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Dark Bishop #1-5
Dark Bishop
A dangerous game has begun.
Sydney. Her skin felt as soft as it looked. I shouldn’t have touched her, but I couldn’t help myself. I’ve been to New Orleans dozens upon dozens of times. It’s a unique city, filled with tourists and superstition. And until tonight, I’d never been superstitious.
An old fortuneteller freak stopped me on the way to the diner and said I would make a decision that would change my path. She didn’t know that I’d walked the path to this very restaurant before. It had been a few years.
Who knew that the decision to return would be blessed with a beauty—five foot six with curves in all the right mouth-watering places. Clothed in cheap polyester, stained with God only knew what, Sydney was a vision. Blonde hair to her waist. Big brown doe eyes. I could almost taste her.
In his game, everyone’s a pawn…
I didn’t miss the rumble of her stomach when I asked her to dine with us. She was hungry. Something that flashed in those eyes told me it wasn’t because she just skipped lunch today. Maybe I could meet some of her needs. Forget that. I could definitely meet her needs, but it was up to her to let me. So, I left her my business card, my number.
Girls like Sydney, they’re afraid. They never make the first move. Most never even make the second. I doubt she’d call. I’d tipped her well, not because she was the best waitress I’d ever had, not even because she was within my sites. I tipped her so that when I came back to the diner, she would remember me. She would want to serve me.
And, oh, would she ever serve me. I just have to play my cards right.
…and he’s never lost a game.
Dark Bishop is unsuitable for those under the age of eighteen due to adult language and situations. It is part of serial series, which means that each part consists of approximately 10-20,000 words. Each part will build upon the last, much like the episodes of a television series. It is important to read the parts in order.
Sydney. Her skin felt as soft as it looked. I shouldn’t have touched her, but I couldn’t help myself. I’ve been to New Orleans dozens upon dozens of times. It’s a unique city, filled with tourists and superstition. And until tonight, I’d never been superstitious.
An old fortuneteller freak stopped me on the way to the diner and said I would make a decision that would change my path. She didn’t know that I’d walked the path to this very restaurant before. It had been a few years.
Who knew that the decision to return would be blessed with a beauty—five foot six with curves in all the right mouth-watering places. Clothed in cheap polyester, stained with God only knew what, Sydney was a vision. Blonde hair to her waist. Big brown doe eyes. I could almost taste her.
In his game, everyone’s a pawn…
I didn’t miss the rumble of her stomach when I asked her to dine with us. She was hungry. Something that flashed in those eyes told me it wasn’t because she just skipped lunch today. Maybe I could meet some of her needs. Forget that. I could definitely meet her needs, but it was up to her to let me. So, I left her my business card, my number.
Girls like Sydney, they’re afraid. They never make the first move. Most never even make the second. I doubt she’d call. I’d tipped her well, not because she was the best waitress I’d ever had, not even because she was within my sites. I tipped her so that when I came back to the diner, she would remember me. She would want to serve me.
And, oh, would she ever serve me. I just have to play my cards right.
…and he’s never lost a game.
Dark Bishop is unsuitable for those under the age of eighteen due to adult language and situations. It is part of serial series, which means that each part consists of approximately 10-20,000 words. Each part will build upon the last, much like the episodes of a television series. It is important to read the parts in order.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2015
About the author
Casey L. Bond
62 books1,740 followersRONE Award-winning author Casey Bond lives on a rural farm in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. She writes phoenixes – gloriously flawed and morally gray characters that fiercely rise from the ashes of their circumstances.
Worldbuilding is one of her favorite pastimes. She thinks thunderstorms are better than coffee and that watching a meteor shower is the closest thing to magic you might ever see. She’s a firm believer that every amazing book needs a world you want to wrap yourself in, a character you want to win, and a love you would fight for.
Casey is the author of When Wishes Bleed, Gravebriar, House of Eclipses, and Where Oceans Burn.
@authorcaseybond on social media sites.
Worldbuilding is one of her favorite pastimes. She thinks thunderstorms are better than coffee and that watching a meteor shower is the closest thing to magic you might ever see. She’s a firm believer that every amazing book needs a world you want to wrap yourself in, a character you want to win, and a love you would fight for.
Casey is the author of When Wishes Bleed, Gravebriar, House of Eclipses, and Where Oceans Burn.
@authorcaseybond on social media sites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 29, 2016
10 Effin' stars!
This is how some books should be done! Intense moments, alpha, phsyco, and the ending?!
I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY! Definitely my cup of tea!
HELL YES! What a ride... whoa!
PURE EVIL~~
This is how some books should be done! Intense moments, alpha, phsyco, and the ending?!
I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY! Definitely my cup of tea!
HELL YES! What a ride... whoa!
PURE EVIL~~
October 6, 2015
OH MY GOODNESS! I just finished Dark Bishop and I am still creeped out. No Diners for me, no pearls, no chess...no Jakes. I am still in shock at the darkness this book holds and the chills that ran down my spine as I finished it. I do believe authors Rachael Brownell and Casey Bond have traumatized me for life!
Honestly this book is a can't put it down read. I found myself glued to the pages. I wanted to scream at Sydney and tell her to run, but Jake was so smooth and kept his twisted nature hidden well. He was charming and sexy. There were times I wanted to believe him and would get so wrapped up in him that I ALMOST forgot he was pure evil.
This book is dark, twisted and sexy as hell. I loved every second of it! Excellent writing ladies, even if you scarred me for life. LOL
"I'm frustrated. Jake is a smart man, much smarter than I gave him credit for. He's one-step ahead of me all the time. It's like we're playing a game of chess. I make a move, he counters, and I'm forced to make a move that I don't want to make. He keeps putting me in check and there's no way to win."
Honestly this book is a can't put it down read. I found myself glued to the pages. I wanted to scream at Sydney and tell her to run, but Jake was so smooth and kept his twisted nature hidden well. He was charming and sexy. There were times I wanted to believe him and would get so wrapped up in him that I ALMOST forgot he was pure evil.
This book is dark, twisted and sexy as hell. I loved every second of it! Excellent writing ladies, even if you scarred me for life. LOL
"I'm frustrated. Jake is a smart man, much smarter than I gave him credit for. He's one-step ahead of me all the time. It's like we're playing a game of chess. I make a move, he counters, and I'm forced to make a move that I don't want to make. He keeps putting me in check and there's no way to win."
on-sale-to-read
July 21, 2017
May 19, 2015
So wow.
Warning right now: I am not sure who told me this was a dark romance, but I wouldn't so much classify it as a romance as I would just a dark, suspenseful, psychical read <- yes that is what I would call it. I think that better describes the ride you are about to be taken on.
Are you ready? Cause I am not so sure that you are....
This will not take you down a light and fun romance where you know everything will just work in the end. In fact it will pull you strung tight, and holding on by a thread.
^^^ me while reading this
I give mad props to both Casey and Rachael for writing in a flawless way that will make you second guess if there were two authors writing this together, it was seamless. And they took dark and make it black dark. There is no other way to describe it. Jake Bishop is not one to tango with.
I am not going to lie I was mad at Sydney for most of all the book. I wanted her to see what we were so plainly seeing, I wanted her not to be clouded by her love and affection but to know, to understand. Its the fault in us as humans to not want to see because its easier to accept the love we have in front of us, and crave that which i think made Sydney an overall more real person.
To me this was not Sydney's book which I know shocks all of us because first off she starts the book, she starts this off but this is just a short chapter, an short venture in Bishop's life. This is his story, dammit and he won't let you forget it
Okay the ending: so I know this was a cause of a lot of problems for a lot of different readers but for me, I was actually really proud and kinda really happy with the ending. I don't want to say much because I don't want to give anything away so I am going to hide my cryptic thoughts on it in a spoilers thing, there won't be any flat out spoilers just cryptic thoughts
Warning right now: I am not sure who told me this was a dark romance, but I wouldn't so much classify it as a romance as I would just a dark, suspenseful, psychical read <- yes that is what I would call it. I think that better describes the ride you are about to be taken on.
Are you ready? Cause I am not so sure that you are....
This will not take you down a light and fun romance where you know everything will just work in the end. In fact it will pull you strung tight, and holding on by a thread.
^^^ me while reading this
I give mad props to both Casey and Rachael for writing in a flawless way that will make you second guess if there were two authors writing this together, it was seamless. And they took dark and make it black dark. There is no other way to describe it. Jake Bishop is not one to tango with.
I am not going to lie I was mad at Sydney for most of all the book. I wanted her to see what we were so plainly seeing, I wanted her not to be clouded by her love and affection but to know, to understand. Its the fault in us as humans to not want to see because its easier to accept the love we have in front of us, and crave that which i think made Sydney an overall more real person.
To me this was not Sydney's book which I know shocks all of us because first off she starts the book, she starts this off but this is just a short chapter, an short venture in Bishop's life. This is his story, dammit and he won't let you forget it
Okay the ending: so I know this was a cause of a lot of problems for a lot of different readers but for me, I was actually really proud and kinda really happy with the ending. I don't want to say much because I don't want to give anything away so I am going to hide my cryptic thoughts on it in a spoilers thing, there won't be any flat out spoilers just cryptic thoughts
January 20, 2016
Soooo.... I loved Jake Bishop. Sydney, I couldn't stand. She's too naive, like borderline stupid. The thing I did not like about this book was the lack of details when it came to the sex. I wanted to know all about Jake Bishop. Sure, there were plenty of times when Bishop took care of the ladies but we'll never know how good, rough or hard he did it. For that, I'm disappointed.
Read
May 21, 2017Complete serial series - all five novellas
co-written with Casey L. Bond
DARK Romance - recommended for readers 18 years and older
Currently available on Amazon and enrolled in Kindle Unlimited
www.myBook.to/DarkBishop
"The story of “Dark Bishop” was satisfying in a warped way. It took a stereotypical romance encounter, flipped it on its ear, and delivered a provocative suspense novel. The greatest feature of this collaboration is its seamless presentation." - Amazon reviewer
blurb:
A dangerous game has begun.
Sydney. Her skin felt as soft as it looked. I shouldn’t have touched her, but I couldn’t help myself. I’ve been to New Orleans dozens upon dozens of times. It’s a unique city, filled with tourists and superstition. And until tonight, I’d never been superstitious.
An old fortune teller freak stopped me on the way to the diner and said I would make a decision that would change my path. She didn’t know that I’d walked the path to this very restaurant before. It had been a few years.
Who knew that the decision to return would be blessed with a beauty—five foot six with curves in all the right mouth-watering places. Clothed in cheap polyester, stained with God only knew what, Sydney was a vision. Blonde hair to her waist. Big brown doe eyes. I could almost taste her.
In his game, everyone’s a pawn…
I didn’t miss the rumble of her stomach when I asked her to dine with us. She was hungry. Something that flashed in those eyes told me it wasn’t because she just skipped lunch today. Maybe I could meet some of her needs. Forget that. I could definitely meet her needs, but it was up to her to let me. So, I left her my business card, my number.
Girls like Sydney, they’re afraid. They never make the first move. Most never even make the second. I doubt she’d call. I’d tipped her well, not because she was the best waitress I’d ever had, not even because she was within my sites. I tipped her so that when I came back to the diner, she would remember me. She would want to serve me.
And, oh, would she ever serve me. I just have to play my cards right.
…and he’s never lost a game.
co-written with Casey L. Bond
DARK Romance - recommended for readers 18 years and older
Currently available on Amazon and enrolled in Kindle Unlimited
www.myBook.to/DarkBishop
"The story of “Dark Bishop” was satisfying in a warped way. It took a stereotypical romance encounter, flipped it on its ear, and delivered a provocative suspense novel. The greatest feature of this collaboration is its seamless presentation." - Amazon reviewer
blurb:
A dangerous game has begun.
Sydney. Her skin felt as soft as it looked. I shouldn’t have touched her, but I couldn’t help myself. I’ve been to New Orleans dozens upon dozens of times. It’s a unique city, filled with tourists and superstition. And until tonight, I’d never been superstitious.
An old fortune teller freak stopped me on the way to the diner and said I would make a decision that would change my path. She didn’t know that I’d walked the path to this very restaurant before. It had been a few years.
Who knew that the decision to return would be blessed with a beauty—five foot six with curves in all the right mouth-watering places. Clothed in cheap polyester, stained with God only knew what, Sydney was a vision. Blonde hair to her waist. Big brown doe eyes. I could almost taste her.
In his game, everyone’s a pawn…
I didn’t miss the rumble of her stomach when I asked her to dine with us. She was hungry. Something that flashed in those eyes told me it wasn’t because she just skipped lunch today. Maybe I could meet some of her needs. Forget that. I could definitely meet her needs, but it was up to her to let me. So, I left her my business card, my number.
Girls like Sydney, they’re afraid. They never make the first move. Most never even make the second. I doubt she’d call. I’d tipped her well, not because she was the best waitress I’d ever had, not even because she was within my sites. I tipped her so that when I came back to the diner, she would remember me. She would want to serve me.
And, oh, would she ever serve me. I just have to play my cards right.
…and he’s never lost a game.
Want to Read
September 10, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/10/2020)! 🎁
July 10, 2015
Dark Bishop is the perfect title for this twisted story! I love the play on words, as Jake Bishop is certainly one dark character as well as a game player. I love dark and gritty, if you do too then this is definitely the book for you.
I have to say that while I do enjoy being left on the edge of my seat at the end of each episode of a serial, I’m so glad that I was able to devour the whole book at one time.The suspense with this book was just what I was looking for! It was impossible to put down.
If you’re looking for a nail-biting, dark and twisted tale to dive into, I highly recommend reading Dark Bishop. I have a feeling this book hangover is going to haunt me for quite some time to come. Whoa what a ride!
I have to say that while I do enjoy being left on the edge of my seat at the end of each episode of a serial, I’m so glad that I was able to devour the whole book at one time.The suspense with this book was just what I was looking for! It was impossible to put down.
If you’re looking for a nail-biting, dark and twisted tale to dive into, I highly recommend reading Dark Bishop. I have a feeling this book hangover is going to haunt me for quite some time to come. Whoa what a ride!
May 5, 2015
It is going to be easier for me to review parts 1-5 together I think.
I loved this serial series. This was my first serial series that I had the pleasure to read the entire thing in one sitting. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Jake Bishop is a dark, tall, and handsome lawyer with a dark "American Psycho" streak running through him like bloody river. I both love him and hate him, which is what I'm sure the authors wanted me to feel. If you enjoy suspense, romance, lies, betrayal, and other topics on that vein, please pick this serial series up today. Quick read, very entertaining!
I loved this serial series. This was my first serial series that I had the pleasure to read the entire thing in one sitting. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Jake Bishop is a dark, tall, and handsome lawyer with a dark "American Psycho" streak running through him like bloody river. I both love him and hate him, which is what I'm sure the authors wanted me to feel. If you enjoy suspense, romance, lies, betrayal, and other topics on that vein, please pick this serial series up today. Quick read, very entertaining!
March 18, 2016
OH MY GOD this book just freaking traumatised me I can't believe the ending it was brutal I wasn't expecting that. When you start reading this you can't put it down even if you don't like it you want to find out what happens half way through I thought about leaving it there but I read the rest part of me wishes I didn't. Going into reading this I thought it was a romance book but it's definitely not, not the kinds I read anyway it's dark twisted horrific if you like that kind of stuff this is for you I will definitely not be reading it again
September 15, 2015
I loved the end!
September 30, 2016
This is by far the worst book I've ever read. Story had a nice flow but I could not guess where it was going. When I got to the end I had the worst "DAFUQ?!
March 22, 2018
It is dark and so twisted you wouldn't believe
Don't be fooled this is not dark romance or erotica. This is a dark tale/thriller of psychopath with mother's issue's who gets away with every deprived and twisted thing he does. This book is not for the faint hearted so consider yourself worn. The last chapter in particular made me cringe and was really hard to go through. There is absolutely no happy ending quite the exactly opposite. I won't give details so not to spoil the reading experience for those brave who want to read the book.
As a story idea it was a very good and quite well thought out idea. The characters described well. Jake was clever but mentally disturbed individual who hid perfectly and skilfully lured his victims to their path of destruction. Sydney was young and so so naive. You could imagine nothing good would come out of this relationship almost straight from the beginning. So many lies. It was like watching the train on its collision path. But well done to the authors because it just was so realistic and believable. There were no miracle saviours or superhuman attempts to fight the enemy. It was sad but then not all the stories have happy ending.
There is no cliffhanger at the end but the way the story finishes it leaves room for more possibilities. Personally I would like to see Jake finds his match and fails resoundingly.
Don't be fooled this is not dark romance or erotica. This is a dark tale/thriller of psychopath with mother's issue's who gets away with every deprived and twisted thing he does. This book is not for the faint hearted so consider yourself worn. The last chapter in particular made me cringe and was really hard to go through. There is absolutely no happy ending quite the exactly opposite. I won't give details so not to spoil the reading experience for those brave who want to read the book.
As a story idea it was a very good and quite well thought out idea. The characters described well. Jake was clever but mentally disturbed individual who hid perfectly and skilfully lured his victims to their path of destruction. Sydney was young and so so naive. You could imagine nothing good would come out of this relationship almost straight from the beginning. So many lies. It was like watching the train on its collision path. But well done to the authors because it just was so realistic and believable. There were no miracle saviours or superhuman attempts to fight the enemy. It was sad but then not all the stories have happy ending.
There is no cliffhanger at the end but the way the story finishes it leaves room for more possibilities. Personally I would like to see Jake finds his match and fails resoundingly.
February 20, 2019
I F-Loved this series! It is dark and twisted and amazing! You get a romance that is also a dark and twisted tale. It's hot and totally screws with your head at same time. Its a serial series that comes in 5 parts total.
Sydney, well her big dream is to be a star. She's on her way to Hollywood and the dinner is just a way to get her there. Then she meets Jake. Jake has this thing for Sydney. Jake wants Sydney and well Jake is the kind of guy who gets what he wants, and nothing will stand in his way. Jake, how to describe him? I can say there is definitely a love/hate thing going on there! I can't decide if I love to hate him or hate to love him...Will Jake stand in Sydney's way or will she get to live out her big dream? I'm not gonna spoil it.
These ladies wrote a series that will blow you away. Each part starts right where the previous left off so it flows very smoothly. The twists, you simply can't guess the outcome. The ending, OMG I just couldn't believe it! I love a story that surprises me and these two nailed that. MAJOR SURPRISE! Jake Bishop doesn't loose that's for sure.
Amazing story I would recommend to anyone that likes a dark and twisted romantic tale
Sydney, well her big dream is to be a star. She's on her way to Hollywood and the dinner is just a way to get her there. Then she meets Jake. Jake has this thing for Sydney. Jake wants Sydney and well Jake is the kind of guy who gets what he wants, and nothing will stand in his way. Jake, how to describe him? I can say there is definitely a love/hate thing going on there! I can't decide if I love to hate him or hate to love him...Will Jake stand in Sydney's way or will she get to live out her big dream? I'm not gonna spoil it.
These ladies wrote a series that will blow you away. Each part starts right where the previous left off so it flows very smoothly. The twists, you simply can't guess the outcome. The ending, OMG I just couldn't believe it! I love a story that surprises me and these two nailed that. MAJOR SURPRISE! Jake Bishop doesn't loose that's for sure.
Amazing story I would recommend to anyone that likes a dark and twisted romantic tale
August 17, 2018
Holy mother, what a disturbingly satisfying read. Chills people, creepy twisted chills. Every loves a down and out waitress meets rich man happily ever after story, or sweet young girl falls for bad boy....but how about innocently naive girl falls into the arms of a legit psychopath? Sydney is struggling in her waitressing job to save money for her dream of moving to Hollywood. In walks Jake Bishop, sexy and full of charm to sweep her off her feet, but boy let me tell you the man has secrets, dirty secrets, dark terrifying secrets...he's probably be worst person ever. The alternating POVs made this story amazing. You read Syds sweet, loving little bits, even when she starts to doubt things she's always staying nice & positive...then you get Jake's POV and its twisted, violent and vulgar, everyone around him are his playthings. You'll be shocked but you'll love it, this story is so dark & different than you would imagine, an addicting read that's not for the squeamish or faint of heart.
November 27, 2017
Wow...I definitely was not expecting that ending! If you're looking for a dark romance with a HEA, this is not it. The writing is amazing and the story is very, very dark. Jake is a sociopath and is extremely smart. I wonder if the character inspiration came from Ted Bundy? Sydney really annoyed me. There were obvious signs and tells of what kind of person Jake is but she's too blind to see it. There are several POVs in this book, mainly Sydney and Jake's. It's interesting to see the thought process of a psychopath. Well written and traumatizing (nope, not going to sugarcoat that), but great ending.
July 30, 2017
Not a romance
This was not a romance, and also not like the typical dark stories that I've read. The main character was definitely psycho. I actually like it occasionally when the bad guy is unstoppable, so that was a plus. I liked the story line, but I only gave three stars because I thought the story just skimmed the surface of how deranged this guy was. You didn't really see it until the end.
This was not a romance, and also not like the typical dark stories that I've read. The main character was definitely psycho. I actually like it occasionally when the bad guy is unstoppable, so that was a plus. I liked the story line, but I only gave three stars because I thought the story just skimmed the surface of how deranged this guy was. You didn't really see it until the end.
June 29, 2017
Eh
Very dark, but I love dark. Couldn't gather any empathy for the heroine. So many warning signs and she ignores them all. Ended up skimming the last third of the book. Just didn't hold my interest.
Very dark, but I love dark. Couldn't gather any empathy for the heroine. So many warning signs and she ignores them all. Ended up skimming the last third of the book. Just didn't hold my interest.
March 22, 2019
A story about a murderer
Didn't care for this book at all. This is about a psycho who target's waitresses and murders them. Gets away with it too. No ending just the murderer getting away with another crime in the end.
Didn't care for this book at all. This is about a psycho who target's waitresses and murders them. Gets away with it too. No ending just the murderer getting away with another crime in the end.
August 8, 2017
Was Okay
I Didn't Like The Ending I Felt Bad For The Females Characters So Weak And Dumb Just My Opinion Started Off Good Ended Horrible
I Didn't Like The Ending I Felt Bad For The Females Characters So Weak And Dumb Just My Opinion Started Off Good Ended Horrible
November 24, 2017
The story fumbled about until the last remaining chapters when the author(s) throw a spanner in the works and the story finishes in a different way that you expect.
June 6, 2018
I hate books with a screw you ending!
But up until the end I enjoyed it.
But up until the end I enjoyed it.
May 30, 2015
Dark Bishop Serial: Parts 1-5 by Casey L Bond & Rachael Brownell
5 Mind Blowing Stars (Why not more? Because we can't rate 10 stars or I would)
I was given an ARC book set for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS ; WARNING: CONTAINS MATURE AND ADULT CONTENT
This story has two different peoples POV. These are my favorite type of books to read, simply because you get to see what is happening from different angles.
I could not think of what to write in a review when writing this. Dark Bishop blew my mind away! I did not want to give this book 5 stars, however with the level of writing and the fact that I can not stop thinking about how the book has left a huge imprint on me as a reader it is well deserved. You get so involved in the book that you forget about what you are supposed to be doing and forget that this is just a serial series. I was privileged enough to read them all together. If you do not get the series together then you are in a world of hurt for the ending of each serial. The story goes a little like this:
Sydney is a young girl who aspires to be an actress, however her road to Hollywood isn't all that glamorous. She is a waitress at a diner in New Orleans. She has moved away from home and headed west to pursue her dream of becoming a big star until one day in walks a smooth talking, handsome, rich lawyer, Jake Bishop. Jake treats Sydney like she has never been treated before. Sydney falls in love with Jake.Eventually Sydney moves in with Jake.
Enter Jake Bishop, a young and prominent lawyer who has the world eating out of his hands. No one crosses Jake and gets away with it. This is how he builds his cases and clientele. Jake stops into a local diner to eat and sees young Sydney there working and offers her a nice (HUGE) tip and dinner. Jake then begins to wine and dine Sydney. When he finds the opportunity just right he offers to have her move in with him. Jake Bishop never looses a court case or his game where everyone is a pawn...life..funny way how it plays out for Jake and Sydney.
Who exactly is Jake Bishop? What role in his game is Sydney to him? Do Sydney and Jake get their HEA? Why does Jake insist on pampering Sydney and slowing down her dream to Hollywood?
Those questions and some more will be answered in this serial.I had even more questions after the book ended. I will warn you that you will be left with your jaw on the ground saying..THAT DID NOT JUST HAPPEN, or WOW WHAT AN ENDING. I know I did not see that coming. I have to hand it to these two authors for that brilliant masterpiece that will be on my top 5 list of books this year. Thank you so much for making me have such a book hangover Ms Bond and Ms Brownell.
5 Mind Blowing Stars (Why not more? Because we can't rate 10 stars or I would)
I was given an ARC book set for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS ; WARNING: CONTAINS MATURE AND ADULT CONTENT
This story has two different peoples POV. These are my favorite type of books to read, simply because you get to see what is happening from different angles.
I could not think of what to write in a review when writing this. Dark Bishop blew my mind away! I did not want to give this book 5 stars, however with the level of writing and the fact that I can not stop thinking about how the book has left a huge imprint on me as a reader it is well deserved. You get so involved in the book that you forget about what you are supposed to be doing and forget that this is just a serial series. I was privileged enough to read them all together. If you do not get the series together then you are in a world of hurt for the ending of each serial. The story goes a little like this:
Sydney is a young girl who aspires to be an actress, however her road to Hollywood isn't all that glamorous. She is a waitress at a diner in New Orleans. She has moved away from home and headed west to pursue her dream of becoming a big star until one day in walks a smooth talking, handsome, rich lawyer, Jake Bishop. Jake treats Sydney like she has never been treated before. Sydney falls in love with Jake.Eventually Sydney moves in with Jake.
Enter Jake Bishop, a young and prominent lawyer who has the world eating out of his hands. No one crosses Jake and gets away with it. This is how he builds his cases and clientele. Jake stops into a local diner to eat and sees young Sydney there working and offers her a nice (HUGE) tip and dinner. Jake then begins to wine and dine Sydney. When he finds the opportunity just right he offers to have her move in with him. Jake Bishop never looses a court case or his game where everyone is a pawn...life..funny way how it plays out for Jake and Sydney.
Who exactly is Jake Bishop? What role in his game is Sydney to him? Do Sydney and Jake get their HEA? Why does Jake insist on pampering Sydney and slowing down her dream to Hollywood?
Those questions and some more will be answered in this serial.I had even more questions after the book ended. I will warn you that you will be left with your jaw on the ground saying..THAT DID NOT JUST HAPPEN, or WOW WHAT AN ENDING. I know I did not see that coming. I have to hand it to these two authors for that brilliant masterpiece that will be on my top 5 list of books this year. Thank you so much for making me have such a book hangover Ms Bond and Ms Brownell.
June 12, 2015
“Dark Bishop” is a seriously dark and twisted read. It’s a haunting book with a character who is nothing but a depraved psychopath.
Usually we expect good things to be found in beautiful packages, not the case with the character of Jake Bishop. He’s the type of man that makes you want to scream, “Beware of what lurks in sheep’s clothing!”
It was weird for me to read a book knowing that the outcome would not be good. But I wasn’t disappointed. I literally couldn’t put “Dark Bishop” down, waiting to learn the next kink in Jake’s persona.
The main character is so aptly named. Jake Bishop plays the ultimate game of chess, but instead of using game pieces he uses people’s lives. In the game of chess, a bishop has no restrictions in distance with its moves. Jake is a powerful man whose reach stretches across the state and into all walks of life. The game piece bishop is able to capture its enemy, so does Jake. The bishop can be equal in strength to a knight. Well, Jake Bishop assumes he is above the law.
There is something to be appreciated about a character like Bishop. The authors did a fantastic job of crafting a persona so overwhelmingly believable. He was a modern day Jekyll and Hyde. You will want to like him. On the surface, he was successful and attractive. However, I loved the perversion lying beneath the façade. Jake was wholeheartedly insatiable, always wanting more of everything. Each step he laid was so carefully planned. His actions were criminal, maniacal, but his brain was brilliant in its functioning. I applaud Brownell and Bond for creating such a complex character.
I liked the character of Sydney. I appreciated how she eventually rose above her gullibility and became a smarter person. Her work ethic was admirable as well. She was the type of girl who was easily liked and should have had plenty of friends. Unfortunately, her naiveté was a major flaw in her persona.
The character of Logan was another likable person. He tried to be the good guy and do the right thing. Too bad he didn’t discover Sydney sooner.
The story of “Dark Bishop” was satisfying in a warped way. It took a stereotypical romance encounter, flipped it on its ear, and delivered a provocative suspense novel. The greatest feature of this collaboration is its seamless presentation. Although I suspect which writer wrote what, it’s not easily determined.
I highly recommend “Dark Bishop” to anyone not too shy to read dark fiction. Once you do, you might start looking at that handsome stranger sitting at the local diner a little differently.
Usually we expect good things to be found in beautiful packages, not the case with the character of Jake Bishop. He’s the type of man that makes you want to scream, “Beware of what lurks in sheep’s clothing!”
It was weird for me to read a book knowing that the outcome would not be good. But I wasn’t disappointed. I literally couldn’t put “Dark Bishop” down, waiting to learn the next kink in Jake’s persona.
The main character is so aptly named. Jake Bishop plays the ultimate game of chess, but instead of using game pieces he uses people’s lives. In the game of chess, a bishop has no restrictions in distance with its moves. Jake is a powerful man whose reach stretches across the state and into all walks of life. The game piece bishop is able to capture its enemy, so does Jake. The bishop can be equal in strength to a knight. Well, Jake Bishop assumes he is above the law.
There is something to be appreciated about a character like Bishop. The authors did a fantastic job of crafting a persona so overwhelmingly believable. He was a modern day Jekyll and Hyde. You will want to like him. On the surface, he was successful and attractive. However, I loved the perversion lying beneath the façade. Jake was wholeheartedly insatiable, always wanting more of everything. Each step he laid was so carefully planned. His actions were criminal, maniacal, but his brain was brilliant in its functioning. I applaud Brownell and Bond for creating such a complex character.
I liked the character of Sydney. I appreciated how she eventually rose above her gullibility and became a smarter person. Her work ethic was admirable as well. She was the type of girl who was easily liked and should have had plenty of friends. Unfortunately, her naiveté was a major flaw in her persona.
The character of Logan was another likable person. He tried to be the good guy and do the right thing. Too bad he didn’t discover Sydney sooner.
The story of “Dark Bishop” was satisfying in a warped way. It took a stereotypical romance encounter, flipped it on its ear, and delivered a provocative suspense novel. The greatest feature of this collaboration is its seamless presentation. Although I suspect which writer wrote what, it’s not easily determined.
I highly recommend “Dark Bishop” to anyone not too shy to read dark fiction. Once you do, you might start looking at that handsome stranger sitting at the local diner a little differently.
April 11, 2016
I picked up this book because I heard it was a dark thriller, and I was in the mood for a dark thriller. Never did I expect what I found on the pages. I've read Casey L. Bond's work several times, but this was my first foray into Rachael Brownell. I wasn't disappointed. Far from it. But I bet you want to know why, huh? Okay, let's talk about why I loved Dark Bishop.
From a Reader's Perspective:
I knew what to expect from this book: dark, twisted, and a total player in the MC. What took me by surprise was the colorful, yet fast paced, writing. You could clearly see the peeling linoleum in Syd's apartment, feel the superiority in Jake's mind, and smell the scents described on the page. But those things were just the perks in a delightfully diabolical scheme being played out by dear Jake Bishop.
Ladies, this isn't the bad boy you love to hate. Oh, no. He's the one you run from, the one that turns your fantasies into living nightmares. Truly cringe-worthy, I give Jake Bishop the highest evil ranking you can conceive.
Then, there's Sydney. Oh, how many times I wanted to smack that girl! But she got played by a master of the game. I could sympathize with her easily, and wanted more of what she was thinking and feeling in that last chapter.
There was no other way this book could've ended. It was a stunning collision of perfect meets chaos. This is a wild ride you won't soon forget.
From an Editor's Perspective:
Very well done. I didn't find but one or two comma errors in the whole thing. Kudos must be given!
Rating:
+1 Star for making me cringe often
+1 Star for descriptions that brought the story alive
+1 Star for giving me an awesome bad guy I could actually hate
+1 Star for making Syd's actions and persona believable and making me care about her
+1 Star for editing
Overall: 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended if you love dark thrillers.
From a Reader's Perspective:
I knew what to expect from this book: dark, twisted, and a total player in the MC. What took me by surprise was the colorful, yet fast paced, writing. You could clearly see the peeling linoleum in Syd's apartment, feel the superiority in Jake's mind, and smell the scents described on the page. But those things were just the perks in a delightfully diabolical scheme being played out by dear Jake Bishop.
Ladies, this isn't the bad boy you love to hate. Oh, no. He's the one you run from, the one that turns your fantasies into living nightmares. Truly cringe-worthy, I give Jake Bishop the highest evil ranking you can conceive.
Then, there's Sydney. Oh, how many times I wanted to smack that girl! But she got played by a master of the game. I could sympathize with her easily, and wanted more of what she was thinking and feeling in that last chapter.
There was no other way this book could've ended. It was a stunning collision of perfect meets chaos. This is a wild ride you won't soon forget.
From an Editor's Perspective:
Very well done. I didn't find but one or two comma errors in the whole thing. Kudos must be given!
Rating:
+1 Star for making me cringe often
+1 Star for descriptions that brought the story alive
+1 Star for giving me an awesome bad guy I could actually hate
+1 Star for making Syd's actions and persona believable and making me care about her
+1 Star for editing
Overall: 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended if you love dark thrillers.
June 7, 2015
Dark Bishop is the perfect title for this twisted tale! I love the play on words, as Jake Bishop is certainly one dark character as well as a game player. If you like dark and gritty, this is definitely the book for you.
I have to say that while I do enjoy being left on the edge of my seat at the end of each episode of a serial (or television show), I’m so glad that I was able to devour the whole book at one time. I’m not so sure my heart could’ve taken the suspense with this one! It was impossible to put down, and there may have been tears and cussing if I had been forced to wait for each installment to be released.
You know, it wasn’t too long ago that I worried about reading any book that had been co-authored. I thought that following two different writing styles would hinder the enjoyment of reading. To my surprise, this is the second book I’ve read with two authors, and when it’s done right it’s even more entertaining. While the transitions here are seamless, I love getting the story from two points of view.
If you’re looking for a nail-biting, dark and twisted tale to dive into, I highly recommend reading Dark Bishop. The ending… wow. I’ve been looking for an ending like this for longer than I can tell you. It’s not at all traditional, and it may even piss some people off, but I totally dug it! I have a feeling this book hangover is going to haunt me for quite some time to come.
I have to say that while I do enjoy being left on the edge of my seat at the end of each episode of a serial (or television show), I’m so glad that I was able to devour the whole book at one time. I’m not so sure my heart could’ve taken the suspense with this one! It was impossible to put down, and there may have been tears and cussing if I had been forced to wait for each installment to be released.
You know, it wasn’t too long ago that I worried about reading any book that had been co-authored. I thought that following two different writing styles would hinder the enjoyment of reading. To my surprise, this is the second book I’ve read with two authors, and when it’s done right it’s even more entertaining. While the transitions here are seamless, I love getting the story from two points of view.
If you’re looking for a nail-biting, dark and twisted tale to dive into, I highly recommend reading Dark Bishop. The ending… wow. I’ve been looking for an ending like this for longer than I can tell you. It’s not at all traditional, and it may even piss some people off, but I totally dug it! I have a feeling this book hangover is going to haunt me for quite some time to come.
January 18, 2016
OMG, this book! I was not sure what this book was going to be about but I was getting a little bored with some of the super sweet romances so I thought I would give this a try. WOW! This is definitely not your sweet romance! I was blown away by Jake Bishop. He is so freaking disturbing that I am now a little scared to date anyone. I mean talk about some freaky scary stuff. He takes crazy psycho to whole new level. Sydney is your typical young pretty small town girl. I can totally see why she fell for Jake and why she did some of the things she did. I was pretty annoyed with her in some parts but then I had to remind myself that she is young and had never had to deal with anything like Jake growing up. She came from a small town in the south and it is pretty standard she would not question Jake over a lot of things. I do think that she probably should have clued in a little quicker but when you are in love you are blind.
If you like dark and twisted this is definitely the book for you! I loved it because it was so crazy. There were a couple of parts in the book that made me just stop and have to walk away. This is definitely a book that will stay with me for a long, long time! I am giving it 4.7 stars out of 5. You need to go get this and just be prepared to have your mind blown!
If you like dark and twisted this is definitely the book for you! I loved it because it was so crazy. There were a couple of parts in the book that made me just stop and have to walk away. This is definitely a book that will stay with me for a long, long time! I am giving it 4.7 stars out of 5. You need to go get this and just be prepared to have your mind blown!
January 18, 2016
I am going to start this by saying the ending of this this book is mouth dropping. It will be everlasting in my brain. In the top 3 most memorable endings.
There are very few words that explain how sinister Jake is. You will be confused with the emotions that you will feel about Jake. Most of the time I thought he one of the worst creatures that walk the face of the earth. Then you have moments that I began to believe he had good intentions for Sydney. However those thoughts were drowned very quickly with the next scenes.
My only issue with Sydney is she has those young, innocent girl feelings that she thinks the best of everyone. Why did she not question why he was gone every weekend. Or that Sydney was afraid of asking about his work. Even at that age I can't imagine being that naïve.
Without a doubt I will never forget Jake. He made me gasp in horror. Top 3 most terrifying characters I have read.
I would rate the book a 4.6. Amazing and you will not believe the conclusion to this story. Mindboggling.
There are very few words that explain how sinister Jake is. You will be confused with the emotions that you will feel about Jake. Most of the time I thought he one of the worst creatures that walk the face of the earth. Then you have moments that I began to believe he had good intentions for Sydney. However those thoughts were drowned very quickly with the next scenes.
My only issue with Sydney is she has those young, innocent girl feelings that she thinks the best of everyone. Why did she not question why he was gone every weekend. Or that Sydney was afraid of asking about his work. Even at that age I can't imagine being that naïve.
Without a doubt I will never forget Jake. He made me gasp in horror. Top 3 most terrifying characters I have read.
I would rate the book a 4.6. Amazing and you will not believe the conclusion to this story. Mindboggling.
May 26, 2016
Wow! I loved this book! It's a lot darker read than I was expecting, but totally enjoyable. Mystery, suspense, love, action, and so much more! I liked the characters, although I related to one over the others, but it's not who you think it would be. And oh that ending.....I'm not going to say anything because if I do I'd ruin the book for you, but trust me when I say you're going to be turning pages (or swiping a screen), in a mad dash to get there. I couldn't put this book down. I'm hoping authors Rachael Brownell and Casey L. Bond will be writing more books like this! A definite recommendation for this book! (just a side note, the only thing I would have wanted more from this book, is to prolong the mystery/suspense a little more, I read through so fast that I just want more, lol)
February 9, 2017
DNF @ 40%
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