As phoenixes are reborn with fire, some rise from different kind of ashes.
Vampire Gabriel McLeod is the newest to be named lieutenant in the Nighthawks MC. Due to his ability to create and manipulate fire, and the fact that he had been reborn after many years of immortal sleep, he is referred to as “Phoenix.” While loyal to the club and proud of his position in there, he’s still dealing with having been asleep for 150 years, cursed by a witch quickly after he was turned into a vampire against his will all those years ago.
Having been a vampire for a while, love and commitment were words that never left his lips. When the Nighthawks take in newly-turned twins Jemini and Jerome, Phoenix finds himself inexplicably drawn to Jemini’s striking beauty, with her black hair, caramel skin, and green eyes. However, when he learns her secret—what she was before her turning—he goes out of his way to purposely avoid her. But his fervent glances her way don’t go unnoticed by Jemini, who herself has reasons to avoid men and relationships. Will he take the time to get to know the beautiful woman or will he continue to wallow in self-pity and deny himself what could be a deep connection he didn’t know was possible?
Phoenix is book 3 in the Nighthawks MC series, and is for readers 18+.
C.J. is a USA Today bestselling author living in Colorado but wishes she was someplace warmer. She loves the SF 49ers and has a weakness for expensive shoes. She’s the author of over 40 novels and short stories that contain both fantasy and paranormal romance with kickass heroines and strong alphas. Having recently retired from a twenty-year career in federal law enforcement, she's looking forward to the next chapter in life.
She can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and on her website, cjpinard.com.
You can also find billionaire romance under her pen, Carolyn Delaney.
Reading order:
URBAN FANTASY/ROMANCE: Enchanted Immortals 1 Enchanted Immortals 2: The Vortex Enchanted Immortals 3: The Vampyre Enchanted Immortals 4: The Vixen BSI: Bureau of Supernatural Investigation Enchanted Immortals Box Set: 4 Books + Novella
PARANORMAL ROMANCE: Unscathed (A paranormal romance novel with Tim O'Rourke)
Soul Rebel (Death's Kiss #1) FREE Soul Redemption (Death's Kiss #2) Soul Release (Death's Kiss #3) Kovah: Soul Seeker (A Death's Kiss Novel #4)
Lotus (Daughter of Darkness) Lotus's Journey Part I FREE Watcher (Daughter of Darkness) Lotus's Journey, Part II Guardian (Daughter of Darkness) Lotus's Journey, Part III
The Lunar Effect (The Ayla St. John Chronicles, #1) FREE The Lunar Curse (The Ayla St. John Chronicles, #2) The Lunar Secret (The Ayla St. John Chronicles, #3) The Lunar Magic (The Ayla St. John Chronicles, #4) The Lunar Promise (The Ayla St. John Chronicles, #5) The Lunar Light (The Ayla St. John Chronicles, #6)
Viper (Nighthawks MC #1) Shadow (Nighthawks MC #2) Phoenix (Nighthawks MC #3) Venom (Nighthawks MC #4) Face (Nighthawks MC #5)
REVERSE HAREM FANTASY: Four Princes (Rothhaven Trilogy, #1) Four Kings (Rothhaven Trilogy, #2) Four Heirs (Rothhaven Trilogy, #3)
CONTEMPORARY/MILITARY ROMANCE Duty & Desire Series: Patriotic Duty Tour of Duty Boots Beneath My Bed Playing the Field
Imperfect Heroes Series: Antihero Above Protection Beneath Broken Beyond Love
Phoenix by C.J. Pinard delivers a compelling blend of paranormal romance, supernatural suspense, and emotional transformation within the gritty world of the Nighthawks MC universe. Combining vampires, curses, immortal history, and reluctant attraction, the novel creates an engaging reading experience that balances emotional vulnerability with dark fantasy atmosphere.
One of the book’s strongest qualities is the character of Gabriel “Phoenix” McLeod himself. His long history, forced transformation into a vampire, and the trauma of losing 150 years of his existence through a witch’s curse create a layered emotional foundation that adds depth beyond the romance elements. Phoenix’s internal struggle between isolation and connection gives the story emotional weight and makes his journey feel meaningful.
What stands out most is the contrast between power and vulnerability throughout the novel. Phoenix possesses dangerous supernatural abilities and holds a respected leadership role within the Nighthawks MC, yet emotionally he remains wounded, conflicted, and hesitant to trust intimacy. That balance makes him a compelling protagonist and strengthens the emotional tension of the story.
The chemistry between Phoenix and Jemini is another major strength. Their attraction develops beneath layers of emotional hesitation, personal trauma, and hidden truths, allowing the romance to unfold with both intensity and restraint. Rather than relying solely on physical attraction, the story explores emotional scars, trust, identity, and healing, giving the relationship additional depth.
The supernatural world-building also contributes strongly to the novel’s appeal. The combination of vampire mythology, motorcycle club culture, curses, rebirth symbolism, and paranormal politics creates an atmosphere that feels dark, immersive, and highly entertaining. The “rebirth through fire” symbolism surrounding Phoenix adds thematic consistency and emotional resonance throughout the narrative.
Another effective aspect of the book is its pacing. The story balances romantic development, supernatural intrigue, emotional conflict, and character backstory in a way that keeps the narrative moving while still allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
The emotional themes surrounding trauma, self-worth, fear of vulnerability, and second chances also help elevate the novel beyond a standard paranormal romance. Beneath the supernatural action and romantic tension is a story about identity, healing, and learning to embrace connection despite emotional scars from the past.
At its core, Phoenix is an emotionally charged paranormal romance that successfully combines supernatural mythology, dark atmosphere, romance, and personal transformation into a highly engaging story. Readers who enjoy vampire fiction, emotionally conflicted characters, supernatural romance, and immersive paranormal worlds will likely find the novel both entertaining and memorable.
Back in again to a unusual MC with Gabriel being the center of this one. He does get the name Phoenix for a good reason in between the pages is the reason. He also has just recently woken thanks to a curse with also becoming lieutenant of the MC. As time goes on and they have under their wings newly turned twins Jemini catches his attention. They do that denial thing too for reasons in the pages. We all know how well that can work if a real chemistry is in the works. Turn the pages to see reasons and feel the thrills getting the whole 411 on this that you will love.
I really enjoyed this book. Each one in the series gets better and better. I love how we still get to see the characters from the previous books!
I felt bad for Phoenix and what he went through. He definitely didn’t have an easy life.
I loved Jemini! I felt bad for her also, but I was so happy that she found the Nighthawks.
I really hope we get to see more of a certain character. I’m even willing to help plot out his book!!! Once you read this book you’ll know who I’m talking about!!
Another great book in this series. I really do enjoy the time jumping to explain the main persons background and how they ended up with the Nighthawks. I think Phoenix is my favorite so far. I really fell in love with his character and Jemini is awesome! The story flowed well and you get to see all of your favorite characters. I can't wait for the next book!
I have fallen in love with this series♥️♥️ Each book just gets better as we go. Learning the backgrounds of all the characters is one of the best parts!!! Phoenix has an incredible backstory as does Jemini and the path to their love story is a nonstop thrill ride! Can’t wait for more Nighthawks MC♥️♥️
If you love vampires, bikers and hot steamy sex scenes, get this book! I can't even describe how amazing it is. The writing of CJ never disappoints! This is book three in the nighthawks series. Viper and Shadow are just as amazing! You will not want to put this series down! I was able to finish it in two days. Gripping, exciting and descriptive. Another 10 out of 10!
I love this series and it just keeps getting better. I love Phoenix's background and what comes from how he rises from the ashes. He doesn't think he will ever find love and doesn't know if he wants too. Jemini arrives and has a secret and after he finds out what it is he does everything he can to avoid her. Only after you read the book you will know if they have a happy ending despite everything that they go through. I highly suggest that if you read this book you read the previous books in the series.
OK, so Phoenix's storyline is amazing. I just couldn't believe what had happened to him and highly recommend reading all the books in order to understand these basis of the continuous storyline and all the recurring characters. I'm glad Phoenix met his match, and they worked their way towards the HEA they definitely deserve.
This book was good. I didn't think it was as good as the previous books, but it was still enjoyable. Good characters and plot along with some twists and turns. What I didn't like was all of the jumping back and forth between timelines.
Ok so I feel like this is one of those series that just keeps getting better as we go. I loved Phoenix and his story. The whole idea of being reborn from the ashes .. sigh.. ok and this love story? Swoon!! More please!!!