the feelz.
MAXWELL'S story was less devastating but more suspenseful. I had a pretty good idea what was keeping he and Horatio apart going into this, mostly by process of elimination along the way. I mean, really, what else could it be once we were told Xavier was dead and they were independently wealthy adults? Anyway, since I had a pretty good idea what the problem was (and I was right) I spent most of this one trying not to skip to the end to find out what the hell the solution was going to be. Otherwise, I believed these two had an intense connection and was root-root-rooting for Horatio the whole time.
And that concludes my coverage of the individual stories. Next up: Holy hell get a new editor and get out of the word rut! Please, please, please!
N-A-V-E-L = bellybutton; NOT naval. Naval makes me wish Clint or somebody was a smokin' hot ex-SEAL or something. It's a tease (sort of) especially since it is always used improperly. And it was used a lot.
Snuggly=cuddly; NOT tight. That would be snugly (in case you were wondering).
A person can start or startle in surprise. They therefore started or startled if you're using the past tense (past perfect?) I'm no grammar wiz so don't lynch me. I can, however, tell when it's being used incorrectly.
No more "staggered breath"(s) whatthefuckisthat anyway? One person breathes then the other one does? Well, if that's not what the author was going for that's unfortunate because that's how it's written when taken in context. If I had to guess, it's in this compilation and/or in subsequent ones more than 100 times. I think the term someone was looking for was "shuddering breath"(s) or a synonym of the same. Staggered implies alternating or otherwise rhythmically or intentionally interrupted, so unless sighs are equated to lamaze these days, dear gods, please everybody stop using that word pairing [WP].
There are quite a few overused WPs as a matter of fact. For example, if I never see another "velvet cavern" again it will be too soon. I should have written them all down, but who has time for that? What's scary is some of the (incorrect) WPs are used so often that they become endearing--like old friends--instead of distracting. It's the fucking Stockholm Syndrome of repeated incorrect word-usage! If anyone needs a new editor, fucking hire me instead! I have excellent, marketable proofreading and copyediting experience.
Uh-uh-uhhh-oh my God! Fuuuuck! Fu-fuck me, baby! Harder! I wanna come! Fuck me harder! Uh-uh-uhhh, yes! in every sex scene got old too. For fuck's sakes, you've got a shit-ton of hot, sexy, sexually irrepressable gay strippers and their plus ones (or twos) and that's all we get for FIFTEEN books?! SHOOT ME NOW!
If the stories weren't so damn good and if the overarching storyline wasn't as well-crafted as it is, the avoidable writing errors and overused phraseology and somewhat formulaic sex would be dealbreakers. The characters, almost all of whom are fan-fucking-tastic, really saved the bacon in the bedroom. All of these couples are so hot together you forget to care (until you occasionally can't overlook it anymore) that it's Groundhog Day between the sheets sometimes.
I was only a little over half of the way through when the sex stuff started sporadically boring me. It became more and more apparent after that because I dunno ... I finally noticed it?
That said, I absolutely, unequivocally, love the fact that we get to revisit smexy times with ALL the characters whether they're the current MCs or not. Unfortunately, it was hit-or-miss disappointing otherwise because there were quite a few similar scenes that seemed to barely be worded differently, except for the uh-uhhh...s. It might be this realization was more a result of a binge read than actually having a concrete basis in fact. I might be predisposed to becoming overly critical of what are otherwise relatively minor negatives, so please don't let this point dissuade you from picking up this series.
I think that covers the rest of my pet peeves. I binged and read every available book in this series and all of the currently available spinoffs in three days if I'm just clocking hours. Four or five on the calendar. Even I have to sleep sometime. So, I absolutely recommend them ... all of them, but if you're a stickler or unable to look past some grrrrrrrr writing distractions just be aware, there are dazzling and diverse multitude of them throughout this series and those subsequent.
September 26, 2021
I read the first installment, Abel. Well, I skimmed. I liked the plot and the characters. I wanted to know the ending. I am willing to allow unbelievable coincidences in romance novels. But the language and behaviour ruined it for me.
This book is full of heartstabbing pain, excruciating hurt, tears in eyes, forever lost love.
And this from page one. You know? You meet someone, talk for five minutes, deny having a coffee, and notice the heart ache in his eyes as he looks away with clenched jaw and tries to wipe away a tear. That sort of language. Constantly.
Second, the characters behave rediculous. You have two strippers talking about heavy stuff, one gets emotional, and for comfort the other gives him a soothing lap dance.
And everybody talks about this great love between Devlin and Abel, that was so true and beautiful and meant forever and a once in a lifetime. It was exasperating. They knew each other a few weeks and had coffee twice. Not a situation where some acquaintance of both men sits Devlin down and asks: 'when you make love to him, does that really feels like he is a liar?'
This book is full of heartstabbing pain, excruciating hurt, tears in eyes, forever lost love.
And this from page one. You know? You meet someone, talk for five minutes, deny having a coffee, and notice the heart ache in his eyes as he looks away with clenched jaw and tries to wipe away a tear. That sort of language. Constantly.
Second, the characters behave rediculous. You have two strippers talking about heavy stuff, one gets emotional, and for comfort the other gives him a soothing lap dance.
And everybody talks about this great love between Devlin and Abel, that was so true and beautiful and meant forever and a once in a lifetime. It was exasperating. They knew each other a few weeks and had coffee twice. Not a situation where some acquaintance of both men sits Devlin down and asks: 'when you make love to him, does that really feels like he is a liar?'
February 16, 2017
The whole a doctor askkng a patient to turn to god and his faith... that turned me right off even more than the non protected and none prep sex. It was to bad because if it wasn't for that it sorta had potential. DFN after first book about Able.
August 8, 2017
I have a love-hate relationship with this series. First off, the writing is mediocre at best. It’s repetitive, overly emotional (expects tons of tears here), and the sex scenes especially are somewhat laughable and repetitive. Apparently, these men don’t need lube…or condoms at times. Also, the books are loooooong and could have benefitted from serious editing.
And yet…There’s something compelling about these books. One element is that the author isn’t afraid to let bad stuff happen to her characters. Really, really bad stuff. These books are not for the faint of heart, and include topics like rape, torture, prostitution, gangs, and every bad thing you can imagine. That’s why I’ve labeled it as dark erotic romance.
At the same time, the characters all have redeeming qualities that make you root for them. Stuff doesn’t merely happen to them—they react, respond, survive, and fight back. And they love, wholeheartedly. Happy endings are a theme here, right alongside true love conquers all.
The friendship between the many guys is also an element that makes you come back to these books. It’s over the top, and way too dramatic, and don’t expect much realism, but damn, it’s addictive.
The sexy setting doesn’t hurt, either. The descriptions of the strip shows these boys bring are…arousing.
I can completely understand people who bash this series. Trust me, objectively, I totally get it. I would love to see the wring improve, for instance. Yet at the same time it shows how much bad writing we as readers are willing to put up with if the story is compelling enough. Because I have to tell you: I cannot stop reading these. There’s constant tension and you’re rooting for these men to find their happily ever after—so much, that you’ll forgive the writing. This author is certainly not the best writer, but holy crap, she sure is a storyteller.
(If you want more brutally honest reviews, check out my review blog at http://www.brutallyhonestreview.com)
And yet…There’s something compelling about these books. One element is that the author isn’t afraid to let bad stuff happen to her characters. Really, really bad stuff. These books are not for the faint of heart, and include topics like rape, torture, prostitution, gangs, and every bad thing you can imagine. That’s why I’ve labeled it as dark erotic romance.
At the same time, the characters all have redeeming qualities that make you root for them. Stuff doesn’t merely happen to them—they react, respond, survive, and fight back. And they love, wholeheartedly. Happy endings are a theme here, right alongside true love conquers all.
The friendship between the many guys is also an element that makes you come back to these books. It’s over the top, and way too dramatic, and don’t expect much realism, but damn, it’s addictive.
The sexy setting doesn’t hurt, either. The descriptions of the strip shows these boys bring are…arousing.
I can completely understand people who bash this series. Trust me, objectively, I totally get it. I would love to see the wring improve, for instance. Yet at the same time it shows how much bad writing we as readers are willing to put up with if the story is compelling enough. Because I have to tell you: I cannot stop reading these. There’s constant tension and you’re rooting for these men to find their happily ever after—so much, that you’ll forgive the writing. This author is certainly not the best writer, but holy crap, she sure is a storyteller.
(If you want more brutally honest reviews, check out my review blog at http://www.brutallyhonestreview.com)
September 28, 2016
Good gawd where to start with this set of novels! The traumas and tragedies, the amazing love, the sex, the happy endings, the skilful interweaving of dozens of different threads to create one superb series.
There's some typos, a few niggling editing mistakes, perhaps a little bit of a sense of 'just go with the flow' with the plots but overall I've enjoyed each of these boys' stories.
Max and Horatio though, oh those two definitely stole my heart and out of all of them, had the least traumatic story narrative although it still remained a brutal one.
Cole and Gabe come in a very close second, the central core team at the heart of this extended family of misfits and young men who've been through Hell but found redemption in the arms of their true loves.
This series isn't for the faint hearted though. It is brutally harsh and examines in painful detail the lengths to which mankind will inflict pain on others just because they can. Every kind of pain is visited at some point in these five stories and its not always an easy read.
There's a little too much God references for me personally but the author makes no bones about her status as a committed Christian and the references do fit within the narrative.
Now to find out more about the cowboy ;)
There's some typos, a few niggling editing mistakes, perhaps a little bit of a sense of 'just go with the flow' with the plots but overall I've enjoyed each of these boys' stories.
Max and Horatio though, oh those two definitely stole my heart and out of all of them, had the least traumatic story narrative although it still remained a brutal one.
Cole and Gabe come in a very close second, the central core team at the heart of this extended family of misfits and young men who've been through Hell but found redemption in the arms of their true loves.
This series isn't for the faint hearted though. It is brutally harsh and examines in painful detail the lengths to which mankind will inflict pain on others just because they can. Every kind of pain is visited at some point in these five stories and its not always an easy read.
There's a little too much God references for me personally but the author makes no bones about her status as a committed Christian and the references do fit within the narrative.
Now to find out more about the cowboy ;)
October 29, 2016
WTF
I just can't read CJ Bishop. It may be trivial to some but no condoms, no lube ever - WTF? Even in other series, even among sex workers, even when getting an abused man past his fears? Come on, I just can't buy it and, as hot as these could be, it just knocks me out of the moment every time.
I just can't read CJ Bishop. It may be trivial to some but no condoms, no lube ever - WTF? Even in other series, even among sex workers, even when getting an abused man past his fears? Come on, I just can't buy it and, as hot as these could be, it just knocks me out of the moment every time.
June 30, 2016
Awesome
Awesome bundle stayed up over 24 hrs reading this all couldn't put it down loved it. Recommend this to anyone.
Awesome bundle stayed up over 24 hrs reading this all couldn't put it down loved it. Recommend this to anyone.
February 12, 2018
Phoenix Club Review
It was a toss up between two and three rating could not get past all that crying on almost every page. These men seem like strong well adjusted men and I applaud that they were able to express their feelings but it was just too much. The story was good and enjoy how everyone came together. Cole and Gabriel, Maxwell and Horati was my favorite couples and Ricky and Levi(no crying). This book deal with sexual violence and abuse also a lot of love and crying. Recommendation mixed.
It was a toss up between two and three rating could not get past all that crying on almost every page. These men seem like strong well adjusted men and I applaud that they were able to express their feelings but it was just too much. The story was good and enjoy how everyone came together. Cole and Gabriel, Maxwell and Horati was my favorite couples and Ricky and Levi(no crying). This book deal with sexual violence and abuse also a lot of love and crying. Recommendation mixed.
February 11, 2021
The characters in these books are sexually promiscuous and morally ambivalent. The mottos of these men should be "If you can't be with the one you love, then love the one you're with," or "The easiest way to get over a man is to get under another." Many of the stories were so similar to each other that I found myself confusing characters from one book with another. A good sex scene can be exciting, but some entire chapters in these stories were devoted to nothing but one extended sexual encounter. It was all a bit too much, at times.
February 6, 2018
Oh my God
What a powerful series. The horrors and abuse the young boys had to suffer is abdominal. I know this is just a book but I imagine that some of those things happen in real life too. I have never cried so much as I read those stories and I am so glad that the boys each found their HEA
What a powerful series. The horrors and abuse the young boys had to suffer is abdominal. I know this is just a book but I imagine that some of those things happen in real life too. I have never cried so much as I read those stories and I am so glad that the boys each found their HEA
May 2, 2018
Emotional rollercoaster
This boxed set is an emotional rollercoaster of epic proportions. The author did a fabulous job of almost seamlessly moving between all the different characters without confusing you. Loved how the individual people were able to come together and make a strong family even through all the many issues.
This boxed set is an emotional rollercoaster of epic proportions. The author did a fabulous job of almost seamlessly moving between all the different characters without confusing you. Loved how the individual people were able to come together and make a strong family even through all the many issues.
August 25, 2024
Lots of "baby"
Lots of emotional men
Lots of intertwined relationships
LOTS of sex
Lots of love for this series! Haven't read an entire collection like that since Guns n Boys and I wasn't disappointed
Lots of emotional men
Lots of intertwined relationships
LOTS of sex
Lots of love for this series! Haven't read an entire collection like that since Guns n Boys and I wasn't disappointed
February 28, 2018
Wow
Wow what a box set some really difficult situations to read but such great characters you really care what happens to them it's gritty and fabulous.
Wow what a box set some really difficult situations to read but such great characters you really care what happens to them it's gritty and fabulous.
March 27, 2018
Love it
I'm rereading this series for the 5th time and I still have no words to tell you how much I loved it or how much I enjoy reading about the Pheonix boys...
I'm rereading this series for the 5th time and I still have no words to tell you how much I loved it or how much I enjoy reading about the Pheonix boys...
June 10, 2018
DNF first one in the set, just couldn't engage with the characters
January 4, 2017
I have read all the Phoenix related books and love the characters. The storylines can be dark but I love how the boys overcome adversity. All books including the latest wedding series badly need editing. There are numerous errors, grammatical, spelling and sentence structure. These errors are so large in number they tend to detract from the storylines. I also would have liked the wedding series to be one book instead of four. They are too short and there is no reason for the four books as they are a continuation of the one storyline. If the books are edited they would be 4 1/2 star reads.
March 8, 2016
I am so glad I stumbled upon this series. I absolutely FLOVED it! I am totally addicted to CJ Bishop now and I can't get enough. Holy hell! This book had me from tears to aroused in seconds. The level of emotions that this author has delivered is indescribable. I truly have no words other than I'M FUCKING HOOKED.
The characters we're so well written. Each couple's story was delivered and portrayed effortlessly. The genuine love between these guys is so fucking beautiful. The tragedy and trauma that each has endured completely gutted me. But the strength, support and love they received to survive such tragedies was beyond words.
The stories flowed so flawlessly. Even the secondary characters will hold a place in your heart. I devoured these books.
This book is a riveting account of the meaning of true love and family. I applaud you CJ Bishop! You just got yourself a mega fan here! I'm absolutely hooked.
The characters we're so well written. Each couple's story was delivered and portrayed effortlessly. The genuine love between these guys is so fucking beautiful. The tragedy and trauma that each has endured completely gutted me. But the strength, support and love they received to survive such tragedies was beyond words.
The stories flowed so flawlessly. Even the secondary characters will hold a place in your heart. I devoured these books.
This book is a riveting account of the meaning of true love and family. I applaud you CJ Bishop! You just got yourself a mega fan here! I'm absolutely hooked.
March 14, 2016
I fell in love with the boys of The Phoenix Club! Stories filled with pain, adversity, cruelty, redemption, and unwavering love for each other. These stories had it all. I read the box set of all 15 books. Just awesome love stories and the power of forgiveness of not just others but of one's own self. The power of self forgiveness is monumental because oftentimes we struggle with that and many times die without loving ourselves enough to get to forgiveness.
All the boys at the Phoenix Club were just like Cold Stone Creamery ice cream. They came in all favors and one was just as yummy as the other. And you could mix them together and still come out satisfied. C.J. has done a fantastic job telling these guys' stories and I am a new fan! I look forward to getting to know this author and all her wonderful characters.
All the boys at the Phoenix Club were just like Cold Stone Creamery ice cream. They came in all favors and one was just as yummy as the other. And you could mix them together and still come out satisfied. C.J. has done a fantastic job telling these guys' stories and I am a new fan! I look forward to getting to know this author and all her wonderful characters.
October 27, 2016
Emotional Rollercoaster
Umm.. yeah... hmmm... what to say about this series, well to be honest it devastated me I cried through out the book I think my tear ducts are tapped out, nothing left, dry as a desert. I seriously wanted to stop reading it at times not wishing to go on further some things were just to much for me. Don't get me wrong there are good parts, the love and compassion between couples, the bantering and playing between friends, and let's not forget the HoTT steamy sex scenes (panting rapidly). But really this book is not for the faint of heart because you will be crushed completely without mercy somethings in this world are hard to swallow and this series cover's it brutally...... With that being said this book is truly amazing and a pleasure to read just beware of the heart wrenching baseline....
Umm.. yeah... hmmm... what to say about this series, well to be honest it devastated me I cried through out the book I think my tear ducts are tapped out, nothing left, dry as a desert. I seriously wanted to stop reading it at times not wishing to go on further some things were just to much for me. Don't get me wrong there are good parts, the love and compassion between couples, the bantering and playing between friends, and let's not forget the HoTT steamy sex scenes (panting rapidly). But really this book is not for the faint of heart because you will be crushed completely without mercy somethings in this world are hard to swallow and this series cover's it brutally...... With that being said this book is truly amazing and a pleasure to read just beware of the heart wrenching baseline....
November 21, 2016
**Spoilers**
Wow what can I say about this series? They weren't the best books I've ever read but they weren't bad either.
There is a lot of Rape in these books and I mean a lot. I have no idea why anyone would want to work at the Phoenix club when really bad shit happens to everyone that works there. It's like the frigging Grey/Sloan memorial of clubs! There is also an awful lot of unprotected sex and sex without any kind of lube or stretching. A lot of these guys have multiple partners throughout their stories which could be considered as cheating with some of them. Saying all this I still didn't wanna put it down. I wanted to know if they all got their HEA especially Horatio and Max. I'll read all the other books in the series if not just for the hot sex between them all!
Wow what can I say about this series? They weren't the best books I've ever read but they weren't bad either.
There is a lot of Rape in these books and I mean a lot. I have no idea why anyone would want to work at the Phoenix club when really bad shit happens to everyone that works there. It's like the frigging Grey/Sloan memorial of clubs! There is also an awful lot of unprotected sex and sex without any kind of lube or stretching. A lot of these guys have multiple partners throughout their stories which could be considered as cheating with some of them. Saying all this I still didn't wanna put it down. I wanted to know if they all got their HEA especially Horatio and Max. I'll read all the other books in the series if not just for the hot sex between them all!
January 3, 2019
It's hard not to fall for these guys, but there is a *lot* of truly serious violence and abuse throughout each of the stories, which I gotta admit made it very difficult for me to get through it sometimes. But I have to say, I do love the happy endings that each couple got, especially Max and Horatio. They just about tore me up with the sadness between them, so for those two to finally find their way back to each other was just perfect. I have to say, even with the violence and stuff, I will most likely read more by this author if there are more books set in this world.
May 25, 2024
The younger MC has been terribly abused and raped in the past. To get over his sexual trauma two stripper friends help him reconnect with his sexuality by seducing him. Nice idea ... however, they don't even use lube, just spit. Ouch and unrealistic, especially regarding the two-year abuse in the past.
This is just a small part of the plot, the main story is about a young doctor and the abused hero but I frankly wasn't interested enough to continue reading, the spit thing annoyed the hell out of me. C- and DNF 50% into the first trilogy of this bundle.
This is just a small part of the plot, the main story is about a young doctor and the abused hero but I frankly wasn't interested enough to continue reading, the spit thing annoyed the hell out of me. C- and DNF 50% into the first trilogy of this bundle.
a-own-not-read
March 19, 2016M/M
PHOENIX CLUB: The Complete 15 Books Series ~ 2.6.16 ~ Series Bundle .99@Amazon ~ http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B...
PHOENIX CLUB: The Complete 15 Books Series ~ 2.6.16 ~ Series Bundle .99@Amazon ~ http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B...
December 31, 2016
***2016 has been a very unstable year. Not only have I lost favourite role models in droves, I have been into dark places more times than I could count. Yes, I experienced highlights as well but the darkness has had a big impact this year and the only way to keep it at bay was reading, mass reading, back to back books with no stopping and no reviewing. I do apologize to all the writers that I won’t be able to review their books yet but I will get to it. Promise!***
July 9, 2016
Insta - love and angst. Love it. Only problem... Crying. Omg. Everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY cries, sheds a lone tear, eyes glistened, or sobs throughout the WHOLE 15 book series. I wanna bitch slap em and say "Stop cryin, suck that shit up." Crying at emotional or appropriate times is ok, but damn. I would hate to put the word "sob" , "tears" or "cry" in the search engine.
November 18, 2016
A true must read
If you can Handel reading books that not all sunshine n rose this is for you, it takes you beyond the beautiful sea to the dark deep depths to show the hope , wonder and love that can be found even in the darkest of palace, that from the ashes of life true Phoenix's can be born.
If you can Handel reading books that not all sunshine n rose this is for you, it takes you beyond the beautiful sea to the dark deep depths to show the hope , wonder and love that can be found even in the darkest of palace, that from the ashes of life true Phoenix's can be born.
November 20, 2016
Phoenix Club the 15 book series: If I had known what to expect when I started this series I probably wouldn't have started it. It is emotionally draining. Triggers big time through out: Rape, abuse both physically and mentally. The angst that these boys go through is just heart breaking.
Did I fall in love with the guys yes and I will read more from this author.
Did I fall in love with the guys yes and I will read more from this author.
February 27, 2016
Love,love,loved this..
Holy crap what an emotional read I ugly cried a lot reading this those boys went through so much and their love for each other is so strong you just want to be their friends.Everyone should read this..
Holy crap what an emotional read I ugly cried a lot reading this those boys went through so much and their love for each other is so strong you just want to be their friends.Everyone should read this..
March 27, 2016
LOVE this series
A big shout out to you CJ. Very good character breakdown and great way to let me feel like I was a part of the family.
I was very sad when I was getting to the end because I didn't want it to end.
I am very excited to read more of your books
A big shout out to you CJ. Very good character breakdown and great way to let me feel like I was a part of the family.
I was very sad when I was getting to the end because I didn't want it to end.
I am very excited to read more of your books
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