Return to the Endgame trilogy where blood is thick, but passion is thicker… 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. 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.
Books in trilogy:
Bishop’s Knight, #1
Bishop’s Queen, #2
Bishop’s Endgame, #3
more
Evan Bishop used to be called the golden boy, he had it all and was about to close the business deal of a lifetime and marry the woman of his dreams. But everything falls apart when a faceless enemy wants to destroy his family’s empire and see him dead. Isla MacDonald isn’t walking away from Evan just because he’s decided to shut her out of his life but when all her attempts to see him fail, she tries to resume her life. But when someone tries to kill her and she needs a bodyguard, Evan steps up and insists on protecting her.
The second book in the ‘Endgame Trilogy’ is continues to engage readers with lots of thrills and emotional turmoil that draws readers in and refuses to let go. The chemistry between Evan and Isla oozes appealing electrical currents that readers can practically feel but this relationship is quite rocky due to the events that took place in the previous book (this book could be read as a standalone but to get the full impact of this relationship, it should be read in sequence). The after math and the rocky relationship has lots of emotions flowing from the pages that really gives readers a feel for what these strong, bold characters are going through and makes the characters as well as the story come alive.
The plot is a fast paced, suspenseful buildup of adrenaline pumping events that keep readers on the edge of their seat and holding their breath with anticipation and the surprising twists ensures that readers can’t possibly predict any outcome or guess just who the bad guy is during this shocking and exhilarating read.
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.
I received this book from Netgalley for review purposes. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Someone set off a bomb that killed Isla’s father and severely injured Evan. As his fiancée she was in danger. He thought that he was protecting Isla by shutting her out of his life. I was both amazed at Evan’s sacrifice and shocked at his stupidity. She loved and needed him. Instead he rejected her and broke her heart. Isla is such a caring woman. I was impressed at her spirit and bravery. She’s moving forward and rebuilding her life without the man she still loves. Unfortunately she has a crazed stalker who will stop at nothing to possess her. Can Evan save her? He’s got his work cut out for him. I was glad to see him put his fears and guilt behind him. He needs to be focused in order to save his woman. Their love is powerful. It was amazing to see them rekindle their love. It was an emotional journey. Katie Reus kept me on the edge of my seat. The action and danger we’re nonstop. The storyline had unexpected twists that threw me off balance. I loved and cared for her characters. It was fun to have Red Stone Secuity involved. As usual Katie Reus doesn’t disappoint. Her romantic suspense novels are excellent. I can’t wait for the third book in Endgame Trilogy.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
Another great story from Katie Reus! This book grabbed my attention from the first page and had me enveloped in the mystery right until the end!
I absolutely loved Isla. After everything that she has gone through she still has managed to pick herself up and carry-on. It was easy to connect to her struggles, not only dealing with Evan pushing her away after the bombing incident, but her commitment to finishing up the business deals that her father had in the works even though her passions lay elsewhere. Evan, well I can’t say he was one of my favorite heroes…but in the end he did earn a bit of redemption when he finally got his head out of his butt and realized that he couldn’t live without Isla. He also earned some points by how protective he was of Isla, doing whatever he could to keep her safe. These two certainly had chemistry and it was easy to feel the heat between the two, but I did have a hard time reconciling the man Evan was in this book to the man who pushed the love of his life away.
The highlight for me was the mystery/suspense surrounding Isla’s stalker and how well laid out that plot was. I had an idea who the stalker was going to be, but wasn’t 100% sure until it was revealed, and I always love it when that mystery brings me right to the end of a book. As I’ve said before, Katie Reus is fantastic at pulling a romantic suspense story together, not only balancing the romance and suspense, but making each play a pivotal role for each other.
This is the second book of a trilogy, but it is a complete standalone. You do get to meet Isla and Evan in book one, which may provide a bit more insight into their characters, but the author does a good job filling in the gaps so it’s not really necessary. There is also a cross-over character to her Red Stone Security series (which if you haven’t picked these up yet I would also recommend doing so!), which is something I always love when an author does.
Another book by Katie Reus that deserves to be on any TBR pile!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
This is Evan Bishop’s and Isla’s story. After reading book one I kind of felt bad for Isla and I am glad that Evan realized how wrong he was to turn her away. Isla proved to be a strong woman after the way Evan treated her, even though her love for him never died. Isla is being targeted and when Evan finds out he takes matter into his own hands to protect her. During this course, Evan realizes how foolish and stupid he had been and begs for Isla’s forgiveness. Isla does not make it easy for him but she knows she still loves him. Filled with suspense, action, previous characters we all know and love, along with some hot sexy scenes, is true to form for Ms. Reus’s stories. Loved it! 4 stars****
******I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley******
5 Stars
Isla and Evan has their worlds turned upside down when a bomb exploded and changed everything. When we get to book two in this trilogy Evan is dealing with feelings of guilt and pain over what happened and Isla is trying to honor her father by completing his business deals while learning to survive without Evan by her side. When Isla’s life is threatened and it becomes obvious she is in danger Evan cannot help her become involved and what follows is a story if suspense, emotional turmoil, lust and love that is unmatched. You will not be able to put down this book from the moment you pick it up.
Cara – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Bishop’s Queen by Katie Reus is Book 2 in the Endgame Trilogy is Evan and Isla’s story.
This book is a continuation of Bishop’s Knight- book 2 picks up 2 months later where book 1 left off. Evan was injured and left with scars. He pushed his fiancee Isla away, in order to protect her but when her life is at risk and she is being threatened and is in danger then Evan decides to go back to his true love and show her that he really loves her and will protect her until his last dying breath. But Isla isn’t wanting to let Evan back in her life yet again, especially after he hurt her so horribly. She is afraid that if she lets him back in, he will break her heart to pieces and shred her soul apart. Can Evan prove to Isla he is sincere and all in plus ready to go to battle to keep her safe from those outside forces? Will they be able to finally get their HEA?
My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
Wow, I love this amazing series. It has action, suspense, intrigue and danger. Evan and Isla are endearing characters with great chemistry. This book has so many twists and turns that every time I thought I knew who the bad guy was, I quickly realized that I didn’t. This book is another amazing romantic suspense and I would definitely recommend it.
Bishop’s Queen is Evan Bishop’s story. If you have read the first book in the Endgame Series by Katie Reus, then you know all about the bombing, injuries and mental state that he is in now. If you haven’t, no problem, because this story covers all the background that you need. Even though the books are about the Bishop siblings, Ms. Reus manages to make each a stand-alone while also making you want to read about all of them.
This is one of my favorite story-lines where one of the couple refuses to give up on the other. However, just when she is ready to give up, here he comes. No matter what Evan does to keep Isla MacDonald away, this woman stands. In fact, I would swear could hear Tammy Wynette singing, “Stand by Your Man” as I was reading this book. Evan fits the song, “Doing things you don’t understand, But if you love him you’ll forgive him, Even though he’s hard to understand.” Yep, that’s Evan for sure. However, just when she is ready to give up, here he comes.
Wonderful from beginning to end. Can’t wait for the third sibling’s story so now let’s get Ellis home with his name cleared soon.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The second book in the Endgame Trilogy starts about 2 months after Bishop’s Knight ends. The first 4 chapters sealed the deal for me that this is a fantastic story.
Isla is such a strong woman. She is determined to make sure her father’s final wish is fulfilled before stepping back from the company. Even if that means dealing with the man who ripped her heart into shreds.
In true romantic suspense style, these two are learning to trust each other again while trying to figure out who is trying to kill Isla. In true Katie Reus style, a red herring was thrown in the mix, which had me second guessing until the end who actually was the stalker/killer.
So enjoyed this story and cannot wait for Ellis’ return.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
Evan Bishop was burned badly and Isla’s father was killed in a bombing in an office building in Miami. Isla and Evan had been engaged at the time and Evan refused to see her while he was recovering in the hospital. He broke off the engagement.
Fast forward two months. Now Isla is running her father’s company while nursing a broken heart. She’d loved Evan and he’d loved her. She didn’t care about his scars and was upset that he thought she was so superficial. When she gets mugged, Evan comes back to protect her and what a great job he did.
Isla fought her attraction to him, but not to the point where she was stupid about it. She was mugged, yes, but other things were happening, too. She was being stalked and didn’t know it until it was too late. Evan never wanted to leave her side and being her protector was the perfect opportunity to try to win her back. She needed him in more ways than one. She’d missed him horribly and he did make her feel safe. He’d missed her, too, and it was hard for him to let her go meet up with the handsome Geno Conti for business, but he kept his jealousy under control.
I liked Isla because she was strong, not overbearing, and not so stubborn that she wouldn’t admit that she still loved Evan. She wasn’t so sure she wanted to go all-in with him again. He’d hurt her deeply and she didn’t trust him anymore. I liked Evan because he didn’t push her or rush her or go caveman on her to try to win her back. He knew she didn’t trust him anymore and accepted the reason why. I loved their candor and their honesty with each other. I loved how they kept everything open and on the table.
This was a great second chance at love story with a lot of tension, a few steamy scenes, suspense, and a twist at the end.
I like to rate covers, too, although I don’t do it all the time. I admit that I’m a bit of a cover snob. I don’t know who the guy on the cover is supposed to be, but I don’t see Evan in him. Evan has scars on his chest and neck. The only resemblance I see between the guy on the cover and Evan is the beard. It’s a sweet cover. It’s just not Evan.
Evan and Isla’s story was emotionally gut-wrenching as I knew it would be…
Evan was in a truly dark head space after the bombing that left him scarred and his fiance’s father dead and even though I was angry with him for dumping Isla the way he did after the bombing I also understood what a dark place he was in emotionally and it was just a matter of time before he snapped out of it and reality sank in then he realized what an a..hole he had been…
I loved the suspense and intrigue in this story, trying to figure out who was really stalking Isla was it the gorgeous Geno or someone much, much worse…
I love that Evan let Isla have her say in the beginning about how he was a coward to end things the way he did she needed to let that all out and he needed to hear it…
I seriously love the story-line woven throughout the book watching Evan and Isla find their way back to each other, through actions and eventually words it really was beautifully written.
And most of all I always enjoy the way Katie Reus writes her stories they grab me from the very beginning to the very end and stay with me always.
The second exciting story in Katie Reus’ romantic suspense thriller. This is Evan’s story, the golden boy who almost died in the bomb blast that killed his fiance Isla’s father and scarred him horribly. I wanted to knock him silly when he closed himself off from this loving family and fiance. He was riddled with guilt over the Douglas’ death and horrified at this extensive scarring. To say he’s not dealing with this well would be an understatement.
This story takes place 2 months after the blast. Isla has assumed her dad’s role and taken over his company to finish the deals he had in the works at his death. This is a temporary position as it’s not a good fit but she wants to continue the good her dad started. Evan was her rock and she’s devastated at his rejection of their love and him not being in her life. But life must go on and she’s pasted on a smile and is pretending everything is fine. Evan and she come face to face at a social/business event and they are both shaken by it. As the story progresses we find someone is trying to kill Isla and Evan makes himself her self appointed bodyguard because he just can’t stay away. Isla on the other hand really doesn’t understand the danger of going out on her own as shown by several close calls.
This is a well written puzzler and the chemistry between Isla and Even is electric. I always enjoy Katie’s stories and this was another great one. I can’t wait for the end of the trilogy when we find out why the last sibling Ellis, is hiding and what he’s dug up to clear his name with the FBI.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bishops Queen is the second in an thrilling romantic suspense trilogy. The story is well written and the pace is fast .
This was my first Katie Reus and I´m addicted. I tried to guess the killer but I failed. I love this kind of storys hot romance and strong heroes, who have to pop their head out of their butt to believe in love and the woman they love.
Isla is a great charakter who gives everything for her loves.
This is the second book in this fantastic new series.
It’s brother Evan’s book and we met him in book one.
Evan decided to make the worst mistake of his life after having his life changed forever.
He broke it off with Isla the love of his life. And now a few months after he started to begin his life again she is in extreme danger and there is no way he is letting her out of his sight.
Will that be enough though? Will she give him a second chance?
We get a ton of action and mystery in this one and you don’t know till the end who is the culprit. Loved it!!!
Bishop’s Queen by Katie Reus is the second book in the End Game trilogy and continues the story begun in Bishop’s Knight. After surviving an explosion that resulted in several deaths including his fiancee’s father Evan Bishop is hiding his scarred face from the world. His survivor’s guilt has made him dump Isla MacDonald thinking that he doesn’t deserve her and that she must somehow blame him for her father. Isla is slowly coming to terms with his decision and is slowly winding up her father’s affairs, trying to honour the deals he had started. When a series of incidents lead police to believe her life is in danger Evan is forced to see past his guilt and realise just how empty his life would be without Isla in it even if it just as friends.
I love how this author can write a story that’ll grab your attention from the first page. I had my suspicions about who Isla’s stalker was – and was completely wrong. The actual culprit never even crossed my mind as a suspect but at the same time, the way the plot had been developed who he was, was totally believable – I hate books where you have to suspend belief when the villain is unveiled because the author has opted for a character that has barely been mentioned. It just seems a lazy option to me. The only niggle I have is with the reasons Evan had for dumping Isla. I would’ve loved a big scene where she pulled him up for his shallowness. After all if he thinks she wouldn’t want him because of his scars does this mean if roles were reversed and she was somehow disfigured then he would no longer want to be with her?
Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone and has no cliff-hangers involving the hero and heroine.
OH MY! What a wonderful story of coming back from the brink of destruction and finding not only yourself, but the love of your life in the process. Evan is such a strong person to survive what he went through, and realize how much of an a&$ he really is. The way he treats the people he loves after the bombing is unreal, it takes a serious threat to Isla to make him come out of his shell. Isla is the strongest of heroines, she faces her fears, and keeps her love of Evan alive through all of his crap.
A perfect hint of suspense while finding the perfect happy ending! LOVE IT!
Evan Bishop was severely injured in a bomb explosion that killed his fiancée’s father. Due to his feelings of guilt that he was unable to protect her father, he pushed Isla away. Isla was deeply hurt when Evan refused to see her, but kept busy taking care of her father’s business interests. When Evan sees her at an event, he realizes that he was a fool to let her go, but will she forgive him? When Isla’s life is threatened, Evan steps up her protection while the police investigate. When there is another threat, he convinces her to stay at his home. Who is targeting Isla, and why? Suspense, intrigue, hot romance and raw emotion…this book has it all. An amazing sequel to the first book in the trilogy, “Bishop’s Knight”. I can’t wait for Ellis’ story in the third book “Bishop’s Endgame”. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Hands down, Bishop’s Queen is the best. Katie Reus has written a smokin hot, action packed, phenomenal book. Page after page I was consumed with this captivating read. This is a must read for all book lovers.
Evan Bishop survived a bombing but was left scared. He pushed away the love of his life out of fear. Two months later her is trying to get back in Isla’s life. Isla is trying to keep her distance but after being attacked she realizes Evan can help her.
I didn’t really like Evan at first because I couldn’t understand how he could completely cut Isla out if his life after the bombing. She lost her father and her fiance all in one incident. But as things progressed you see that the bombing messed him up mentally and he needed time to get over it. He probably would have gotten through it sooner if he hadn’t cut out Isla though.
I liked Isla. She was focused on finishing up her father’s deals even though she hated it. Once things escalated with the stalker she learns more on Evan to deal with it. They learn to lean on each other again and become a stronger couple.
Overall,this was a great second chance romance and I want to go back and read the first book now. This did work great as a standalone but I do feel I might have a better understanding of some background characters if I had read the first one.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.*