Review – Gray Bishop by Kelly Meade

Publisher: Intermix
Publish Date: Out Now
How I got this book: NetGalley

Some people need something to fight for…

With the attacks on their homes escalating and human half-breeds seeking sanctuary among them, the loup garou are reaching their breaking point. Two, in particular.

After failing to stop his little brother’s kidnapping years ago, Bishop McQueen angrily broods on his shame, though no one else blames him.

Jillian Reynolds is still dealing with a tragic accident that took everything she ever wanted from life. And her attraction to Bishop is only making things more difficult.

When word reaches them that Jillian’s hometown is under attack, the Alpha takes Bishop, Jillian, and a group of enforcers to assist in the battle. And it is in this chaos that both Bishop and Jillian will have to face their pasts—and the true feelings they have for each other—if they are going to survive…
*Blurb from Goodreads*

When I picked up the first book in this series from Meade, I was super intrigued by the world-building and the extensive characters. After reading the second book, I’m even more invested in the series.

Bishop has lived his whole life training to be alpha, and yet living with the scars of an event he couldn’t control as a child. Now that life in their town is starting to fall apart again, Bishop is struggling with old feelings that are creeping up, as well as the knowledge that there are so many people relying on him to get through this difficult time.

Jillian was sent by her father to help out a fellow loup family, but as the attack hits her home, Jillian struggles once again with losing people close to her. Her ongoing attraction to Bishop doesn’t help either of them focus, and when the time comes to devote to one another, Bishop and Jillian will have to literally fight to the chance to be together.

I couldn’t wait to see how things would work out with Bishop and Jillian, especially given all the obstacles in the way of their mating. Between both Jillian and Bishop needing to get over their somewhat tragic pasts, the power differential between Jillian being a black wolf and Bishop being a gray, as well as the strict rules of alphas mating, their romance was not an easy one. They had to jump through hoops and be super secretive just to have the few chances to be alone. But I loved the way it all worked out. I thought the resolution to their romance was absolutely PERFECT for them.

I’m also super excited about the overall plot of the book. Meade has created such a wonderful and unique world, and the problems that exist within it are overwhelming. While Bishop and Jillian go through their fair share of struggles in this book, poor Knight is probably the most tortured character in all of paranormal romance. He has been kidnapped more than one, chased by a psycho group of half-vampire psychos that want his super sperm, and struggles daily with the empathy that comes naturally to his wolf. I love the fact that we got to see him find his mate, and am SO EXCITED to see how the next book plays out, especially on the mini-cliffhanger that Meade left us.

There were a few moments in this book that absolutely destroyed me. Meade starts off with a bang, telling us about Jillian’s history, and she doesn’t hold any punches. I think the first tear was shed by the end of the first chapter. Then, as the story progresses, characters were lost that had a huge emotional impact on the overall story, and I think there were probably 3-4 consecutive chapters that I just about balled my eyes out. This book both gutted me, and gave me so much hope for the overall story arc. Seriously people, if you like reading series where the overall plot grows and twists from one book to the next, this series is a must-read for you!

All in all, I am even more invested in this series as each book continues. I loved Bishop and Jillian’s romance, and thought that as individuals they grew so much, all while leaning and helping each other. It was a wonderful romance to read. With the twists in the plot, I am so anxious to read the next one and can’t wait until I can get my hands on White Knight!
I give Gray Bishop an A-

Kindle iTunes Nook Sony Kobo