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Phoenix Club #1-5
Phoenix Club Complete Series
The Phoenix Club is more than a high-class gay strip club, but a place to call home for the lost, forsaken boys who find their way to the club’s door. And behind those doors—a loving, compassionate man ready to take them in and make them part of his ever-growing family.
Includes all 5 volumes (a compilation of the original 15 books into trilogies):
BOOK 1: Abel trilogy
BOOK 2: Caleb trilogy
BOOK 3: Angel trilogy
BOOK 4: Gabriel trilogy
BOOK 5: Maxwell trilogy
*Contains M/M explicit sex scenes, violence, and sensitive matters that may be triggers for some readers. 18+ readers only.
Includes all 5 volumes (a compilation of the original 15 books into trilogies):
BOOK 1: Abel trilogy
BOOK 2: Caleb trilogy
BOOK 3: Angel trilogy
BOOK 4: Gabriel trilogy
BOOK 5: Maxwell trilogy
*Contains M/M explicit sex scenes, violence, and sensitive matters that may be triggers for some readers. 18+ readers only.
1773 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2018
134 people are currently reading
45 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 22, 2018
3.5 stars for the whole bundle
I might have spoken too soon earlier when I said there is no improvement. Looking back, that is not true. Abel was a shock to my system. Neither the content, nor the style is usually what I read, but once I got over the initial shock I quite liked it. That said, Book 1 is a bit too much, I think the author might have wanted to test the waters with that one, see how far she can go. Well, she took it a bit too far, in my opinion. Same with Caleb. Angel, Gabe and Max was better. It's still very OTT, but that's just the author's style, she has a flare for the dramatic. She destroyed these characters, and then build them back up. This series is very addictive.
These books can't be read as standalones in my opinion, because the storyline is continuous. Every book has a main couple and mostly concentrates on them, but their friends also have their POV's and their stories to tell. For example: Gabe and Cole's relationship started in Book 1, even though their book is only the fourth. Or Max and his love interest... well their story started waaay before the first book, theirs is a second chance romance. So I suggest you start with Abel, even though it's not the best writing-wise.
The writing reminds me of Brazilian telenovelas. What I mean by that? Let's say, in one scene Gabe and Cole are fooling around in bed, just coming down from the high, and start talking about how Dane seemed off lately, like something's bothering him. On cue, we jump to Dane to see what he's doing at the moment. He's moping, cuz he thinks Angel doesn't want him. Brühühü.. And so we jump to Angel who's at his apartment being raped. So imagine something like this. It might be annoying at first, but after I got used to it, I liked it.
These boys are all broken and hurt, there's so much heartache. They all want to protect the one they love. So they sacrifice themselves (Gabe, you idiot!).
The stories are raw and edgy. I kind of have a love/hate relationship with them. I loved all the feels I mentioned above, but on the other hand I didn't like the insta-love. And I felt frustrated all the time, when they didn't talk to each other. There wasn't miscommunication, cuz they didn't communicate with each other at all, not with words anyway. They might have, with their bodies. There's a ton of sex, sometimes unnecessary sex. Everyone's doing it with everyone for a fair number of reasons, there was casual; friendly; fun sex; hurt sex; rage sex; I-don't-want-to-live-anymore sex; make-the-hurt-go-away sex; sex for money; sex for a favor; and sex just because. I have favorite pairings and not necessarily between the MC's. What I'm trying to say here is that these boys/men at the Phoenix Club are like a big family, they love each other as one, and would do anything for each other, even have sex with each other, if that's what they wanted/needed.
So I only reviewed Abel (see it down below), I mostly had the same problems with the rest, but there is some improvement. If I have to rate them individually: Gabe and Max 4 stars (but I think at this point I’m not thinking rationally, I love those men), the rest is 3.
---------
ABEL
Please note: this review contains some spoilers.
This book was so wrong on so many levels. Gawd!
I liked Abel genuinely, but 80% of this book he was crying, with good reason, but still.
Devlin and Abel barely knew each other, but already falling in love. Maybe they exchanged names and that’s it. That was too fast. I did feel the heartache though, but I would’ve liked if they got to know each other better before all the shit happened. Devlin’s reaction to the devastating truth was perfect. Sad of course, but perfect.
They called Abel „the boy” which frustrated the hell out of me. Not the term specifically, cause he is a boy, but it was used a lot, so that’s more a writing issue than anything. It was used repetitively.
The most disturbing were the sex scenes, because Abel had sex in this book with at least 5 men and they didn’t use condoms, didn’t even suggest it. I mean they acted like condoms didn’t even exist. And why it bothers me is that they just found out that Abel’s sister So, in possession of that information I would’ve thought that Abel would protest, but it didn’t even occur to him to ask, it’s not that he forgot, it’s just that it seemed that in this world condoms didn’t exist.
People at the Phoenix club are like a family. Sorry, I know I'm repeating myself, but it's true. They're very close. Gabe and Cole are my favorite. Best friends and fuck buddies to lovers. And at first I was bothered by Cole and Gabe’s behavior towards Abel. They were kissing each other, like... with tongue. And that bothered me, because I'm not usually kissing my friend that way. There’s also a menage sex scene with these three, which is where my problems with protection started.
For some reason everyone rubbed his mouth when nervous. Everyone. What’s with that! Again, writing issue.
Horatio is an interesting character. The first time he Well, would you make up your mind then, cause your confusing me, Horatio.
Triggers:
Alas, these characters have grown on me, so I’m gonna keep going and hoping that the writing, the story, and everything else will improve a bit. I would skip Angel and Caleb, I don’t even know who they are, and I just want to get to Gabe, but it seems the storyline continues through the whole bundle, so I can’t really skip.
(haha, I wrote this just after I finished book 1). ;)
---------
Finishing the bundle, I still feel there are some loose ends and I definitely will read the other books connecting to this series.
Emotionally this series deserves all the stars I could give. If you feel intrigued, by all means, dive right in. As I mentioned I think you should start with Abel. It's a big commitment, but you can read one book at a time, and take brakes if necessary, there is no chance you forget what you read. It's quite memorable. Enjoy!
P.S. As usual, read my notes and highlights, maybe you guys will understand my love and hate for this book better.
I might have spoken too soon earlier when I said there is no improvement. Looking back, that is not true. Abel was a shock to my system. Neither the content, nor the style is usually what I read, but once I got over the initial shock I quite liked it. That said, Book 1 is a bit too much, I think the author might have wanted to test the waters with that one, see how far she can go. Well, she took it a bit too far, in my opinion. Same with Caleb. Angel, Gabe and Max was better. It's still very OTT, but that's just the author's style, she has a flare for the dramatic. She destroyed these characters, and then build them back up. This series is very addictive.
These books can't be read as standalones in my opinion, because the storyline is continuous. Every book has a main couple and mostly concentrates on them, but their friends also have their POV's and their stories to tell. For example: Gabe and Cole's relationship started in Book 1, even though their book is only the fourth. Or Max and his love interest... well their story started waaay before the first book, theirs is a second chance romance. So I suggest you start with Abel, even though it's not the best writing-wise.
The writing reminds me of Brazilian telenovelas. What I mean by that? Let's say, in one scene Gabe and Cole are fooling around in bed, just coming down from the high, and start talking about how Dane seemed off lately, like something's bothering him. On cue, we jump to Dane to see what he's doing at the moment. He's moping, cuz he thinks Angel doesn't want him. Brühühü.. And so we jump to Angel who's at his apartment being raped. So imagine something like this. It might be annoying at first, but after I got used to it, I liked it.
These boys are all broken and hurt, there's so much heartache. They all want to protect the one they love. So they sacrifice themselves (Gabe, you idiot!).
The stories are raw and edgy. I kind of have a love/hate relationship with them. I loved all the feels I mentioned above, but on the other hand I didn't like the insta-love. And I felt frustrated all the time, when they didn't talk to each other. There wasn't miscommunication, cuz they didn't communicate with each other at all, not with words anyway. They might have, with their bodies. There's a ton of sex, sometimes unnecessary sex. Everyone's doing it with everyone for a fair number of reasons, there was casual; friendly; fun sex; hurt sex; rage sex; I-don't-want-to-live-anymore sex; make-the-hurt-go-away sex; sex for money; sex for a favor; and sex just because. I have favorite pairings and not necessarily between the MC's. What I'm trying to say here is that these boys/men at the Phoenix Club are like a big family, they love each other as one, and would do anything for each other, even have sex with each other, if that's what they wanted/needed.
So I only reviewed Abel (see it down below), I mostly had the same problems with the rest, but there is some improvement. If I have to rate them individually: Gabe and Max 4 stars (but I think at this point I’m not thinking rationally, I love those men), the rest is 3.
---------
ABEL
Please note: this review contains some spoilers.
This book was so wrong on so many levels. Gawd!
I liked Abel genuinely, but 80% of this book he was crying, with good reason, but still.
Devlin and Abel barely knew each other, but already falling in love. Maybe they exchanged names and that’s it. That was too fast. I did feel the heartache though, but I would’ve liked if they got to know each other better before all the shit happened. Devlin’s reaction to the devastating truth was perfect. Sad of course, but perfect.
They called Abel „the boy” which frustrated the hell out of me. Not the term specifically, cause he is a boy, but it was used a lot, so that’s more a writing issue than anything. It was used repetitively.
The most disturbing were the sex scenes, because Abel had sex in this book with at least 5 men and they didn’t use condoms, didn’t even suggest it. I mean they acted like condoms didn’t even exist. And why it bothers me is that they just found out that Abel’s sister So, in possession of that information I would’ve thought that Abel would protest, but it didn’t even occur to him to ask, it’s not that he forgot, it’s just that it seemed that in this world condoms didn’t exist.
People at the Phoenix club are like a family. Sorry, I know I'm repeating myself, but it's true. They're very close. Gabe and Cole are my favorite. Best friends and fuck buddies to lovers. And at first I was bothered by Cole and Gabe’s behavior towards Abel. They were kissing each other, like... with tongue. And that bothered me, because I'm not usually kissing my friend that way. There’s also a menage sex scene with these three, which is where my problems with protection started.
For some reason everyone rubbed his mouth when nervous. Everyone. What’s with that! Again, writing issue.
Horatio is an interesting character. The first time he Well, would you make up your mind then, cause your confusing me, Horatio.
Triggers:
Alas, these characters have grown on me, so I’m gonna keep going and hoping that the writing, the story, and everything else will improve a bit. I would skip Angel and Caleb, I don’t even know who they are, and I just want to get to Gabe, but it seems the storyline continues through the whole bundle, so I can’t really skip.
(haha, I wrote this just after I finished book 1). ;)
---------
Finishing the bundle, I still feel there are some loose ends and I definitely will read the other books connecting to this series.
Emotionally this series deserves all the stars I could give. If you feel intrigued, by all means, dive right in. As I mentioned I think you should start with Abel. It's a big commitment, but you can read one book at a time, and take brakes if necessary, there is no chance you forget what you read. It's quite memorable. Enjoy!
P.S. As usual, read my notes and highlights, maybe you guys will understand my love and hate for this book better.
April 30, 2020
There's a lot going on here
This author has so many beautiful things to say about sex and love, its wonderfully written.
For people who want a good cry with their sexy times. Seriosly heed the trigger warnings guys, the author ain't messin' around!
Ooh, this one is mean, so much angst, the plot twists were so good. And holy shit, what this author puts these poor characters through, cruel really. Didn't know whether to cum or cry half the time and the whole thing is just very emotional. I ended up falling in love with the large cast of characters, even though it takes a little work at first to get to know them all. Each novel has like little mini romance novels in it, it reads like a TV drama series. Lots of plot threads are started and the author did a nice job of rounding them up, but it ends with a "happy for now" feel, like it could, nay should, continue. 5 books in one but I did find 20 content errors
This author has so many beautiful things to say about sex and love, its wonderfully written.
For people who want a good cry with their sexy times. Seriosly heed the trigger warnings guys, the author ain't messin' around!
Ooh, this one is mean, so much angst, the plot twists were so good. And holy shit, what this author puts these poor characters through, cruel really. Didn't know whether to cum or cry half the time and the whole thing is just very emotional. I ended up falling in love with the large cast of characters, even though it takes a little work at first to get to know them all. Each novel has like little mini romance novels in it, it reads like a TV drama series. Lots of plot threads are started and the author did a nice job of rounding them up, but it ends with a "happy for now" feel, like it could, nay should, continue. 5 books in one but I did find 20 content errors
September 17, 2021
Ummm…no!
I made it through the first book in the bundle and that’s all I can handle.
The situations throughout were unrealistic and the sex scenes were over done, as was the dialogue in those scenes. I’d venture to say that most men do not talk like these guys do-“baby” being used over and over and over.
The storyline was pretty good but the repetitive use of certain words kept taking me out of the story. Also, in this day and age, I was a little surprised that there was no mention of condoms (or lube) being used by anyone.
All in all, I did not enjoy this book and will not be reading any of the other books. Sorry-just not my cup of tea.
I made it through the first book in the bundle and that’s all I can handle.
The situations throughout were unrealistic and the sex scenes were over done, as was the dialogue in those scenes. I’d venture to say that most men do not talk like these guys do-“baby” being used over and over and over.
The storyline was pretty good but the repetitive use of certain words kept taking me out of the story. Also, in this day and age, I was a little surprised that there was no mention of condoms (or lube) being used by anyone.
All in all, I did not enjoy this book and will not be reading any of the other books. Sorry-just not my cup of tea.
September 9, 2020
Trigger warning
I don't think the warning on this bundle was sufficient. Every book has vivid description of sexual assault in some cases gang rape. Stories are not for the faint of heart. So much graphic sex and or violent assaults so often I just started skipping over it to get back to the story. The plots were actually interesting and ongoing which is why I read in its entirety. On a side note if I never read another sex scene where the word baby is used 16 times it would be too soon.
I don't think the warning on this bundle was sufficient. Every book has vivid description of sexual assault in some cases gang rape. Stories are not for the faint of heart. So much graphic sex and or violent assaults so often I just started skipping over it to get back to the story. The plots were actually interesting and ongoing which is why I read in its entirety. On a side note if I never read another sex scene where the word baby is used 16 times it would be too soon.
May 20, 2023
The Phoenix Club is very much a home for lost and damaged boys, as they find themselves, and re-invent themselves as they grow into adulthood. Most of the boys have arrived at the strip club with a past that they don't share easily and desperate to make a living for themselves when they don't think they're worth or able to do a lot. What they find is acceptance and a loyal family of men who've been through difficult circumstances and who will do anything to protect and nurture the new arrivals until they can be their best selves. A very inspiring sauga.
June 28, 2021
The phoenix club boys and their troubles
Wow what a great start to a great series. Second time of reading these books. The characters are real your fall in love with each and everyone of them. Each has their own story which is brought in slowly to pull you in. You go through their troubles and heart breaks as well as their victories. Love this series would recommend reading in order, and continuing with it as the characters are brought across the whole series.
Wow what a great start to a great series. Second time of reading these books. The characters are real your fall in love with each and everyone of them. Each has their own story which is brought in slowly to pull you in. You go through their troubles and heart breaks as well as their victories. Love this series would recommend reading in order, and continuing with it as the characters are brought across the whole series.
September 23, 2023
A rollercoaster of emotions.
I've not read anything by this author before, I'm so glad I made the choice. I had to keep putting the books down, parts were so hard to read, so heartbreaking. There were a few mistakes, wrong words, similar meanings but wrong contexts, but they didn't take anything from the story. Highly recommend these books but be prepared to be emotionally wrung out by the end.
I've not read anything by this author before, I'm so glad I made the choice. I had to keep putting the books down, parts were so hard to read, so heartbreaking. There were a few mistakes, wrong words, similar meanings but wrong contexts, but they didn't take anything from the story. Highly recommend these books but be prepared to be emotionally wrung out by the end.
June 24, 2020
Great story
This is a wonderful series of books that will make you cry. Some of the scenes are very graphic and there maybe a lot of triggers for some people, but the bad people get their consequences in the end at that part of this series is a plus. Second time reading the series and looking forward to rereading the whole series and then reading the new ones.
This is a wonderful series of books that will make you cry. Some of the scenes are very graphic and there maybe a lot of triggers for some people, but the bad people get their consequences in the end at that part of this series is a plus. Second time reading the series and looking forward to rereading the whole series and then reading the new ones.
October 31, 2023
Love it
I do love the phoenix club but there is too much sex i dont usually mind that but the sex scenes are way to similiar even though its different couples they all moan the same things. I do love the characters I will read the rest though I have to admit i love the boys of porn books more.
I do love the phoenix club but there is too much sex i dont usually mind that but the sex scenes are way to similiar even though its different couples they all moan the same things. I do love the characters I will read the rest though I have to admit i love the boys of porn books more.
April 22, 2020
I like the storyline but i must admit there are too many sex scenes in these books for me. I had a tendency to flip the pages through the sex scenes quickly to get to the stories of the characters. I liked the characters, relationships and how they bond as chosen family after going through hell.
February 20, 2019
Amazing
This book was a dream come true to read. I disliked that Max and Horatio got so little time together but other than that fantastic.
This book was a dream come true to read. I disliked that Max and Horatio got so little time together but other than that fantastic.
November 26, 2019
Amazing
This is an amazing series and I must have read and re read them a dozen times. I adore all the main characters , but Clint and Cochise are my favourites by far.
This is an amazing series and I must have read and re read them a dozen times. I adore all the main characters , but Clint and Cochise are my favourites by far.
January 1, 2020
Good reading
Great, interesting book kept you looking for more as you read on. Great love that keeps you on the edge of your seat
Great, interesting book kept you looking for more as you read on. Great love that keeps you on the edge of your seat
June 14, 2020
Love it
I enjoy her books immensely. Me and my daughter's are reading them together. Can't wait for more of them to be available
I enjoy her books immensely. Me and my daughter's are reading them together. Can't wait for more of them to be available
May 20, 2024
Good book
I liked the stories within the book. I like all the characters. I.felt like I was part of the characters and how they love stories emerged.
I liked the stories within the book. I like all the characters. I.felt like I was part of the characters and how they love stories emerged.
mm-ok-ab-r
June 8, 2025Rokp
January 13, 2023
Oh my god!
These books are so heavy! You can’t even entertain the thought of stepping into this world without serious contemplation. But once the decision is made, you will be immersed in a world full of wonderful men, who know what real love is!
I spent all of this book, wishing that people were really this real, & wishing that they were my friends. CJ Bishop has crafted characters that are full & well-rounded.
When the HEAs come, they are truly hard-won & deserved. I read this bundle back to back & at the end, I felt rung out, but happy to my core. I love all of these couples, but none more than Max & Horatio. They are truly the “heart” of the Phoenix world!
I’d recommend this bundle to anyone who has a strong heart, because it’s no fairytale. But also, someone who enjoys reading stories with “meat”. It’s a heavy read, but so worth it.
These books are so heavy! You can’t even entertain the thought of stepping into this world without serious contemplation. But once the decision is made, you will be immersed in a world full of wonderful men, who know what real love is!
I spent all of this book, wishing that people were really this real, & wishing that they were my friends. CJ Bishop has crafted characters that are full & well-rounded.
When the HEAs come, they are truly hard-won & deserved. I read this bundle back to back & at the end, I felt rung out, but happy to my core. I love all of these couples, but none more than Max & Horatio. They are truly the “heart” of the Phoenix world!
I’d recommend this bundle to anyone who has a strong heart, because it’s no fairytale. But also, someone who enjoys reading stories with “meat”. It’s a heavy read, but so worth it.
March 8, 2025
Fantastic
This is a new author for me. And I must say what a fantastic read. It broke my heart and put it back together again. It's hot and steamy as well as heartbreaking. A must read.
This is a new author for me. And I must say what a fantastic read. It broke my heart and put it back together again. It's hot and steamy as well as heartbreaking. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews