It started with a piece of red plastic in a wallet.No lettering – only a barcode.Welcome to the world of Castle ScarletGo along with Roman Bishop and his curious fiancée, Kelly as they explore the sinful delights available at his exclusive and very secret sex club. It’s oh-la-la and more for Kelly when she comes face-to-face with Roman’s alter ego, Master Látigo!Meet Roman’s mysterious cousin, … Master Látigo!
Meet Roman’s mysterious cousin, Julian Bishop, Castle Scarlet’s Master Dominant.
Unyielding and powerful, Julian lords over the Scarlet kingdom from his private quarters in the castle’s tower. Hard and cynical following an ugly and very personal divorce, he prefers self-isolation to what he calls, peopling.
Used to everyone bowing and scraping before him, Julian is unprepared in every way for a dose of reality that shakes his emotional foundation.
Braeanna Walsh, the only girl in a family of no-nonsense men, she’s making her way in New York City when fate and the need for a job, leads her to an interview with Julian Bishop. His obnoxious executive desk with the naughty carvings made her eyes roll. So did his fancy castle overlooking the Hudson River.
Against the backdrop of an exclusive, private club catering to the high-class BDSM tastes of the super wealthy, Rae learns the practical ropes of running Julian and Roman’s empire. Business is business, and she’s focused on bulk pricing for lube, not who tailors Julian’s clothes.
Rae isn’t interested in his master dominant shtick.
His unimpressed business manager rocks Julian’s world.
Where will all this lead?
more
Thinking about Julian and the impact this man had on me made me think for a minute. What was so special about him? He’s just another character right? No! He’s more.
This man, who is used to control in all things he does, was betrayed by the one person who was supposed to love and protect him. Those vows he made, I’d like to think after reading about him he took quiet seriously. And to have that thrown back in one’s face and then blackmailed over that would affect anyone. But when your a man who needs that control, that bond that comes with his lifestyle that there would have shattered anyone. It would have closed them off.
When you own one of the premier BDSM Clubs in New York City, that comes with a hefty price tag to belong to you have to have that control. Not just for yourself but for your clients also. Julian has shut down emotionally. Letting only a few select in. But even then they only get what he is willing to share.
Braeanna Walsh, young innocent and full of confidence has been referred to Julian as a potential replacement for his assistant Sam who is leaving for health reasons. Julian is not what she was expecting. For one he’s young and he is good looking. But his sheer arrogance, out-ways the first two factors. Who the hell does he think he is? Let’s just say that first interview does not go at all how either thought it would.
When he is confronted with Braeanna Walsh the overload of emotions that come to mind in that initial first meeting, leave him floundering, he has no clue what to make of this young woman. So Julian does what works for him, he falls back to being an arrogant dick. And in trying to put her in a box she promptly turns the tables and leaves this man at a complete loss.
I think for me, what made this real was that Braeanna, this young girl with that first meeting has done what others have not been able to do, she has made him feel. Julian has been drifting these last few years, he knows there is something more, the few changes he’s been making have woken him up some. I think Braeanna Walsh was just the push this man needed.
For me personally, I just want to wrap Julian up and hug him and protect him. For all his wealth and worldly ways this man’s innocence and his cluelessness just make him more endearing to me. I’m looking forward to this unfolding into what I know will eventually be an epic love story.
Okay, I’ve gone off here a bit but I was taken with Julian from the opening scene.
Now lets not forget about Roman Bishop and Kelly his fiancee. Kelly’s been pushing Roman for a while to visit the club. Roman has had reservations. He’s not sure Kelly’s ready thats one thing, but he’s also worried what she’ll think. About the lifestyle and the role it plays in his personal life.
What Suzanne does here is take you on the journey with Kelly. It’s erotic and so well written it just has you melting with the intensity of the scene and watching Kelly’s reaction as she deals with what’s she seeing. It was for me a sensual journey of trust and the bond that a Dom and his Sub have. It way sexy and thought provoking. It was what I’d envision of one attending an establishment that is Castle Scarlet. Roman and Kelly’s visit here will leave you more in love with these two characters than before. The details, the care that Roman took to make this momentous visit everything that he could to make it special for Kelly will have you swooning. If anyone can write an Alpha male it is Suzanne. These men she creates are incredible. The strength of character she provides, the morals, they are the ultimate in what one would look for in a partner. They are believable.
I need and want more! This has epic an epic fairytale written all over it. Think Beauty and The Beast with a kinky side. It’s not disney it’s way more. And I can’t wait to see the development of Julian Bishop unfold. It’s like a bear who’s been hibernating and is about to be woken up. Big time. And Rae is just the woman to do it.
Her way with words and how plays with them are truly genius. You don’t know what your going to get but you know she will deliver on all fronts. Laughter. Snark and blisteringly hot sexy times. You know you’ll get it. Characters that you can relate too. Every time.
I could continue but I think you get the point. I loved this story. I loved Julian.
I wish I could give more stars it’s deserving of way more.
Got sucked in right at the start. Loved reading more about Roman & Kelly and learning about his cousin Julian. Liked that I was able to see the dominant side of Roman & to see Kelly experience that side of him. Was sad to learn about how Julian was burnt by his ex wife making him be the way his is somewhat. It was interesting to see the inside on goings of Scarlet. While reading this I felt like I was right there experiencing it. Loved how Rae gave it right back to Julian and didn’t take any of his crap. You can’t help but love these two. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Oh I knew or I should say I had a feeling this book would be amazing. I love it when an author creates a whole story of characters. It is a blessing to see more than one couple in a story; I love it when we see everyone and how each one is connected. This book just added more passion to the storyline.
We have seen parts of Julian and I often wondered what could keep him being the powerhouse that his cousin Roman is. Not only we see him break some walls down, but we see him look at things differently. Then we get to see Roman and Kelly’s passion ignite with scarlet colors. Roman loves Kelly whole-heartily and passionately listens to the details that Kelly mentions. Kelly sees the love and is ready to finally move to the next step as wife, mother to Matty and one day have their own. BUT what I LOVE the most about this book is Braenna Walsh, this girl is not afraid to be noticed or heard. She sees right through Julian Bishop, she sees that he has something hidden behind those eyes. Braenna calls him out and he sees it and notices that maybe he is, so he does the little changes. I can see these guys are going to have one hell of a story to tell.
See more on my A Day With Ethel
https://youtu.be/UvkbcCu7eUc
“Aren’t you going to kiss me?”
“Can’t.”
“And why not?”
“Because, tesoro, if I kiss you, that very beautiful dress will be ripped to shreds and your pretty face will be on the carpet.”
Holy Friction!! The chemistry between these two is off the charts!! The push and pull, the fight for dominance in their interactions, the one-liners – what a fire!!!! Love a couple that can push each other’s buttons in all the good ways!!
Julian Bishop is, no doubt, dominant. From his expensive suits, to his vulgar and shocking furniture, to his attitude. He thrives on knowing others revere him. No one questions him, everyone is intimidated. Good. If they’re intimidated, they’ll keep their distance. Arrogant. Self-serving. Wealthy beyond measure. And alone. He’s built himself a physical and emotional fortress that no one can breach. Until now. The minute SHE walked in, with her condescending comments, and surprisingly accurate assessments, he’s questioning everything. Not only is his new business manager not intimidated by him, she sees right through him. Castle Scarlet is his domain but it seems like a queen will be challenging him for the throne. And his heart. Does he dare give her the keys to either?
Braeanna Walsh has found herself in a pickle. She needs a job, and quick. Thanks to a referral by her pseudo-uncle Sam, she’s about to interview with Julian Bishop. She has no idea what his business is, but it really doesn’t matter. Business is business. But, what she’s met with is the most arrogant, pompous, pretentious, and sexy man she’s ever seen. Everything out of his mouth is sexist and antagonistic. Not one to back down, she’ll face the battles with him head on and she’ll be victorious come hell or high water. But, she soon learns there’s more to this man than he lets on – more to the story of Mr. Bishop that he hides behind his tower doors. As the attraction builds, one secret will destroy what they have before it even starts.
What an amazing story. I loved Julian! He might be tough and crunchy on the outside, but on the inside, he’s soft and vulnerable just like the rest of us. He gives off the persona that he has it all, when in fact he realizes what he does have is empty and of little value. You want to hate him in the beginning, but you can’t help but want to hug him by the end. I think I actually audibly sighed at that last scene. Add in the steamy scenes with Roman and Kelly as he takes her to Scarlet for the first time, and this is one great read!
Can’t wait to read more of Julian and Rae!
What happens when a self-involved alpha who identifies as a Master Dominant, is taken down by a virgin. You get one hell of a story that’s what!!
Julian Bishop meets one Braeanna “Rae” Walsh and his mind along with his well put together dom persona is blown to hell. Rae comes from a family of men and she is a ball buster who hands Julian his ass.
I’ve waited patiently for Julian’s story and have to tell you Suzanne Halliday did not disappoint. All the emotions are in here.
This has to be said move over Christian Grey “Master Latigo will see you now”.
Roman also brings the steam in this book. He shows Kelly how he got his nick name, as he gives her a taste of his Dom side at Castle Scarlet. Sweet little Matty is a charmer in this gem.
Trust me this is a must read!
This is yet another great read by Suzanne. Her characters are so real and believable. You can not help but be completely invested in their happiness, life, love, challenges and sadness. Read this book!!!! You will not be disappointed
I was blessed with an ARC of this amazing book!!!! I’m suffering from a total book hangover right now and couldn’t possibly tell you which way is up!!!!! Julian has closed himself off to the world. Love absolutely isn’t even on his radar at all until Rae walks into his life and totally turns it upside down. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two. I haven’t felt this way about two characters since I finished Fifty Shades of Grey……..but Julian is way hotter than Christian
What do you get when you add a new player to the House of Bishop? One hell of a great story! Roman and Kelly’s long anticipated trip to Castle Scarlet would have been a great tale all by itself, but add in Mr Julian Bishop and the fireworks begin. Suzannes telling of Roman and Kelly’s time at Castle Scarlet was everything I could of hoped for. It was sweet and sometimes funny and oh so HOT! As if that wasn’t enough we get our first taste of Julian. At first he comes off as having the proverbial “stick up his a@@” but then he meets Rae and boy does she knock him off his pedestal! The interaction between these two is fantastic and I can’t wait for more! I’m sure the pages will be burning up as their story continues! Wish I could give this more than 5 stars!!!!
There’s a reason it’s called house of Bishop, the only reason it’s getting three stars was the length.
This seems to be Julian’s story but some questions left unanswered in Check Mate are fleshed out.
Simply put Julian is a DICK, is Rae the woman to help him heal.
Flowed well, now I’m on to Bishop’s Surrender.
I started Castle Scarlet expected a steamy
short story about Roman and Kelly. I can’t wait to hear Kelly’s thoughts when they get to Arizona! You definitely get that, but then you also get an awesome story about Braeanna and Julian. Suzanne Halliday draws you in with her amazing starry telling. I fell in love with Rae and Julian, and I was rooting for their happy ending. I can’t wait for the rest of the story!