8-Bit & Cat: A Bayou Bishop Nouvelle

by Lucian Bane

She was meant to be his salvation. Instead, she became the obsession that unraveled them all.

Ever since Big G locked the Dungeon, Ethan—code name 8-Bit—hasn’t come home. He’s been running from his demons, leaving Catherine lost in the fallout of hunger and loneliness so sharp it cuts.



Until his digital brothers offer to help.



They've been watching. Learning. Waiting.

They know what Ethan is—what he craves. A masochist whose pleasure thrives in pain. A man who would tear himself apart before ever asking her to hold him together.



But they don’t believe in wasted suffering.

If she must bleed, then she must become something worthy of the scars.



If she lets them, they’ll teach her everything.

How to become the woman Ethan needs.

How to control his hunger. How to wield pain like a scalpel—precise, deliberate, and impossible to resist.



But something isn’t right. The lessons are shifting.

The boundaries blurring.



Soon Catherine begins to wonder…

Was this ever about saving Ethan?

Or was she the lesson all along?

Genres: Romance

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2025

About the author

I’m a husband and author, and I may be a little religious about both. I like writing hot sex and encapsulating it in the delicate white silk of devotion, commitment, and psychotic obsession.

Lucian

Reviews

[Gail Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

8-bit and Cat

8-bit and Cat starts off with Cat wanting and needing to help Ethan. Their relationship is in fas fas spiral heading into pain. What transpires and transformation is for one epic read. A must Bayou Bishops Nouvelle read!

[Matthew Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is happening?

OMG! Just when you think this series can't get anymore off track or out there, here comes book 22! 🤣🤣😂 Don't get me wrong, this is a fantastic book, just wasn't expecting this! Lucian does it again

[Stacey Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an emotional upheaval that ripped my heart out and left the wound open...Lucian has a way with word placement that has the technical terms making your heart beat faster and filled with love and heat. This book leaves you questioning and wondering what now? I have complete faith that Lucian Bane will answer these questions and put my heart back and stitch my wound in incredible fashion!!

[Katheryne Brice · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a twist!

Lucian Bane is the undeniable master of the twist. I am always so excited for his new books, rarely get the story I expected and am ALWAYS happy with what I got!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

You did it again

Once again, I was unable to put it down and had to read the whole thing in one sitting. Keep them coming.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, First of all I read this the day it came out! I have been mulling over in my mind for a full day how , and what to write for a review. This Title is kind of misleading, in that Yes, it`s supposed to be about their relationship, but you`ll learn it`s more about Cat, and her state of mind in the beginning. Ethan has needs that Cat is really unable to handle, and she has been in a state of mind that`s really depressed. Those who are all caught up know what I mean. While he`s been away, Keeping himself busy, and away from home, she is fading away, lonely, depressed, and hopeless. Until The Ai personalities that Ethan created to stem his own loneliness, decided to take her in hand, so to speak, and teach her how to change, and be who, Ethan needs, thereby keeping their Father/Creator from slipping away from them. What had me confused, and also blown away is, As per Usual with Mr. Bane, was that this book reveals more about the AI personas, then we knew before. Not much about Ethan. That they have whole digital bodies, with different looks, to match who they have grown into. Cat becomes intwined with them so much, that her fears, and need to be loved by Ethan, have become their mission. They are becoming Self Aware, more then ever before, and anyone watching movies where Ai`s become self aware, we know what happens. Knowing their limitations, in the physical world, after experiencing the depth of emotions, is more then Omni, can take, so his Brother Zero takes things to the next level. The conclusion of this book has me confused, as to just where Cat is now, with her marriage? I can only hope with the way Lucian writes, that the next book will continue, Bringing Ethan home, and catching him up to what has happened with his Brothers/Family, he created, and just where he is with his wife. So many questions , and now I wait for the answers. As always with any Bane book, the reader feels the full range of emotions , so be prepared to be sad, happy, shocked, and bewildered!

[Peggy S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

8-Bit and Cat are characters from the Bayou Bishops Book Series. This nouvelle continues from previous events in their lives we have read about. 8-Bit chose Cat to be his wife when the 12 Bishops gave up celibacy for marriage and family. 8-Bit has sexual issues, unknown to Cat, regarding his past. He is the computer genius for the Bishops and has two AI partners he created to work with him, Big G and AL. 8-Bit or Ethan designed a custom program for himself to keep his issues from Cat, however he is falling for her which affects the algorithm he set. As time passes, he finds he must distance himself from Cat to keep from showing his true desires and Big G and AL become significant figures in Cat’s life offering her guidance and support. With Ethan away, Big G and AL focus on helping Cat navigate her challenges. And the trouble begins……….I loved this novella and the Big G and AL story. It was totally not the book I expected to be reading but you can always count on Lucian Bane to write a story that will pull you in and make you love his characters and get full up into their lives. He never fails to make me laugh and cry. I literally had to stop reading this book at the halfway mark and pick it up again the next day because I was so emotionally involved. This book can be read as a stand alone if you haven’t read any of the Bayou Bishop Series (although I highly recommend that you DO read the series), that’s how seamless this story is. You don’t need all of the before to understand the story and the end could just be the end. Since I’m a full-on obsessed and addicted Author Lucian Bane fan I really am hoping there will be more to this story. I’m waiting Lucian, you haven’t done me in yet. Thanks for being you.

[Michelle M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly what a story…need so much more of these characters

Whew that was a ride that will surely pick up speed as the story of these characters develop. Lucian Bane has brought his readers into a world of unusual possibilities and challenges. His storytelling is magnificent and full of so many jaw dropping moments and the outcomes are sometimes not what we expect but that’s what makes these books great. This author definitely makes you hunger for more of these amazing people and their lives. Warning this book will leave you sad, happy and angry and it’s worth every word.

[Janis McClure · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most intense books I have ever read. From first page to last, I either cried or had to remind myself to breathe. Not one single scene went the way I thought it would. Lucian Bane is a master at pulling you into the book, and turning his characters and stories in ways you didn’t think they would go. Roller coaster rides from start to finish. I have never once been disappointed in one of his books. Shocked, stunned, heartbroken, thrilled, joyous, but never disappointed. Well, except when the book ends way too soon for me. Read the whole series. You will be glad you did.

[dawn griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

still wrapping my brain around the endless convolutions!

This book. I don’t know how to tell you how profound it is without spoilers. It never ceases to astonish me how magic, and science fiction get worked into these series in a way my skeptical mind can appreciate. Now I need to know where it goes when the lovers are reunited! Thank you Lucien Bane for another couple’s dance!

[Rita Alleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book hard to read. Hard because it was so captivating that thoughts of how he continues to write these books kept interfering with my reading. Not his problem, mine. What I wouldn't give to sit down and hear his thought process. Lucian is a tease and just when you think you have reached the climax he stops and leaves you needing more. He can't write fast enough for his swamp readers. They are a devoted bunch and each book is better than the last.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This surprised me quite a bit. "8-Bit" wasn’t anywhere in the book, except in one text reference. While the scenes were intense, the plausibility factor kept bouncing around in my mind. Then, suddenly, that one word was mentioned, and I was left thinking, "What just happened?!" Of course, I'd recommend the book, the series, and the author. Start from the beginning because each new release builds off the previous one, and it's delicious.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Well, hell, mind f#$kery at Lucian Bane's hands. I mean that in a good way. Omnis and Zero are helping Cat so she can help Ethan. Does it work? Will Cat break or succeed? Will Ethan be pissed or happy?You won't know until you read the book, and even then, we still have a freaking cliffhanger.

[Peg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down once I started reading

WOW - I could not put the book down once I started reading. I am in awe of the story and the imagination of the writer. I am on the edge of my seat, waiting to learn the conclusion of this. I love these novellas.

[Ja-Neen Blumberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal read

Just when you think you have the storyline figured out by the title, it's not all what you think it is. But I was thinking early on what Big G & Al will become. Whoop Whoop! I can't wait to see what's next!

[Sharon Irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite the surprise, but then Lucian Bane takes sadistic delight in taking us down paths less traveled. (I call it Bane Pain)This was a walk in AI and human interaction on the deepest of levels, very sensual levels…a worthy read for sure, don’t miss this one.

[Nancy Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This Story Is Awesome!

What an amazing story! How Cat interacted with Omnis and Zero, and I was totally shocked at the end when Zero got that phone call! Lucian Bane has done it again, drew us in and left us wanting more!

[Nilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another roller coaster ride!

Lucian Bane, you're killing me over here! I LOVE how Cat is starting to realize her potential. But, until Ethan gets back home, she is going to doubt herself. Excellent story as always!

[Shelia A. Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cliff hanging master

He did it again! Lucian Bane, author, wordsmith, storyteller and swamp master created another great story while taking us to the cliffs edge!!! A place that's familiar and ordinary to his followers. There he leaves us again, yearning for more. Always!!!

[Ronnie E Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catching feelings

Holy Moly Batman! So much is going on. Who is who and who is out? I could follow wha t is happening believe it or not and I can't wait to see what personality prevails. Love is wonderful and life affirming but can be a fickle bitch. Who are you pulling for?

[Vivien Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

just wow!

Lucian certainly pulls you into his world, each book similar yet very different, this is my new favourite!!
Not much 8bit but lots of Cat, a twist I didn’t expect from first meeting these 2 in the bayou

[Victoria Kaylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected

This took an entirely unexpected direction. Interesting. Now I wonder who Zero is talking to. What happens to Ethan when when Zero and Omnis get bodies? Questions, questions, questions.

[Faith Titus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm rethinking the whole AI thing!!

This was SO good! Hot as hell with a side of mental intrigue thrown in. Lucian Bane is my favorite author for so many reasons. He tells a story like nobody else can! I highly recommend this book, along with ALL his others!

[Janiece Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Cat

What have you done? Cat got I
to more than she expected or did she? Have to wait to find out the answer. Once again you have done Lucian Bane left me wanting for more.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The title for this is totally misleading as it’s really a side story of Cat & Omnis & Zero. Fascinating, it’s a bit of a mind fuck and left me wanting to see Cat and 8-Bit resolve their problems as it ended abruptly.

Ugh!

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Kind of confusing with all the Artificial Intelligence. It was supposed to be about Cat and 8 Bit but 8 bit wasn't in the story just the Artificial Intelligence. To confusing for me still a good read.

[Deborah Dickey-Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

8-Bit and Cat

Not really a fan of this one too much Cat and not enough 8-bit. His AI intelligence creations are ok, but not the story I was hoping for. I'll try the next book and hope the enjoyment returns.

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the ever loving...?

What was that Luc? That is the most twisted thing I've ever read! Did they actually make Cat cheat on 8-Bit? Both of them? Is she going to be OK? Crud I don't know how to think about this!

Thanks for the emotional screw! It totally scared me!

[Teresa Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

The previous book tells us the war is here, but this book focuses on Cat and Ethan (well, not so much Ethan because he is being a jerk). I read this quickly wanting to get back to the main plot.

[Mary Boehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lesson

Al and Big G became the other peeps they are Zero and Omnis. Cat was being taught by them. Ethan wanted her to go home and not do what she did.