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Endgame Trilogy #2
Bishop's Queen
Return to the Endgame trilogy where blood is thick, but passion is thicker…
He doesn’t believe in fairy-tale endings…
They used to call Evan Bishop the golden boy. He had it all and was about to close the business deal of a lifetime, then marry the woman of his dreams. But everything goes to hell when a faceless enemy wants to destroy his family’s empire and see him dead. Except the bomb meant to kill him fails. He wakes up from a coma to find his face scarred and his brother missing and wanted for murder. Now that he’s damaged, he hides away from the world—including the woman he loves. He refuses to be a burden to her, so even though it destroys him, he sets her free.
She’s about to prove him wrong…
Isla MacDonald isn’t walking away from Evan just because he’s decided to shut her out of his life. He blames himself for the bombing that got her father killed and nearly killed him—but he’s wrong. After all attempts to see him fail, with a broken heart she tries to resume her life and take over her father’s firm. Though it’s not her dream, she wants to honor his legacy and finish the deal that will save thousands of jobs. But when someone tries to kill her—twice—she needs a bodyguard. To her surprise Evan steps up and insists on protecting her, putting on a show as the caring fiancé. But he won’t let her back into his life or into his heart. To have any chance at a future together, they’ll have to resurrect the past and stay alive long enough to expose the man determined to see them both dead.
Author note: This book can be read as a stand-alone, complete with HEA.
He doesn’t believe in fairy-tale endings…
They used to call Evan Bishop the golden boy. He had it all and was about to close the business deal of a lifetime, then marry the woman of his dreams. But everything goes to hell when a faceless enemy wants to destroy his family’s empire and see him dead. Except the bomb meant to kill him fails. He wakes up from a coma to find his face scarred and his brother missing and wanted for murder. Now that he’s damaged, he hides away from the world—including the woman he loves. He refuses to be a burden to her, so even though it destroys him, he sets her free.
She’s about to prove him wrong…
Isla MacDonald isn’t walking away from Evan just because he’s decided to shut her out of his life. He blames himself for the bombing that got her father killed and nearly killed him—but he’s wrong. After all attempts to see him fail, with a broken heart she tries to resume her life and take over her father’s firm. Though it’s not her dream, she wants to honor his legacy and finish the deal that will save thousands of jobs. But when someone tries to kill her—twice—she needs a bodyguard. To her surprise Evan steps up and insists on protecting her, putting on a show as the caring fiancé. But he won’t let her back into his life or into his heart. To have any chance at a future together, they’ll have to resurrect the past and stay alive long enough to expose the man determined to see them both dead.
Author note: This book can be read as a stand-alone, complete with HEA.
ebook
First published October 22, 2019
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About the author
Katie Reus
164 books3,243 followersKatie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
October 5, 2019
When I read about Evan and Isla in Bishop's Knight I literally cried. You could feel the pain Isla was feeling when Evan cut her off without a word. I'm glad we jumped right into their story next because I wanted to see them fixed so badly.
I'm not usually a fan of pushing away but this author does such a great job of showing how much the pusher loves the other that I can always seem to forgive them for the hurt. Evan is no different. Despite pushing Isla away because of his scars, he was so devoted to her. You never doubted his love and thankfully, you never see him with another woman.
On top of such a strong love that you get with these two, there is also the suspense that left me guessing all the way to he end. I guessed the wrong man to be the evil foe and that makes me love this more. I like when things are not predictable.
Great story, loved this couple and I can not wait for Ellis's book next!
I'm not usually a fan of pushing away but this author does such a great job of showing how much the pusher loves the other that I can always seem to forgive them for the hurt. Evan is no different. Despite pushing Isla away because of his scars, he was so devoted to her. You never doubted his love and thankfully, you never see him with another woman.
On top of such a strong love that you get with these two, there is also the suspense that left me guessing all the way to he end. I guessed the wrong man to be the evil foe and that makes me love this more. I like when things are not predictable.
Great story, loved this couple and I can not wait for Ellis's book next!
October 23, 2019
Bishop’s Queen by Katie Reus
2nd book in the Endgame trilogy. Romantic suspense. For completely understandable arc, this book is best read after the first.
After a near fatal accident and permanent scars, Evan pushed Isla away. He didn’t want her pity. He believes it was his fault that her father was killed.
Isla is done crying over Evan. When her life is in danger from an unknown enemy, Evan is determined to protect her. Then the chemistry is just too strong to be ignored between them.
Can she forgive him for breaking her heart?
Action and suspense. Sex and forgiveness. Can they find the enemy?
I don’t know that I would have forgiven Evan as quickly as Isla does. (Not a spoiler, happens fairly early in the book.) She loves him though so has no real defenses where he is concerned. I do like her openness and unwillingness to play games. Evan show his protectiveness and “mine” mentality but I was disappointed I didn’t see as much regret and undeniable love for Isla.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy for sharing.
2nd book in the Endgame trilogy. Romantic suspense. For completely understandable arc, this book is best read after the first.
After a near fatal accident and permanent scars, Evan pushed Isla away. He didn’t want her pity. He believes it was his fault that her father was killed.
Isla is done crying over Evan. When her life is in danger from an unknown enemy, Evan is determined to protect her. Then the chemistry is just too strong to be ignored between them.
Can she forgive him for breaking her heart?
Action and suspense. Sex and forgiveness. Can they find the enemy?
I don’t know that I would have forgiven Evan as quickly as Isla does. (Not a spoiler, happens fairly early in the book.) She loves him though so has no real defenses where he is concerned. I do like her openness and unwillingness to play games. Evan show his protectiveness and “mine” mentality but I was disappointed I didn’t see as much regret and undeniable love for Isla.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy for sharing.
October 21, 2019
4 - "I'm not giving up on us..." Stars!
Book two in Katie’s Endgame Trilogy brings us Evan and Isla’s story second-chance reconnection. This is a couple who have been through the ringer very recently, with the first book offering up a secondary glance into the breakdown of their relationship after a bombing left Evan scarred and Isla’s father dead, something Evan blames himself for, and believes due to his scarring and the loss of her father on his watch that Isla is better off without him.
"If I could go back… I would do things differently."
That is until Isla becomes the target of a stalker, then all bets are off, and his alpha protective instincts kick back in, he never stopped loving her, and it doesn’t take him long to realize how much of a mistake he made letting her go.
"Please stay… Just don’t go."
Although I enjoyed this one, and as always with this authors work it was no struggle to read, I do feel that the reasons for the breakdown of Isla and Evan’s relationship which were quite a prominent factor in the first book were not delved into deeply enough for their book, one minute they were at odds and I was looking forward to a bit of angst and self reflection, and the next it felt that everything was sorted out short shift due to Isla’s safety situation, and I just wanted a chapter or two more focused on their rebuilding of the relationship between them, more talk as well as action if you will.
"I was in a dark mental place and im still coming out of it. I’ve been trying to show you with action, not just words that I’m here for good… I will not walk away or push you away ever again… Not unless you tell me to go."
Bishop’s Endgame is up next, and with Ellis Bishop pretty much on the run through the last two books for a murder we are led to believe he didn’t commit, I am interested to see how Katie finished off the series, and ties everything together with his book.
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
Book two in Katie’s Endgame Trilogy brings us Evan and Isla’s story second-chance reconnection. This is a couple who have been through the ringer very recently, with the first book offering up a secondary glance into the breakdown of their relationship after a bombing left Evan scarred and Isla’s father dead, something Evan blames himself for, and believes due to his scarring and the loss of her father on his watch that Isla is better off without him.
"If I could go back… I would do things differently."
That is until Isla becomes the target of a stalker, then all bets are off, and his alpha protective instincts kick back in, he never stopped loving her, and it doesn’t take him long to realize how much of a mistake he made letting her go.
"Please stay… Just don’t go."
Although I enjoyed this one, and as always with this authors work it was no struggle to read, I do feel that the reasons for the breakdown of Isla and Evan’s relationship which were quite a prominent factor in the first book were not delved into deeply enough for their book, one minute they were at odds and I was looking forward to a bit of angst and self reflection, and the next it felt that everything was sorted out short shift due to Isla’s safety situation, and I just wanted a chapter or two more focused on their rebuilding of the relationship between them, more talk as well as action if you will.
"I was in a dark mental place and im still coming out of it. I’ve been trying to show you with action, not just words that I’m here for good… I will not walk away or push you away ever again… Not unless you tell me to go."
Bishop’s Endgame is up next, and with Ellis Bishop pretty much on the run through the last two books for a murder we are led to believe he didn’t commit, I am interested to see how Katie finished off the series, and ties everything together with his book.
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
October 10, 2019
Picking up pretty much where Bishop’s Knight left off, Bishop’s Queen brings us Evan and Isla’s reconnection.
She doesn’t deserve to be saddled with me.”
This one falls firmly on my like pile and although I enjoyed Isla and Evan together, considering all they’ve been through I was hoping for much more of an emotional pull from them than we were actually given. But for what it lacked in that aspect it made up for in terms of suspense and action as readers are teased throughout as to who wants Isla dead.
I’ll always come for you.”
Two siblings down and one to go and going on the fact Ellis is on the run after being framed, I’m looking forward to seeing how things play out in Bishop’s Endgame.
Copy received courtesy of NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
She doesn’t deserve to be saddled with me.”
This one falls firmly on my like pile and although I enjoyed Isla and Evan together, considering all they’ve been through I was hoping for much more of an emotional pull from them than we were actually given. But for what it lacked in that aspect it made up for in terms of suspense and action as readers are teased throughout as to who wants Isla dead.
I’ll always come for you.”
Two siblings down and one to go and going on the fact Ellis is on the run after being framed, I’m looking forward to seeing how things play out in Bishop’s Endgame.
Copy received courtesy of NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
October 5, 2019
ARC received for review
This one picks up shortly after the first one ends. Evan is still a grade-A jerk. Isla is working towards achieving her late father's goals when all she wants is her own. Never saw him as the bad guy stalking her. Love conquers all in the end. Loved seeing Evie and Dylan again.
Now as to the last brother...how did he wind up there, and how is he going to clear his name
This one picks up shortly after the first one ends. Evan is still a grade-A jerk. Isla is working towards achieving her late father's goals when all she wants is her own. Never saw him as the bad guy stalking her. Love conquers all in the end. Loved seeing Evie and Dylan again.
Now as to the last brother...how did he wind up there, and how is he going to clear his name
October 22, 2019
3.75*
Evan and Isla were engaged to be married and madly in love with each other. After a bomb rips his offices apart. Scarring him for life and killing Isla’s father. Evan retreats into himself. He refuses to let Isla see him. Breaks off their engagement and leaves her mourning the death of her father alone.
While there’s no excuse for Evans behaviour he was suffering. He blames himself (repeatedly) for her father’s death, that plus his scars and he thinks he’s saving her.
Isla can’t get over Evan. He was the love of her life. She’s working herself to exhaustion trying to finish her father’s deals. Then she’s planning to step back. But someone is obsessed with her and her life is in danger. This brings Evan back into play.
I enjoyed this book. While it was easy to guess the identity of the stalker it didn’t take too much away from the story. Evan constantly proclaiming it was “his fault” however got on my nerves.
Also the cover.
I’m picky where covers are concerned. I liked this one until I read the book. It’s not Evan (well not for me anyway). I know he’s grown a beard but the mouth and beard on the cover is more representative of a viking. Plus he’s topless and no scars. I know this is picky but to me Evan is business suits and trimmed beard.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley
Evan and Isla were engaged to be married and madly in love with each other. After a bomb rips his offices apart. Scarring him for life and killing Isla’s father. Evan retreats into himself. He refuses to let Isla see him. Breaks off their engagement and leaves her mourning the death of her father alone.
While there’s no excuse for Evans behaviour he was suffering. He blames himself (repeatedly) for her father’s death, that plus his scars and he thinks he’s saving her.
Isla can’t get over Evan. He was the love of her life. She’s working herself to exhaustion trying to finish her father’s deals. Then she’s planning to step back. But someone is obsessed with her and her life is in danger. This brings Evan back into play.
I enjoyed this book. While it was easy to guess the identity of the stalker it didn’t take too much away from the story. Evan constantly proclaiming it was “his fault” however got on my nerves.
Also the cover.
I’m picky where covers are concerned. I liked this one until I read the book. It’s not Evan (well not for me anyway). I know he’s grown a beard but the mouth and beard on the cover is more representative of a viking. Plus he’s topless and no scars. I know this is picky but to me Evan is business suits and trimmed beard.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley
October 26, 2019
Isla has spent the past two months trying to move on professionally and personally—having more success professionally. Evan Bishop is not a man to get “over” quickly—she’s still in love with the man even though he’s not spoken to her since the day he woke from the coma.
Until Evan finally wakes up and realizes just what he’s thrown away due to his own stubbornness. He pushed the perfect woman, the woman he loves, out of his life just when he needed her most.
Can he convince her to trust him again, to risk her heart again. Because he wants it all with her—always did—and he’s going to show her with his actions not just his words. And now he’ll stop at nothing to get her back. Especially now that her life is in danger.
Wowza, I’d been rooting for Isla and Evan to reconnect since meeting them ever so briefly in Bishop’s Knight, and I loved getting deeper into their romance in Bishop’s Queen. And, whoa, is it a romance for the ages!
I love them together—their love for each other is evident in every word, every action. I love how they clear the air, how they finally decide to make a go of things . . . All while trying to figure out who’s sabotaging Isla’s company and threatening her life. This is romantic suspense at its finest and I cannot wait to see how this excellent Endgame Trilogy ends with Bishop’s Endgame. ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
Until Evan finally wakes up and realizes just what he’s thrown away due to his own stubbornness. He pushed the perfect woman, the woman he loves, out of his life just when he needed her most.
Can he convince her to trust him again, to risk her heart again. Because he wants it all with her—always did—and he’s going to show her with his actions not just his words. And now he’ll stop at nothing to get her back. Especially now that her life is in danger.
Wowza, I’d been rooting for Isla and Evan to reconnect since meeting them ever so briefly in Bishop’s Knight, and I loved getting deeper into their romance in Bishop’s Queen. And, whoa, is it a romance for the ages!
I love them together—their love for each other is evident in every word, every action. I love how they clear the air, how they finally decide to make a go of things . . . All while trying to figure out who’s sabotaging Isla’s company and threatening her life. This is romantic suspense at its finest and I cannot wait to see how this excellent Endgame Trilogy ends with Bishop’s Endgame. ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
October 22, 2019
When book one left off, Evan was badly injured in the bombing that killed Isla’s father and refusing to have anything to do with Isla. His misplaced guilt consumed him to the point of calling off their engagement. Bishop’s Queen picks up two months after the bombing, with both Isla and Evan still floating on an island of denial and struggling to move forward from one another. However, when Isla’s life is on the line, Evan swallows his pride and realizes just how much of a fool he has been. And may I just say, Evan grovels very well...and Isla doesn’t just accept him back;)
I loved Evan and Isla! They had a rocky patch...okay more than rocky and Evan deserved what Isla dishes out..but it was obvious they were meant to be together. And the suspense portions! Very well done. Even though I had my suspicions midway, I still thought it was one person, then flipped to another, missing who the villain really was until a couple of scenes before the reveal.
Bishop’s Queen can be read by itself, but considering Ellis’s story has yet to be told (I can’t wait to see where this storyline ends up!) I would recommend reading the first book to get a pulse on the Bishop family as a whole.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
I loved Evan and Isla! They had a rocky patch...okay more than rocky and Evan deserved what Isla dishes out..but it was obvious they were meant to be together. And the suspense portions! Very well done. Even though I had my suspicions midway, I still thought it was one person, then flipped to another, missing who the villain really was until a couple of scenes before the reveal.
Bishop’s Queen can be read by itself, but considering Ellis’s story has yet to be told (I can’t wait to see where this storyline ends up!) I would recommend reading the first book to get a pulse on the Bishop family as a whole.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
October 23, 2019
Bishop and Isla’s story is a suspenseful 2nd chance romance. There’s spying, stalking, blackmail, sabotage and murder. In typical Katie Reus style, the MCs have sizzling chemistry and were both easy to like and root for. The story was definitely entertaining but it was missing that something extra for me.
I definitely felt for Isla. She loved Bishop and never really stopped, even after he cut her out so completely. She was a strong heroine who was by no means a push over or a doormat. She was dealing and moving on and I thought that was refreshing. After losing her dad and then her fiancé, she had to learn to stand on her own and I loved her determination to do that.
Bishop … I get where he’s coming from but I felt disconnected from him. His reasons for breaking things off with Isla were explained and they made sense but I just didn’t feel like it fit his personality. He was so straight forward and honest in his dealings that I couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t be like that with his best friend/love of his life. Their break is also pretty recent, only a few months have passed so he gets points for not waiting too long to get her back.
The mystery of who is out to get Isla was interesting and I liked the guessing game of who it could be. I also loved that this pushed Bishop into protective mode when it came to Isla. KR knows how to write a possessive and completely besotted hero and Bishop was extra motivated to prove he was sorry and deserved a second chance.
Would I recommend? If you’re following the series, you’ll enjoy this one. If you plan to read as a standalone, you might consider reading the last few books in the series at least, there is mention of secondary characters and past events that might leave you with more questions than answers.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
I definitely felt for Isla. She loved Bishop and never really stopped, even after he cut her out so completely. She was a strong heroine who was by no means a push over or a doormat. She was dealing and moving on and I thought that was refreshing. After losing her dad and then her fiancé, she had to learn to stand on her own and I loved her determination to do that.
Bishop … I get where he’s coming from but I felt disconnected from him. His reasons for breaking things off with Isla were explained and they made sense but I just didn’t feel like it fit his personality. He was so straight forward and honest in his dealings that I couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t be like that with his best friend/love of his life. Their break is also pretty recent, only a few months have passed so he gets points for not waiting too long to get her back.
The mystery of who is out to get Isla was interesting and I liked the guessing game of who it could be. I also loved that this pushed Bishop into protective mode when it came to Isla. KR knows how to write a possessive and completely besotted hero and Bishop was extra motivated to prove he was sorry and deserved a second chance.
Would I recommend? If you’re following the series, you’ll enjoy this one. If you plan to read as a standalone, you might consider reading the last few books in the series at least, there is mention of secondary characters and past events that might leave you with more questions than answers.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
November 5, 2019
3,5 ❤️🌟s
A very enjoyable and decent romantic suspense story, dealing with mistakes, guilt, forgiveness and love.
The mystery and the romance were vey well balanced, the writing was smooth and clear, fast paced and dual pov.
A very enjoyable and decent romantic suspense story, dealing with mistakes, guilt, forgiveness and love.
The mystery and the romance were vey well balanced, the writing was smooth and clear, fast paced and dual pov.
November 15, 2019
This was a really great story from beginning to end.I loved the main characters from the onset of the story Evan and Isla.
The story was filled with intrigue and suspense the entire time and kept you turning the pages to the very end.The story started off with a bang and a whole lot of heartache and sadness.
Evan was a man swimming in guilt and heartache and the misery of his own making. Isla was suffering from the loss of both Evan and her fathers death and unbelievable heartache from the loss of her man.
This was one emotional tale and Evan and Isla tried to find their way back to one another.The mystery surrounding them is not helping the situation but, it gives Evan the in to wright the wrongs he did to the women he love most of all.
It was clearly evident that these two belonged together and their chemistry was off the charts but, one thing for sure that were destined for one another.This couple were totally hot together and their love for one another quite endearing.
This story had a great cast of characters and we loved them all.We really love it when you get to connect with the characters you are reading about and we did just that.I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next in the series.
Overall this was a great romantic suspense read for us.
The story was filled with intrigue and suspense the entire time and kept you turning the pages to the very end.The story started off with a bang and a whole lot of heartache and sadness.
Evan was a man swimming in guilt and heartache and the misery of his own making. Isla was suffering from the loss of both Evan and her fathers death and unbelievable heartache from the loss of her man.
This was one emotional tale and Evan and Isla tried to find their way back to one another.The mystery surrounding them is not helping the situation but, it gives Evan the in to wright the wrongs he did to the women he love most of all.
It was clearly evident that these two belonged together and their chemistry was off the charts but, one thing for sure that were destined for one another.This couple were totally hot together and their love for one another quite endearing.
This story had a great cast of characters and we loved them all.We really love it when you get to connect with the characters you are reading about and we did just that.I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next in the series.
Overall this was a great romantic suspense read for us.
Want to read
October 23, 2019💝
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
💝
February 24, 2020
Bishop’s Queen is the second book in Katie Reus’
Endgame Trilogy
of romantic suspense novels featuring the Bishop siblings, Evie, Evan and Ellis. Book one, Bishop's Knight was a fast-paced, well put-together and sexy story that I called a “quick, satisfying read” in my review; Bishop’s Queen, however, suffers – badly – from what I call ‘middle-book-itis’, and merely treads water between the beginning and end, Bishop’s Endgame).
Please note that there are spoilers for Bishop’s Knight in this review.
The first book in the trilogy set up the series premise. The wealthy, well-connected Bishop family has been hit with a double whammy of bad news. Ellis –a DEA agent – has been accused of murdering his partner and has gone on the run and off the grid, and a recent explosion at Bishop Enterprises has left Evan critically injured and killed a number of employees – including his fiancée’s father. Isla MacDonald is grieving her father and is also distraught because Evan refuses to see her and then breaks their engagement, allowing her to believe it’s because he’s badly scarred and thinks she’ll be repulsed by him.
When Bishop’s Queen opens a few months later, Isla is still hurting over Evan’s rejection, but is getting on with her life. Her father’s death means she is now running his business, and she’s doing it well – but it’s not really what she wants to do with her life. She’d never intended to work for her father for ever, although now he’s gone, she feels she needs to at the very least, complete the deals he was working on before his death before she hands over the reins to the very capable team she has working for her, and steps back from the day-to-day running of the company.
Evan, meanwhile, has turned into something of a recluse, believing himself to have been responsible for the death of Isla’s father – who was also a good friend – and trying hard to forget Isla and move on. He didn’t push her away out of vanity; it was misplaced guilt that prompted him to act as he did, and although he still loves Isla deeply, he’s trying to convince himself he did the right thing… even as he knows he made a colossal mistake.
When Isla is mugged, Evan’s protective instincts kick in, even though he has no right to feel that way any more. But when there’s an obvious attempt on her life, he can’t stay away- Isla needs to be protected while the police and her security team work to find out who wants her dead, and Evan is the only person he trusts to keep her safe.
Bishop’s Queen is one of those romantic suspense novels where the suspense works a lot better than the romance. Isla and Evan are likeable and I appreciated that they were able to approach their situation and discuss things in a mature way that showed the strength of their connection (Isla’s couple of slightly TSTL moments notwithstanding), but to be honest, their second-chance romance felt pretty flat. Evan did a hurtful, dumb thing by pushing Isla away and letting her think it was because he didn’t want her to see his scars, and Isla is right to be upset and wary of letting herself be hurt again, but there’s no real in-depth exploration of the reasons for their break-up or focus on the rebuilding of their relationship. The threat to Isla’s safety becomes the novel’s driving force and the emotional aspect of the romance is neglected.
The suspense plot, however, is what kept me involved in the story. We learn that although the person who actually planted the bomb that destroyed the Bishop Enterprises offices is in prison, his strings were being pulled by someone else, someone who is obsessed with Isla and who is becoming more and more unhinged as he sees her rekindling her relationship with Evan. The author lobs in a couple of convincing red herrings here, so I wasn’t sure of the identity of the villain until the reveal (which is never a bad thing), although I was surprised that this plotline is wrapped up at the end; I’d thought the search for the person behind the bombing was going to be the overarching plot of the series, but it seems as though Ellis’ story is unrelated to the events of this and the previous book.
Ultimately, I’m awarding Bishop’s Queen an average grade because while I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it, and I was more invested in the suspense plot than the romance. The novels work as standalones, so it’s perfectly possible to read books one and three without reading this one, unless you’re desperate to find out the identity of the bomber, of course, or don’t mind your romantic suspense skewed towards the suspense.
Please note that there are spoilers for Bishop’s Knight in this review.
The first book in the trilogy set up the series premise. The wealthy, well-connected Bishop family has been hit with a double whammy of bad news. Ellis –a DEA agent – has been accused of murdering his partner and has gone on the run and off the grid, and a recent explosion at Bishop Enterprises has left Evan critically injured and killed a number of employees – including his fiancée’s father. Isla MacDonald is grieving her father and is also distraught because Evan refuses to see her and then breaks their engagement, allowing her to believe it’s because he’s badly scarred and thinks she’ll be repulsed by him.
When Bishop’s Queen opens a few months later, Isla is still hurting over Evan’s rejection, but is getting on with her life. Her father’s death means she is now running his business, and she’s doing it well – but it’s not really what she wants to do with her life. She’d never intended to work for her father for ever, although now he’s gone, she feels she needs to at the very least, complete the deals he was working on before his death before she hands over the reins to the very capable team she has working for her, and steps back from the day-to-day running of the company.
Evan, meanwhile, has turned into something of a recluse, believing himself to have been responsible for the death of Isla’s father – who was also a good friend – and trying hard to forget Isla and move on. He didn’t push her away out of vanity; it was misplaced guilt that prompted him to act as he did, and although he still loves Isla deeply, he’s trying to convince himself he did the right thing… even as he knows he made a colossal mistake.
When Isla is mugged, Evan’s protective instincts kick in, even though he has no right to feel that way any more. But when there’s an obvious attempt on her life, he can’t stay away- Isla needs to be protected while the police and her security team work to find out who wants her dead, and Evan is the only person he trusts to keep her safe.
Bishop’s Queen is one of those romantic suspense novels where the suspense works a lot better than the romance. Isla and Evan are likeable and I appreciated that they were able to approach their situation and discuss things in a mature way that showed the strength of their connection (Isla’s couple of slightly TSTL moments notwithstanding), but to be honest, their second-chance romance felt pretty flat. Evan did a hurtful, dumb thing by pushing Isla away and letting her think it was because he didn’t want her to see his scars, and Isla is right to be upset and wary of letting herself be hurt again, but there’s no real in-depth exploration of the reasons for their break-up or focus on the rebuilding of their relationship. The threat to Isla’s safety becomes the novel’s driving force and the emotional aspect of the romance is neglected.
The suspense plot, however, is what kept me involved in the story. We learn that although the person who actually planted the bomb that destroyed the Bishop Enterprises offices is in prison, his strings were being pulled by someone else, someone who is obsessed with Isla and who is becoming more and more unhinged as he sees her rekindling her relationship with Evan. The author lobs in a couple of convincing red herrings here, so I wasn’t sure of the identity of the villain until the reveal (which is never a bad thing), although I was surprised that this plotline is wrapped up at the end; I’d thought the search for the person behind the bombing was going to be the overarching plot of the series, but it seems as though Ellis’ story is unrelated to the events of this and the previous book.
Ultimately, I’m awarding Bishop’s Queen an average grade because while I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it, and I was more invested in the suspense plot than the romance. The novels work as standalones, so it’s perfectly possible to read books one and three without reading this one, unless you’re desperate to find out the identity of the bomber, of course, or don’t mind your romantic suspense skewed towards the suspense.
January 27, 2020
Another amazing read in this trilogy that has completely captivated me!
Isla is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after the bombing that not only killed her father, but that was the catalyst to Evan pushing her out of his life. When it becomes apparent someone is out to harm her, he now reverses that decision and is forcing himself back in. But the pain she carries from his rejection also carries distrust. What’s to stop him from leaving her again?
Isla, while not a kick tail kind of heroine, is certainly fierce, strong and determined. She is living a life she never wanted but loyalty dictates that she follow through. As the danger around her escalates, she may not wilt, but she takes comfort in the protection Evan offers her. Even so, she doesn’t forgive his actions easy. She makes him work to find a way back into her life and I appreciated that she didn’t just roll over for him with his first apology.
Evan has more than his scars to keep Isla away from him. But when he learns she might be in danger, he quickly reevaluates his decision to break things off with her. The fact is, she’s all that matters to him and he will do anything to win her back, even if all she will ever see him as is a friend. He’s pretty much my perfect hero with his desire to protect her above all else, as well as his tendency to feel jealousy when it’s not really warranted, and especially when it is. And holy heck did the guy grovel, apologize and work to gain her trust again.
As all of Kate Reus’ books, this is well developed with lots of danger, action and sizzling chemistry. From the first page, this book takes off and never slows down. Even as Isla and Evan struggle with their relationship and how to move forward, the tension is always present. I tried to pin down the bad guy from the beginning, wavered and moved to someone else, then someone else, and finally realized I had it all wrong the whole time.
This can definitely be read as a standalone, but reading book one will give you a deeper look into what Isla had to go through when Evan ghosted her. The next book is about Ellis and I cannot wait to find out what his whole story is.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Isla is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after the bombing that not only killed her father, but that was the catalyst to Evan pushing her out of his life. When it becomes apparent someone is out to harm her, he now reverses that decision and is forcing himself back in. But the pain she carries from his rejection also carries distrust. What’s to stop him from leaving her again?
Isla, while not a kick tail kind of heroine, is certainly fierce, strong and determined. She is living a life she never wanted but loyalty dictates that she follow through. As the danger around her escalates, she may not wilt, but she takes comfort in the protection Evan offers her. Even so, she doesn’t forgive his actions easy. She makes him work to find a way back into her life and I appreciated that she didn’t just roll over for him with his first apology.
Evan has more than his scars to keep Isla away from him. But when he learns she might be in danger, he quickly reevaluates his decision to break things off with her. The fact is, she’s all that matters to him and he will do anything to win her back, even if all she will ever see him as is a friend. He’s pretty much my perfect hero with his desire to protect her above all else, as well as his tendency to feel jealousy when it’s not really warranted, and especially when it is. And holy heck did the guy grovel, apologize and work to gain her trust again.
As all of Kate Reus’ books, this is well developed with lots of danger, action and sizzling chemistry. From the first page, this book takes off and never slows down. Even as Isla and Evan struggle with their relationship and how to move forward, the tension is always present. I tried to pin down the bad guy from the beginning, wavered and moved to someone else, then someone else, and finally realized I had it all wrong the whole time.
This can definitely be read as a standalone, but reading book one will give you a deeper look into what Isla had to go through when Evan ghosted her. The next book is about Ellis and I cannot wait to find out what his whole story is.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
October 26, 2019
4.5 stars
Bishop's Queen by Katie Reus is a well written and entertaining read.
The storyline held my interest all throughout the book, it's well paced, enough drama and suspense to keep you turning the pages and I loved watching Bishop & Isla reconnect and get their second chance at love.
These two have amazing chemistry and they totally deserved their happily ever after the pain and hurt they'd been through.
Bishop's Queen is an excellent addition to the Endgame trilogy and I highly recommend it.
Looking forward to Elli's book in Bishop's Endgame.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
Bishop's Queen by Katie Reus is a well written and entertaining read.
The storyline held my interest all throughout the book, it's well paced, enough drama and suspense to keep you turning the pages and I loved watching Bishop & Isla reconnect and get their second chance at love.
These two have amazing chemistry and they totally deserved their happily ever after the pain and hurt they'd been through.
Bishop's Queen is an excellent addition to the Endgame trilogy and I highly recommend it.
Looking forward to Elli's book in Bishop's Endgame.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
October 27, 2019
Isla and Evan were the perfect couple, very much in love and looking forward to planning their wedding, but that was before Evan was badly injured in an explosion and things quickly spiralled out of control. Not wanting Isla to be stuck with a damaged man and also blaming himself for the death of her father, who was killed in the same explosion, Evan chose to push Isla away. He refused to even see or speak to her and broke her heart at a time when she needed him the most. Isla never wanted to give up on Evan but after weeks of no contact she realises that it's probably time for her to try and move on with her own life. Until she finds herself in danger that is. There's no way that Evan can leave Isla unprotected and the more time they spend together the more he realises what a terrible mistake he made in pushing her away but can he convince her to give him another chance?
We already met both Isla and Evan in the previous book, Bishop's Knight, so I was pleased that we were getting their story next. I kind of wanted to shake some sense into Evan for the way he was treating Isla in the previous book. He was doing that macho thing of trying to protect her by pushing her away but it was obvious that he was just making things even worse for both of them so it was incredibly frustrating to watch. I'm glad we got to see part of the story from his point of view because it made it much easier to forgive him for his stupidity, we get to see just how much he is struggling to deal with both his injuries and the survivors guilt he feels at making it out alive when so many others, including Isla's father, died. Evan made some dumb choices and he did hurt Isla because of that but it was easier to forgive him because we saw exactly what he was going through too.
Luckily it doesn't take him long to realise his mistake either and then he goes all out to win Isla back and to prove that she can trust him again. I could equally understand why Isla was wary of getting her heart broken again, not only did she lose her father in terrible circumstances but at the same time the one person she should have been able to rely on the most walked away and abandoned her too. She tried to hard to get through to Evan in the beginning but he was stubborn to the core and didn't even have the guts to explain things face to face. I found myself really rooting for these two to sort things out and get back together though. They were a great couple and the chemistry between them was palpable, even when they weren't really on speaking terms. I'm glad Isla made Evan work a bit to win her back but I was definitely happy to see them back on the same page.
Bishop's Queen was everything I was looking for, there's a strong romance with great characters plus a hint of danger alongside a mystery that kept me guessing who the bad guys were. I'm really looking forward to the final book in the trilogy where we'll finally get to know the third Bishop sibling better and hopefully see him clear his name.
We already met both Isla and Evan in the previous book, Bishop's Knight, so I was pleased that we were getting their story next. I kind of wanted to shake some sense into Evan for the way he was treating Isla in the previous book. He was doing that macho thing of trying to protect her by pushing her away but it was obvious that he was just making things even worse for both of them so it was incredibly frustrating to watch. I'm glad we got to see part of the story from his point of view because it made it much easier to forgive him for his stupidity, we get to see just how much he is struggling to deal with both his injuries and the survivors guilt he feels at making it out alive when so many others, including Isla's father, died. Evan made some dumb choices and he did hurt Isla because of that but it was easier to forgive him because we saw exactly what he was going through too.
Luckily it doesn't take him long to realise his mistake either and then he goes all out to win Isla back and to prove that she can trust him again. I could equally understand why Isla was wary of getting her heart broken again, not only did she lose her father in terrible circumstances but at the same time the one person she should have been able to rely on the most walked away and abandoned her too. She tried to hard to get through to Evan in the beginning but he was stubborn to the core and didn't even have the guts to explain things face to face. I found myself really rooting for these two to sort things out and get back together though. They were a great couple and the chemistry between them was palpable, even when they weren't really on speaking terms. I'm glad Isla made Evan work a bit to win her back but I was definitely happy to see them back on the same page.
Bishop's Queen was everything I was looking for, there's a strong romance with great characters plus a hint of danger alongside a mystery that kept me guessing who the bad guys were. I'm really looking forward to the final book in the trilogy where we'll finally get to know the third Bishop sibling better and hopefully see him clear his name.
November 5, 2019
Another Katie Reus novel? Yes, PLEASE! I loved Bishop's Knight and could not wait to get my hands on this next novel in the series. Reus had done an excellent job in the previous novel and whetting our appetite for the next installment - little teases here and there. Gimme! Gimme!
Oh boy is Evan a jerk! Ugh! You are in love with Isla, show it! And not by taking all the decisions away from her. And Isla? Come on, girl! Demand his love or walk away. I did feel there was slightly too much introspection with their love story. The self-doubt and self-recrimination drove me batty at times. I also didn't understand why Reus made the couple have a large age gap. It never affects the story except to drive me batty in regards to Isla running this huge company. At her age? Yeah, no, I wasn't buying it. But the sexy scenes? Oh yeah. I'll take more of those, please.
The bad guy is a tiny bit predictable, but that's okay. It didn't affect the suspense one bit. The suspense and mystery aspect were the best parts of the novel.
I'm now anxiously awaiting Bishop's Endgame.
I recommend this one for lovers or romantic suspense.
Oh boy is Evan a jerk! Ugh! You are in love with Isla, show it! And not by taking all the decisions away from her. And Isla? Come on, girl! Demand his love or walk away. I did feel there was slightly too much introspection with their love story. The self-doubt and self-recrimination drove me batty at times. I also didn't understand why Reus made the couple have a large age gap. It never affects the story except to drive me batty in regards to Isla running this huge company. At her age? Yeah, no, I wasn't buying it. But the sexy scenes? Oh yeah. I'll take more of those, please.
The bad guy is a tiny bit predictable, but that's okay. It didn't affect the suspense one bit. The suspense and mystery aspect were the best parts of the novel.
I'm now anxiously awaiting Bishop's Endgame.
I recommend this one for lovers or romantic suspense.
June 21, 2021
4.5
Read this review on Got Fiction? Book Blog
This is the second book in the Romantic Suspense series Endgame that closely follows the first book Bishop’s Knight. Isla and Evan were engaged until a bomb went off killing her father and nearly killing Evan. He pulled away from Isla and was pretty awful to her in his time in the hospital., understandably. However, he then breaks off the engagement and won’t speak with Isla…yet they run in the same circles, so they’ll wind up running into each other eventually.
Isla is moving on with her life post-Evan. Sort of. She doesn’t really want to believe it’s over, yet she puts one foot in front of the other each day at her father’s company. Technically it’s her company now, but she doesn’t want it. Her goal is to finish the deals he had left on the table, and eventually sell the company. But for now, she’s amazing at what she does, and she’s going to continue on. Until someone tries to kill her.
Evan is angry at the world. He thinks he’s giving Isla her freedom and her life back by setting her free. But when she is in danger, he can’t seem to let her go off alone, or even with protection. He won’t feel right unless he’s with her. But as soon as he spends time with Isla again, he’s reminded of why he loves her. There’s no one else for him. So does he let her go free, or does he try to win her back? Can he live with himself if she stays with him? Can he live with himself if she doesn’t?
When Isla finally realized that Evan pushing her away was more than just his scars, his survivor’s guilt, his own demons…it was the fact that he felt the explosion was his fault. How could she marry him when he was responsible for her father’s death? Isla had never realized Evan blamed himself for the explosion and it really cleared some things up (for me as well!). However, someone is still trying to kill her, so their new fragile relationship is still being tested. Is Evan going to be able to keep Isla safe? is it personal? Or is it related to the business? I liked the set-up, I liked the suspense, I liked the characters and I liked the writing. This book and the series are really right up my alley.
This book has a second chance romance, a fake fiance, and a suspense plot! It’s amazing and never once felt over the top. It felt like an exciting Suspense with a villain I didn’t see coming until the end. I want to dive into the final book as soon as I can! Ms. Reus consistently pens intriguing and fresh characters with thrilling plots.
***ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
Read this review on Got Fiction? Book Blog
This is the second book in the Romantic Suspense series Endgame that closely follows the first book Bishop’s Knight. Isla and Evan were engaged until a bomb went off killing her father and nearly killing Evan. He pulled away from Isla and was pretty awful to her in his time in the hospital., understandably. However, he then breaks off the engagement and won’t speak with Isla…yet they run in the same circles, so they’ll wind up running into each other eventually.
Isla is moving on with her life post-Evan. Sort of. She doesn’t really want to believe it’s over, yet she puts one foot in front of the other each day at her father’s company. Technically it’s her company now, but she doesn’t want it. Her goal is to finish the deals he had left on the table, and eventually sell the company. But for now, she’s amazing at what she does, and she’s going to continue on. Until someone tries to kill her.
Evan is angry at the world. He thinks he’s giving Isla her freedom and her life back by setting her free. But when she is in danger, he can’t seem to let her go off alone, or even with protection. He won’t feel right unless he’s with her. But as soon as he spends time with Isla again, he’s reminded of why he loves her. There’s no one else for him. So does he let her go free, or does he try to win her back? Can he live with himself if she stays with him? Can he live with himself if she doesn’t?
When Isla finally realized that Evan pushing her away was more than just his scars, his survivor’s guilt, his own demons…it was the fact that he felt the explosion was his fault. How could she marry him when he was responsible for her father’s death? Isla had never realized Evan blamed himself for the explosion and it really cleared some things up (for me as well!). However, someone is still trying to kill her, so their new fragile relationship is still being tested. Is Evan going to be able to keep Isla safe? is it personal? Or is it related to the business? I liked the set-up, I liked the suspense, I liked the characters and I liked the writing. This book and the series are really right up my alley.
This book has a second chance romance, a fake fiance, and a suspense plot! It’s amazing and never once felt over the top. It felt like an exciting Suspense with a villain I didn’t see coming until the end. I want to dive into the final book as soon as I can! Ms. Reus consistently pens intriguing and fresh characters with thrilling plots.
***ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
October 22, 2019
4.25 stars—
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 22, 2019
Return to the Endgame trilogy where blood is thick, but passion is thicker…
He doesn’t believe in fairy-tale endings…
They used to call Evan Bishop the golden boy. He had it all and was about to close the business deal of a lifetime, then marry the woman of his dreams. But everything goes to hell when a faceless enemy wants to destroy his family’s empire and see him dead. Except the bomb meant to kill him fails. He wakes up from a coma to find his face scarred and his brother missing and wanted for murder. Now that he’s damaged, he hides away from the world—including the woman he loves. He refuses to be a burden to her, so even though it destroys him, he sets her free.
She’s about to prove him wrong…
Isla McDonald isn’t walking away from Evan just because he’s decided to shut her out of his life. He blames himself for the bombing that got her father killed and nearly killed him—but he’s wrong. After all attempts to see him fail, with a broken heart she tries to resume her life and take over her father’s firm. Though it’s not her dream, she wants to honor his legacy and finish the deal that will save thousands of jobs. But when someone tries to kill her—twice—she needs a bodyguard. To her surprise Evan steps up and insists on protecting her, putting on a show as the caring fiancé. But he won’t let her back into his life or into his heart. To have any chance at a future together, they’ll have to resurrect the past and stay alive long enough to expose the man determined to see them both dead.
•••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25stars--BISHOP’S QUEEN is the second instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult ENDGAME erotic, romantic suspense trilogy focusing on the Bishop siblings-Evie, Evan and Ellis Bishop. This is thirty-eight year old, businessman and former Marine Evan Bishop, and twenty-eight year old, Isla McDonald’s storyline. BISHOP’S QUEEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Red Stone Security series.
Told from three third person perspectives including Evan and Isla BISHOP’S QUEEN picks up immediately after the events of book one Bishop’s Knight, and follows the rebuilding relationship between thirty-eight year old, businessman and former Marine Evan Bishop, and twenty-eight year old, Isla McDonald. Months earlier a bomb killed Isla McDonald’s father and seriously injured the man that she loved but in the ensuing months, Evan Bishop pushed Isla McDonald out of his life believing he was responsible for her father’s death. Fast forward to present day wherein Isla has taken over her father’s business, and in doing so, has become the target of an unknown stalker. Still in love with Isla McDonald, Evan becomes guardian and protector of our story line heroine. What ensues is the second chance romance between Isla and Evan, and the potential fall-out as Isla’s stalker is intent on destroying her life, along with the lives of anyone who interferes
Evan Bishop is scarred both inside and out, and in this our hero struggles with his place in Isla McDonald’s life. Unable to come to terms with the bombing, at his building, that took the life of his fiancee’s father business magnate Douglas McDonald, Evan battles between head and heart believing he was unable to protect the woman he loved. Isla McDonald never wanted to take over the family business but her father’s death forced our heroine to become CEO and boss of a company she had been hoping to leave, a company that would become ground zero for the attack against her life.
The relationship between Evan and Isla is one of second chances; a rebuilding romance between two people torn apart by jealousy and betrayal; vengeance and madness. Evan Bishop has never stopped loving Isla McDonald, and with new threats against her life, Evan becomes both protector and lover to the woman with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are re-introduced to Evan’s sister Evie and her husband Dylan Blackwood (Bishop’s Knight #1), as well as Detective Carlito Duarte. The reader is introduced to businessman Geno Conti; head of security Logan Masters; senior executive Madeleine, and IT specialist Oliver Mulaney, and Isla’s mother Sophia McDonald. Evan’s brother, DEA Agent Ellis Bishop having been framed for a murder he did not commit, remains on the run-his story is next in the final instalment-Bishop’s Endgame.
BISHOP’S QUEEN is a story of one man’s obsession taken too far; of one couple’s fight for their relationship and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are stubborn, captivating and determined; the romance is provocative and intense. A great instalment in Katie Reus ENDGAME Trilogy.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 22, 2019
Return to the Endgame trilogy where blood is thick, but passion is thicker…
He doesn’t believe in fairy-tale endings…
They used to call Evan Bishop the golden boy. He had it all and was about to close the business deal of a lifetime, then marry the woman of his dreams. But everything goes to hell when a faceless enemy wants to destroy his family’s empire and see him dead. Except the bomb meant to kill him fails. He wakes up from a coma to find his face scarred and his brother missing and wanted for murder. Now that he’s damaged, he hides away from the world—including the woman he loves. He refuses to be a burden to her, so even though it destroys him, he sets her free.
She’s about to prove him wrong…
Isla McDonald isn’t walking away from Evan just because he’s decided to shut her out of his life. He blames himself for the bombing that got her father killed and nearly killed him—but he’s wrong. After all attempts to see him fail, with a broken heart she tries to resume her life and take over her father’s firm. Though it’s not her dream, she wants to honor his legacy and finish the deal that will save thousands of jobs. But when someone tries to kill her—twice—she needs a bodyguard. To her surprise Evan steps up and insists on protecting her, putting on a show as the caring fiancé. But he won’t let her back into his life or into his heart. To have any chance at a future together, they’ll have to resurrect the past and stay alive long enough to expose the man determined to see them both dead.
•••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25stars--BISHOP’S QUEEN is the second instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult ENDGAME erotic, romantic suspense trilogy focusing on the Bishop siblings-Evie, Evan and Ellis Bishop. This is thirty-eight year old, businessman and former Marine Evan Bishop, and twenty-eight year old, Isla McDonald’s storyline. BISHOP’S QUEEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Red Stone Security series.
Told from three third person perspectives including Evan and Isla BISHOP’S QUEEN picks up immediately after the events of book one Bishop’s Knight, and follows the rebuilding relationship between thirty-eight year old, businessman and former Marine Evan Bishop, and twenty-eight year old, Isla McDonald. Months earlier a bomb killed Isla McDonald’s father and seriously injured the man that she loved but in the ensuing months, Evan Bishop pushed Isla McDonald out of his life believing he was responsible for her father’s death. Fast forward to present day wherein Isla has taken over her father’s business, and in doing so, has become the target of an unknown stalker. Still in love with Isla McDonald, Evan becomes guardian and protector of our story line heroine. What ensues is the second chance romance between Isla and Evan, and the potential fall-out as Isla’s stalker is intent on destroying her life, along with the lives of anyone who interferes
Evan Bishop is scarred both inside and out, and in this our hero struggles with his place in Isla McDonald’s life. Unable to come to terms with the bombing, at his building, that took the life of his fiancee’s father business magnate Douglas McDonald, Evan battles between head and heart believing he was unable to protect the woman he loved. Isla McDonald never wanted to take over the family business but her father’s death forced our heroine to become CEO and boss of a company she had been hoping to leave, a company that would become ground zero for the attack against her life.
The relationship between Evan and Isla is one of second chances; a rebuilding romance between two people torn apart by jealousy and betrayal; vengeance and madness. Evan Bishop has never stopped loving Isla McDonald, and with new threats against her life, Evan becomes both protector and lover to the woman with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are re-introduced to Evan’s sister Evie and her husband Dylan Blackwood (Bishop’s Knight #1), as well as Detective Carlito Duarte. The reader is introduced to businessman Geno Conti; head of security Logan Masters; senior executive Madeleine, and IT specialist Oliver Mulaney, and Isla’s mother Sophia McDonald. Evan’s brother, DEA Agent Ellis Bishop having been framed for a murder he did not commit, remains on the run-his story is next in the final instalment-Bishop’s Endgame.
BISHOP’S QUEEN is a story of one man’s obsession taken too far; of one couple’s fight for their relationship and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are stubborn, captivating and determined; the romance is provocative and intense. A great instalment in Katie Reus ENDGAME Trilogy.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
May 13, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up
October 22, 2019
Evan Bishop had it all -- fantastic job with a new deal about to close and the love of a good woman he was about to marry. The bomb that tore through his building changed everything in an instant. He pushed away his fiance, afraid she would consider him a burden, or blame him for her father’s death. His isolation is what he feels he deserves after surviving the blast.
Isla McDonald had her dreams put on hold by the blast that killed her father and injured her fiance. But when Evan wakes up, her dreams are further smashed when he refuses to see her. She is doing what she can to finish the deals her father was working on at the time of his death, but she is also looking forward to the day when she can turn the business over to people who love it more than she does. In working her father’s accounts, she finds someone is out to get her, though she isn’t sure who or for what.
Evan’s remorse when he learns that Isla is in continued danger, even without him in her life, has him working to repair the damage he created in their relationship. He also realizes he was a fool to push her away in the first place. His protective nature kicks in and he won’t take no for an answer when it becomes clear she needs security around her while they determine who and where the threat is coming from.
Frankly, I was expecting a more emotional journey to reconnect with the buildup to their break that we watched in the first book. Though it hurt to watch them fall apart, they came together fairly seamlessly and the bigger issue quickly became the stalker threat to Isla. I did enjoy watching Evan’s protective side kick in as he worked to get himself over the new scarring he had been hiding behind.
I am looking forward to Ellis’s book to see how the entire storyline is wrapped up. He has been in hiding, wanted for a murder we have been led to believe he did not commit. I can’t wait to see what he has been hiding or investigating as he stayed away from his brother and sister while so much was going on in their lives.
Isla McDonald had her dreams put on hold by the blast that killed her father and injured her fiance. But when Evan wakes up, her dreams are further smashed when he refuses to see her. She is doing what she can to finish the deals her father was working on at the time of his death, but she is also looking forward to the day when she can turn the business over to people who love it more than she does. In working her father’s accounts, she finds someone is out to get her, though she isn’t sure who or for what.
Evan’s remorse when he learns that Isla is in continued danger, even without him in her life, has him working to repair the damage he created in their relationship. He also realizes he was a fool to push her away in the first place. His protective nature kicks in and he won’t take no for an answer when it becomes clear she needs security around her while they determine who and where the threat is coming from.
Frankly, I was expecting a more emotional journey to reconnect with the buildup to their break that we watched in the first book. Though it hurt to watch them fall apart, they came together fairly seamlessly and the bigger issue quickly became the stalker threat to Isla. I did enjoy watching Evan’s protective side kick in as he worked to get himself over the new scarring he had been hiding behind.
I am looking forward to Ellis’s book to see how the entire storyline is wrapped up. He has been in hiding, wanted for a murder we have been led to believe he did not commit. I can’t wait to see what he has been hiding or investigating as he stayed away from his brother and sister while so much was going on in their lives.
October 3, 2019
Bishop’s Queen 👑
Evan is injured in a bombing and when he comes out of his coma, he pushes Isla away. Fast forward two months and he’s finally getting himself sorted, especially when he hears about a mugging which involved Isla. Now he will do anything and everything possible to protect her❣️
Isla is finally at the point of accepting that it’s over between her and Evan. She’s finishing up the deals her father was making before he was killed in the bombing but now it appears as though Evan is making a reappearance and with all the other things going on in her life, she’s not sure she can trust him with her heart or that she wants to give him a second chance😢
This story was amazing and I literally devoured it in a few hours because I had to know what was happening and if Evan could win favour with his woman, Isla, again💕 I’m just a romantic at heart😁
A big thank you to the publisher, Katie and Netgalley for my advanced copy which I leave my honest review and eagerly anticipate the next one❣️
Evan is injured in a bombing and when he comes out of his coma, he pushes Isla away. Fast forward two months and he’s finally getting himself sorted, especially when he hears about a mugging which involved Isla. Now he will do anything and everything possible to protect her❣️
Isla is finally at the point of accepting that it’s over between her and Evan. She’s finishing up the deals her father was making before he was killed in the bombing but now it appears as though Evan is making a reappearance and with all the other things going on in her life, she’s not sure she can trust him with her heart or that she wants to give him a second chance😢
This story was amazing and I literally devoured it in a few hours because I had to know what was happening and if Evan could win favour with his woman, Isla, again💕 I’m just a romantic at heart😁
A big thank you to the publisher, Katie and Netgalley for my advanced copy which I leave my honest review and eagerly anticipate the next one❣️
October 22, 2019
This is the second book in the Endgame series and I did not read the first book so I was a little lost at first. Isla MacDonald was engaged to Evan Bishop but after the accident that scared him for life he pushes her away. Isla is attacked and that’s all it takes for Evan to realize he will always love and protect her. Ms Reus is superb at intrigue and suspense. After the initial confusion the action kept my attention and kept me guessing until the end.The love story was full of aghast and super hot. Now I need to go back and read the first book. I’m glad we don’t have to wait long for the last book to come out.
March 9, 2024
3.6/5 ⭐
April 5, 2021
Second chance romance that picks up after events that happened in book 1. Evan was such a dick to Isla and I think she forgave him way too easily.
November 24, 2019
The 2nd gripping installment in Katie's fantastic Endgame Trilogy...
“She wasn't sure how much he was capable of giving her or how much she was capable of letting go.
But right now she needed him like she needed her next breath.”
Bishop’s Queen is the second gripping installment in Katie Reus’ fantastic Endgame Trilogy. Bishop’s Queen picks up where Bishop’s Knight left us and can be fully enjoyed as a standalone if that is your wish. However, for a full understanding of the series’ arc, it would be preferable to read this trilogy in order. Bishop’s Queen offers a potential reconnection-at-romance for Evan Bishop and Isla MacDonald after Evan abruptly ended their relationship without a word.
In the previous book, Evan was nearly killed in a bombing. Left permanently scarred, Evan pushed his fiancé, Isla, away. He was in a bad place mentally and couldn’t fathom that it was possible for her to still love him looking like he does. In addition, Evan feels guilty for surviving the accident that killed Isla’s father on Evan’s watch.
Isla has finally accepted Evan’s rejection and is attempting to move on with her life by focusing on completing her father’s mission. But, while doing so, she finds that her own life is being threatened by an unknown assailant. As soon as Evan finds out, he assumes the task of protecting her as he is still devoted to her and believes no one can protect her as well as he can. It doesn’t take Evan long to realize that he made a terrible mistake when he let her go. The chemistry between them is still sizzling hot.
Honestly, at the end of the first book, I was so sad for Evan’s and Isla’s relationship and was convinced that Evan was a jerk of the highest order. I’m glad that Katie featured their story in the next book as their relationship begged to be fixed. Evan, especially, needed help. It was obvious that Evan had retreated into himself and was badly scarred inside-and-out after the accident. It was sad that he elected to suffer alone rather than leaning on Isla, the love of his life, but he was mentally in a terrible place. Isla never stopped loving Evan – but what could she do when he wouldn’t even talk to her? Will Isla be able to forgive him and trust him with her heart again? How low can Evan grovel? Will they find her stalker before it’s too late?
Following please find a few of my favorite lines from Bishop’s Queen:
“If I could go back, I would do things differently. I would do a lot of things differently.”
---
“Please stay," he managed to get out. "Just... don't go.”
---
“I was in a dark mental place and I'm still coming out of it. I’ve been trying to show you with action, not just words that I’m here for good…
I will not walk away or push you away ever again… Not unless you tell me to go.”
Bishop’s Queen is an action-packed tale of romantic suspense. I really liked this couple and their second-chance-at-romance. The villain in this story was not obvious and I remained on-the-edge-of-my-seat guessing who it was until the very end. Katie never fails to spin a great tale and she does it again with Bishop’s Queen.
Bishop’s Endgame is slated to mark the conclusion of this fantastic series. I can’t wait to read Ellis’ story. He’s the sibling who has been on the run throughout this series for a murder we are led to believe he didn’t commit. So, there’ll be a murder to solve, a villain or villains to expose and bring to justice and a name to clear… hopefully with a sexy romance too! I can’t wait!
“She wasn't sure how much he was capable of giving her or how much she was capable of letting go.
But right now she needed him like she needed her next breath.”
Bishop’s Queen is the second gripping installment in Katie Reus’ fantastic Endgame Trilogy. Bishop’s Queen picks up where Bishop’s Knight left us and can be fully enjoyed as a standalone if that is your wish. However, for a full understanding of the series’ arc, it would be preferable to read this trilogy in order. Bishop’s Queen offers a potential reconnection-at-romance for Evan Bishop and Isla MacDonald after Evan abruptly ended their relationship without a word.
In the previous book, Evan was nearly killed in a bombing. Left permanently scarred, Evan pushed his fiancé, Isla, away. He was in a bad place mentally and couldn’t fathom that it was possible for her to still love him looking like he does. In addition, Evan feels guilty for surviving the accident that killed Isla’s father on Evan’s watch.
Isla has finally accepted Evan’s rejection and is attempting to move on with her life by focusing on completing her father’s mission. But, while doing so, she finds that her own life is being threatened by an unknown assailant. As soon as Evan finds out, he assumes the task of protecting her as he is still devoted to her and believes no one can protect her as well as he can. It doesn’t take Evan long to realize that he made a terrible mistake when he let her go. The chemistry between them is still sizzling hot.
Honestly, at the end of the first book, I was so sad for Evan’s and Isla’s relationship and was convinced that Evan was a jerk of the highest order. I’m glad that Katie featured their story in the next book as their relationship begged to be fixed. Evan, especially, needed help. It was obvious that Evan had retreated into himself and was badly scarred inside-and-out after the accident. It was sad that he elected to suffer alone rather than leaning on Isla, the love of his life, but he was mentally in a terrible place. Isla never stopped loving Evan – but what could she do when he wouldn’t even talk to her? Will Isla be able to forgive him and trust him with her heart again? How low can Evan grovel? Will they find her stalker before it’s too late?
Following please find a few of my favorite lines from Bishop’s Queen:
“If I could go back, I would do things differently. I would do a lot of things differently.”
---
“Please stay," he managed to get out. "Just... don't go.”
---
“I was in a dark mental place and I'm still coming out of it. I’ve been trying to show you with action, not just words that I’m here for good…
I will not walk away or push you away ever again… Not unless you tell me to go.”
Bishop’s Queen is an action-packed tale of romantic suspense. I really liked this couple and their second-chance-at-romance. The villain in this story was not obvious and I remained on-the-edge-of-my-seat guessing who it was until the very end. Katie never fails to spin a great tale and she does it again with Bishop’s Queen.
Bishop’s Endgame is slated to mark the conclusion of this fantastic series. I can’t wait to read Ellis’ story. He’s the sibling who has been on the run throughout this series for a murder we are led to believe he didn’t commit. So, there’ll be a murder to solve, a villain or villains to expose and bring to justice and a name to clear… hopefully with a sexy romance too! I can’t wait!
October 31, 2019
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
We were introduced to Evan Bishop and his fiance in Bishop's KnightBishop's Knight - and their love, as well as the subsequent break up; broke my heart and I was really looking forward to seeing how a favourite author of mine would redeem their romance!
Isla lost her father; and her fiance, Evan scarred in the hospital, all in the same bombing - so it comes as a double shock, when Evan pushes her away and breaks her heart all over again. It was hard to read about the heartbreak Isla was going through, all the while trying to protect her father's legacy.
Evan is just going through the motions now; he has nothing left in his life now - he is scarred, he pushed away the love of his life, mostly 'cause he didn't want her to look at him with pity, but also 'cause he feels he is responsible for her father's death.
Months later, when Isla becomes a victim of a stalker, Evan finally understands that their relationship or rather the connection between him and Isla was something to be treasured and worshiped; so he wastes no time in making sure he is the one who protects Isla.
With the way their relationship imploded; I was honestly expecting a lot more angst and communication filled reclamation of the connection between them; however what I got was almost an immediate going back to their relationship without so much as a good conversation about the "why" of the break up.
However, like all of Ms Reus's books - Bishop's Queen was another binge worthy read for me; and with Ellis Bishop's book next; a man who was framed for a murder he didn't commit, I am really looking forward to how Ms. Reus concludes Bishop Siblings trilogy!
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October 11, 2019
* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.
The Story in 4 Sentences or Less: Evan Bishop survived a bombing that should have killed him but instead left him with scars and caused him to push away the one person he should have allowed closer, his fiancé Isla MacDonald. Then someone tries to kill her and Evan immediately steps up to protect her by pretending that they’re back together, something Isla isn’t happy about but as the unknown assailant gets bolder and bolder, Evan and Isla spend more and more time together and Evan realizes he just can’t let what happened to him keep him from being happy with Isla. Now he has to convince her that he won’t ever push her away again while keeping her safe from someone who wants them both dead.
Like It? Hate it? Love it? Why? The second book in the Endgame trilogy packs as much of a punch as its predecessor. Evan and Isla were perfect leads in Bishop’s Queen and I enjoyed getting to know them. There were a whole lot of rough emotions being tossed out there, mostly from Evan who had to come to terms with how his life had changed because of the bombing. I loved that he was the one with the hang-ups and not Isla because he just seemed like this invincible wall of alpha male so to see him with such insecurities about himself gave him more depth than he would have had just being the big, strong hero. I think I was a little in love with him myself by the end of the book.
And Isla almost broke my heart with how hard she was working to honor her father’s memory when it came to his business. She wasn’t trying to be a martyr or anything but she did feel a certain responsibility to make sure that she closed a deal that would help thousands of employees. I loved her big heart and her sassy attitude and no matter how much she was hurting over Evan, she didn’t let him get away with anything. Her second chance romance with Evan was fast paced with all the time they spent together and ordinarily that would bother me but Evan was determined to be upfront and open himself up to Isla and there was never any doubt that these two were still in love with each other.
My favorite thing about Bishop’s Queen though was that I couldn’t figure out who was the person that was after Isla until they were revealed and it was totally not who I thought it was! It’s always a treat when a romantic suspense doesn’t immediately give away who the villain is. I was at the edge of my seat wondering when they would strike again and how far they’d get before they were caught. The focus on Isla and Evan really made the suspense stand out and I had a rollercoaster of a time with them.
Click It or Skip It? Click It. Reus takes readers on an adventure each time and shouldn’t be missed.
December 24, 2019
Rating~ 3.75 stars
Bishop’s queen is about Evan and Isla, the two people who were in love before the tragedy happened in the book 1 of the series, leaving Evan with physical and mental scars and him pushing away from everyone, including breaking off his engagement with Isla. Now with Isla in danger, Evan can’t help but stay close to her.
I quite enjoyed the book, though I do wish I had read the first book in the series, it would have made my connection to Evan and Isla stronger and would have given me an insight of how they were before the event. Regardless of that, I liked Evan and Isla together, though they Evan had broken off their engagement, it was very much obvious of how much they both still loved each other and Isla couldn’t care less about his scars. I also enjoyed the romantic suspense element to the book, it was done well to keep me interested in who might be the culprit.
Quibbles:I do wish however that we had gotten a bit more of the romance between Evan and Isla, since the suspense part of the book takes it away from romance a bit, I guess if the book had been longer it wouldn’t be an issue.
Overall, I enjoyed Bishop’s Queen, it had been sometime since I read a romantic suspense by Katie Reus and it reminded me why I enjoy her writing and her characters, they are just very easy to connect to and get lost in. I’m looking forward to reading the book in the series!
Review on Blog
ARC was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Bishop’s queen is about Evan and Isla, the two people who were in love before the tragedy happened in the book 1 of the series, leaving Evan with physical and mental scars and him pushing away from everyone, including breaking off his engagement with Isla. Now with Isla in danger, Evan can’t help but stay close to her.
I quite enjoyed the book, though I do wish I had read the first book in the series, it would have made my connection to Evan and Isla stronger and would have given me an insight of how they were before the event. Regardless of that, I liked Evan and Isla together, though they Evan had broken off their engagement, it was very much obvious of how much they both still loved each other and Isla couldn’t care less about his scars. I also enjoyed the romantic suspense element to the book, it was done well to keep me interested in who might be the culprit.
Quibbles:I do wish however that we had gotten a bit more of the romance between Evan and Isla, since the suspense part of the book takes it away from romance a bit, I guess if the book had been longer it wouldn’t be an issue.
Overall, I enjoyed Bishop’s Queen, it had been sometime since I read a romantic suspense by Katie Reus and it reminded me why I enjoy her writing and her characters, they are just very easy to connect to and get lost in. I’m looking forward to reading the book in the series!
Review on Blog
ARC was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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October 22, 2019
We first met this estranged main couple in book 1, Bishop’s Knight. Well, we finally get to know them up close and personal as they find their way back to one another. It doesn’t take long for Evan to eventually realize he’s made a huge mistake. His misguided, good intentions cost him the love of his life...Isla. He’s bound and determined to make things right and stay a part of her life again, in whatever way she’ll have him. This alpha protective hero steps up to the plate to protect his lady love when danger comes a knocking, folks.
Isla isn’t over Evan, either, despite how hard she’s tried to harden her heart against him after their sudden breakup. In fact, she’s still looking for answers to what happened. She puts him on the spot and against the ropes before giving him another chance.
You are kept guessing who the stalker is until nearly the end, despite several possibilities who pop up. I must admit it wasn’t my first or even last guess. That whole scenario was just a tad too much for me to take in and process, especially regarding the culprit’s seedy past.
All I know is Katie Reus knows how to write romance, folks. That’s what really matters to me and why I keep coming back time and time again to check out her new releases.
Title: Bishop’s Queen, Series: Endgame Trilogy (Book 2), Author: Katie Reus, Pages: 261, stand-alone but part of a series, second chance, celibate during separation, regretful, groveling alpha protective hero, some violence, romance safe.
Book 1 - Bishop’s Knight
Book 2 - Bishop’s Queen
Book 3 - Bishop’s Endgame
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Isla isn’t over Evan, either, despite how hard she’s tried to harden her heart against him after their sudden breakup. In fact, she’s still looking for answers to what happened. She puts him on the spot and against the ropes before giving him another chance.
You are kept guessing who the stalker is until nearly the end, despite several possibilities who pop up. I must admit it wasn’t my first or even last guess. That whole scenario was just a tad too much for me to take in and process, especially regarding the culprit’s seedy past.
All I know is Katie Reus knows how to write romance, folks. That’s what really matters to me and why I keep coming back time and time again to check out her new releases.
Title: Bishop’s Queen, Series: Endgame Trilogy (Book 2), Author: Katie Reus, Pages: 261, stand-alone but part of a series, second chance, celibate during separation, regretful, groveling alpha protective hero, some violence, romance safe.
Book 1 - Bishop’s Knight
Book 2 - Bishop’s Queen
Book 3 - Bishop’s Endgame
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
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