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Dating #2

Sinking in the Shadows

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The Dating Trilogy continues with Sinking in the Shadows...

She wasn’t looking for love.
She wasn’t looking for a happily ever after.
But Dating in the Dark gave her both.

Or so she thought.

Now with a broken heart and an unexpected surprise she doesn’t know if she’ll ever find her way back to both again.

Sinking in the Shadows is the second book in The Dating Trilogy and should be read after Dating in the Dark. Tinley and Marek’s story concludes in Loving in the Light.

First published May 14, 2018

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About the author

Alexandria Bishop

36 books288 followers
Born on a small southeastern island in Alaska and raised in southern Oregon, Alexandria Bishop is a PNW girl at heart. By day, she goes to battle with a tiny dictator aka her toddler and by night, she can be found typing ALL the words of her contemporary romance novels accompanied by a glass of wine or two ;)

When she’s not in mommy or author mode, she can be found drinking copious amounts of cold brew coffee, bingeing her latest obsession on Netflix, or attending concerts of her favorite pop-punk bands.

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5 stars
105 (25%)
4 stars
123 (30%)
3 stars
116 (28%)
2 stars
47 (11%)
1 star
13 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Zoe.
2,012 reviews277 followers
July 12, 2018
Romantic, angsty, and dramatic with a cliffhanger ending that will leave you pondering what will happen now!
Profile Image for Judy Churchill.
2,471 reviews30 followers
March 2, 2020
A funny, light story that once again forces me to buy the next book to find out what happens.
Profile Image for Joy Novel Thoughts.
573 reviews68 followers
May 10, 2018
WOW. Just... wow! I thought that the end of the first book was going to kill me. But the ending of Sinking in the Shadows has me on this strange cusp of reality. Almost like when you are in a dream and you keep trying to see something and you just can't no matter how many times try you just can't see it!

Sinking in the Shadow had my so frazzled with nervous anxiety, because I needed answers immediately. I needed a resolution. Desperately. I did get answers, but that didn't end to drama and slow down the story.

Tinely's best friend, Dakota, had me irritated AF! She started acting shady in Dating in the Dark, but the farther we read into Sinking in the Shadows, she just really started to act... off. Lady that doth protest, ya know? I just wanted to shake her and be like look here woman. Support your best friend. SHE NEEDS YOU.

Tinley has so stinking much going on! So SO much. Like woah, y'all. I would tell you, but... I'm just going to dangle that carrot, because if you know me you know what I'm digging right here and it's going to be freaking awesome. I think I hope. Because that cliffhanger? I makes me a little nauseous. Like. I want to puke not knowing what will happen next.

It legit could be ANYTHING. I'm dying to get my hands on Loving in the Light!
771 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2023
There were several reasons why this book got 2 stars. A big one is that 1 story was broken down into 3 books. I really don’t like when authors do that. This is only part 1 of the story. All 3 could have EASILY been 1 book. I was looking for a short, quick read which I usually don’t do but this once that’s what I wanted. It just seems like a crappy way to sell more books. Also the writing felt really choppy. It didn’t flow. The sentences could be long winded. I can’t really explain it I just know when I was reading it I would have to reread sentences to make sense of them, which is never a good thing. Here’s an example.

“He never responded to the last text she sent him before she went to the hospital and she doesn’t exactly want to talk to him anyway other than in person with the news she has.”

So instead of doing 3 separate reviews I’m just putting all 3 into 1 bc I don’t want to waste more time doing individual reviews.
***SPOILERS BELOW***
Let’s start with dating in the dark. Her friend and sister signs her up for this. It’s a little weird but ok. You go and eat dinner while you have 4 speed dates. But it’s so dark she can’t even see the guys hand to shake it. HOW!???!!! I mean the waiters bring 4 dishes, if it’s so dark how can the waiters see the tables or where to put the food. I mean that might work if they had night googles on but then how did the guys move around? The men move from table to table in a room they are unfamiliar with ease.... just saying. Then the 3 most extreme men are her dates. Induce eye roll here. It was ridiculous. Of course she hits it off with date #4 who happens to be her boss at work.

So the story goes along and they start dating but keeping it a secret. It’s ok, nothing earth shattering but nothing too bad. Then Tinley (yes that’s her name) finds out Marek (what is with the names!) has a daughter he hasn’t told her about. That part I don’t get. He tells her he loves her but he doesn’t tell her he has a daughter bc he wasn’t sure where the relationship was going. Skipping past that he told her he was in love and engaged before to his best friend who died of cancer 4 years ago. His daughter looks 4 or 5. How in the hell did this woman not put 2 and 2 together? No instead she sulks and cries and worries about who the mom is. All while she’s pregnant. Yep you guessed it she’s pregnant and she doesn’t tell him for weeks because he kept a secret from her. Granted she has a right to be pissed about the secret but still.

Gotta be honest I don’t remember a whole bunch of details. I skipped A LOT and still felt bored. Her roommate Dakota is a little bit psycho too. She flies off the handle at Tinley for dating him then gets fired for a blog she has written in which she puts very detailed information about the customers she deals with. She blames Marek even though he didn’t do it. So she storms out, changed her phone # and basically abandons her friend. Real mature characters in this book let me tell you.

Onto the next book where last minute Marek flies to London for training. A natural disaster happens and he can’t be located or gotten a hold of so they are worried he’s dead. Tinley who barely knows Marek’s daughter Luna (it says she babysat her 4 times that month, that does not a relationship make). Tells everyone she will fight tooth and nail to keep Luna. What in the actual hell. Luna had grandparents that have been with her since birth. Just no. No. Of course he returns dead or the night. How he wasn’t able to find a phone in an airport is beyond me so by all means let’s show up unannounced at midnight and sneak into the house. He promptly proposes, her water breaks and it happiness all around.

I can’t believe I wasted my time with these books. I skipped so much I should have been a little confused or lost. Not at all. The story was slow, agonizingly written and just ridiculous.
Profile Image for ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm.
2,324 reviews17 followers
July 16, 2018
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH INKSLINGER PR. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

When I was approached to read this trilogy, I knew nothing about the series or author. After reading this and the preceeding book, I have to say that I am not sure that the third book can redeem the series!

Once again, since is a serial trilogy that isn't well identified as such, the book lost it a full star off my rating, because I hate to be duped into reading something that I don't enjoy! It ends on a cliffhanger, and this cliffhanger was even worse than the last one!

Tinley turned into a whiny doormat in this installment, and I hated how she reacted to her life changing news. Her attitude pushed away her roommate best friend, which was a problem, as she couldn't afford the rent without said friend! However, she wasn't that concerned about it! Tinley was a moron!

Marek took a bit of a back seat here, so his character was unremarkable at best. I can't really say too much about him, since he was so unremarkable that I've forgotten his role in the story for this installment!

I'll finish the series before making final judgment on the author for my reading style.
Profile Image for Sharon Betts.
280 reviews7 followers
May 14, 2018
This picks up right from the end of book one. Tinley is conflicted, Dakota is keeping something from her, and Merek also has his secrets. Some of those things are revealed in this book, but I have a feeling there's more to Dakota's story still to be revealed. And there's a huge cliff hanger at the end.
Written in third person (I have to admit something I'm less keen on), I enjoyed this book, there not too much drama - until the end - but there's still things to keep your interest. I hope there's not too long to wait before book 3!
Profile Image for diann bryan.
488 reviews
June 7, 2020
Tinley & Marek’s story picks up where it left off in Dating in the Dark but continues in Loving in the light! Alexandria!!! The cliff’s are killing me!
I Love the stories and all the characters, so I forgive this talented Author for ending her books in cliffhanger style.
Profile Image for Kirsten.
153 reviews87 followers
August 30, 2021
Setting:3
Characters 4
Plot 3
Writing 1
Entertainment 3
Execution 2
Overall: 2.67
Profile Image for Megan | A Page to Turn.
558 reviews20 followers
May 15, 2018
This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! I read Dating in the Dark over the weekend and finished this one in a day because I had to know what happened to Marek and Tinsley! I was shocked at all that happened in the last two books and I'm so excited to see what else is in store for us readers when book three releases in July! 

Again, I really enjoyed this book being in third person, it was weird when I started the trilogy, but now that I've gotten used to the writer's style, I've really been enjoying these characters so much and the drama that life has put in front of them. These stories are so well told and the characters are so interesting! 
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,690 reviews45 followers
May 21, 2018
Dating in the Dark will only lead you to Sinking in the Shadows!! More Marek & Tinley please!!Book two in this intriguing trilogy from Alexandria Bishop. She is leaving us again with another heart breaking, edge of seat cliffhanger. Book two continues with the life and relationship of Marek and Tinley. You are lulled into a sense of peace and complacency with the development of these characters only to have your heart dashed against the rocks of emotion. I am anxiously awaiting the third book and the conclusion to this story of what happens when you date in the dark. Be sure to read Dating in the Dark first so you don't a miss a single moment in this swoon worthy tale.
Profile Image for Amy.
555 reviews31 followers
May 14, 2018
Yet another great book by Alexandria Bishop! I’m so glad this book picked up right where book 1 ended. I’m not always a fan of long recaps. I must admit that Tinsley annoyed me just a little, with her back and forth over Marek. But I’m so glad she finally came around to things. I absolutely adored Marek and Luna’s relationship! It was so amazing and I loved it! I also loved Tinsley’s birthday party - so awesome! I wish I would have thought of that lol. Dakota worked my nerves over big time - she needs to get over herself! The ending gave me heart palpitations. I need book 3 stat!
Profile Image for Patty Di Palma.
33 reviews
May 1, 2018
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The first book "Dating in the dark" finished with a cliffhanger, so this book start right after it.
I love this second book is much better then the first one and i was in love with the first book.
The love story between Tinley and Marek develop very fast in this book until this two move in together and the friendship between Tinley and Dakota take the wrong turn until... Well we have to wait till the next book to figuerd it out...
I can't wait for it!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lisa Marie ~ Words We Love By.
998 reviews64 followers
July 8, 2018

I read Dating in the Dark and Sinking into the Shadows back to back to prepared for book 3 which is coming out later this month. I have mixed feelings about these books with some parts hitting the right notes and some completely off.

Tinley, an insecure yet hopeful call center employee, gets signed up for a "dating in the dark" speed dating event by her sister and best friend. Since it's paid for and she is looking for love, Tinley gives it a try. Three absolutely horrid dates later number four is a winner. Turns out though that number four is her supervisor and nemesis, Marek. Marek, without any hint of attraction before, wants to give their relationship a shot. Secrets, insecurities, and a very strange, hostile best friend don't make that easy.

The characters were nicely fleshed out and their budding relationship wasn't rushed. Tinley is that friend you have that you want good things for but she gets in her own way most of the time. Tinley is an over thinker who needs to just let her heart lead more often. Marek is a bit of mystery as he seems to be open to a relationship but he is vague and not as open as Tinley. In book 2, you find out why. It is a big reason but one he should have spoken about to Tinley before the I love yous were exchanged.

While this storyline has some promise and the second book flowed a bit better than the first, there were some technical difficulties that made this a less than fluid read. The first is the 3rd person point of view. 3rd person always gives me a feeling like I am being talked at versus falling into the story making it hard to connect. The other is the timeline is not a mapped out as I normally like. I was lost some times as to how long this relationship was. What read as a couple of days, turns out to be a weeks time. The last is a strictly personal peeve. As a waitress for over 24 years, the very thought of serving customers food in a "pitch dark" room made me roll my eyes. That just would not happen.

Book 2, Sinking in the Shadows improved much over book 1 for me and was left on a major cliffhanger. I'm hopeful that book 3 will be improvement over 2.
Profile Image for April.
233 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2018
Overall I enjoyed the book thoroughly. Tinley and Marek are realistic, fun, and likable with normal people issues that the reader can relate to with no problem. Marek is so very patient and tries to be the best person he can be even though he has a ton of responsibility on his shoulders on a day to day basis. He exhibits confidence while trying to give confidence to those he loves through his kind words and actions that are above and beyond his duty. The pop culture tv and movie references throughout the book are wonderful and lend toward the fun and humorous aspects that lighten the story even in some of the harder emotional moments. Luna and her tiny dictator moments are hilarious and so many parents will recognize the honesty and hilarity in them. I am pretty sure I recognize the author's inspiration for Luna. ;) My one and only issue that sort of irritated me with the book was that Tinley's thoughts and reactions were a bit childish at times. I know that she was extremely overwhelmed emotionally at the beginning of the book and I understand how that may very well lead to her childishness at first. However, it was like she recognized it and started dealing with it, but still refused to simply deal with the issues between her and Marek for so long and pretty much just ignoring the issues between her and Dakota completely. I would have just liked to see her behave more maturely in those relationships by the end. However, this was not an overwhelming issue for me by any means and did not detract from my love of the overall story. I also love Tara and the love and support she provides for Tinley with no questions asked and even when she is in circumstances in which most people would be solely focused on themselves. But the cliffhanger..............................why?!?!?!?!?!
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,752 reviews138 followers
August 18, 2018
The book was a little slow for me. I liked some parts, but others we drugging and it made things hard for me. I felt like Tinley took too much time to forgive Marek after what happened at the end of the first book. And speaking about that, am I the only one who found Mareks little girl annoying? I don't know if the author aimed for cute, but this is not it.

I would have liked to see more development when it came to the relationship these two had. I hope we will get that in the third and final book. Maybe then we will also find out why Dakota hates Marek so much. From the first till the last page we have a vicious Dakota and we don't know why she is acting like that. Does it have to do something with Mareks deceased wife? All of my problems will be solved only fi Tinely matures and realizes that she needs to have a few serious conversations with the people in her life.

Sinking in the shadows is not a stand-alone book. While you might not miss much by not reading the first book, you will need the third book because this one ends with a bigger cliffhanger. Of course we already know how the series will end, but I want to see how the characters will get there.
Profile Image for Comfy Couch Book Reviews.
634 reviews43 followers
April 30, 2018
I think that Alexandria is the Queen of Cliffhangers she does it so well! This is the second book in the Dating series about Tinley and Marek and this one is again full of surprises and unexpected twists. Tinley has to deal with a shock she received when she made an unannounced visit to his home and immediately she assumes the worst and suffers through all kinds of insecurities cutting off all contact with Marek. As he loves her Marek hangs in there, answers all her questions and helps her with her insecurities. Just as I thought we were going to get a happy ending we are presented with an absolutely unexpected cliffhanger and I now can't wait for book 3 to finish the story.
This is a really sweet romance between these two characters, though I have to say that Tinley does get annoying at times with some of her actions which have hurtful consequences for the people around her. Read book 1 before you read this book and enjoy them both!
Profile Image for Stacy Garcia.
293 reviews14 followers
May 15, 2018
Sinking in the Shadows is a fast paced, fun and sexy read.
This is my second book from Alexandria Bishop and she has most definitely drawn me in.

Tinley is heartbroken and lost.
With a huge secret, and a broken heart, Tinley feels like she is spiraling into despair.

Marek’s betrayal was a hit that she wasn’t ready to take, and now with another complication added in, she most definitely isn’t ready to take the next step alone.

Luckily, Marek doesn’t take too long to drop the information bomb on her. He has a daughter. And Luna is his world.

That doesn’t stop Tinley from feeling betrayed by his secrets. He could tell her “I love you” but not “Hey, I have a daughter”
It definitely doesn’t bode well for their relationship.

But now everything is out in the open, where it should be.
Marek, Tinley, and Luna are in a blissful bubble. Until disaster strikes.

Leave it to Alexandria Bishop to leave me with the biggest of big cliffhangers…

Is it July yet?

Bring on Loving in the Light!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashante Williams.
1,435 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2021
for the love of everything holy…. Another cockadoody cliffhanger. So it's been awhile since I read the first book and I'm sad to say that I don't remember much about it and this book doesn't really give you a refresher….So. I would suggest reading these books back to back to avoid blank spots. However, this book was hilarious. Especially with little Luna making her complete entry into the series. Now that part I did NOT forget from the last book. I was a little frustrated with her best friend because she didn't really seem like a friend to me and she seemed to be a real drama queen. I only wished the author explained exactly what happened to her at their job. There were a lot of ups and downs in this story but it ended up being really good. I just wished that the entire story was one long book. On to the next.
Profile Image for Carol Seymour.
754 reviews3 followers
January 1, 2019
Dating in the Dark will only lead you to Sinking in the Shadows!! More Marek & Tinley please!!Book two in this intriguing trilogy from Alexandria Bishop. She is leaving us again with another heart breaking, edge of seat cliffhanger. Book two continues with the life and relationship of Marek and Tinley. You are lulled into a sense of peace and complacency with the development of these characters only to have your heart dashed against the rocks of emotion. I am anxiously awaiting the third book and the conclusion to this story of what happens when you date in the dark. Be sure to read Dating in the Dark first so you don't a miss a single moment in this swoon worthy tale.
Profile Image for Astrid Rudloff.
345 reviews
August 24, 2018
I voluntarily review an ARC.
This is the second book of the Dating series, the books should be read in order.
I really like the story, but Tinley's insecurity and childish decisions make life hard for the people who want to be there for her and made it hard for me to fully enjoy reading this book. There are some interesting turns and a major cliffhanger.
I liked the book and will definitely read the third part.
1,465 reviews14 followers
May 14, 2018
Life is changing fast for Tinley. She's falling for Marek, but it's moving pretty quickly. She meets two important people in his life -one not exactly who Tinley thought she was. And then Tinley has someone she'd like Marek to meet...kinda. Her sister Tara always has Tinley's back. There's Dakota, who we're still trying to figure out. I'm loving the shift in Tinley's life as she leaves her twenties, and so now I'm wondering what is going to happen next?
Profile Image for Lyndsay TC.
2,001 reviews3 followers
October 5, 2018
Quick Reads

Dating in the Dark and Sinking in the Shadows have been really quick reads. The story so far is from Tinley 's point of view. The drama seems a little young for her being almost 30 but I think it's because she's not as experienced in life. I love the names of the characters in this series, Marek, Tinley and Luna and Dakota. Definitely recommended if you need a quick read.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,186 reviews9 followers
March 16, 2022
i will say i don't like Dakota ...she is so rude. you gotta read the trilogy but i am curious why 3 books? it could have been 2. now on book 4 ...and i now realize who it will be about. sister Giselle. i don't mean to sound weird or rude but Giselle is kind of in another world an "airhead"??! but i really enjoy the family situation. how they make it work out. love the humor ... love it all. must read series. fun. hilarious at times.
Profile Image for Christina Reed.
822 reviews9 followers
May 3, 2018
Wow. Once again I love this book! It picks up right where the first book left off and carries you to another shocking stop. This book has bumps with the hero and heroine, but there is a secondary fight later with Tinley and Dakota. I found myself sucked into this story and unable to put it down. Now I’m dying to see how this series ends. The next book can’t come soon enough.
Profile Image for Messy Bun Book Blog.
2,316 reviews
May 11, 2018
GAH! I am not usually a fan of cliff hangers, but wow, Alexandria Bishop does it so well!! I am so in love with this series! I cannot wait for the next one!! Make sure to read Dating in the Dark before reading this one - you will be so lost if not. Another FIVE STARS for this author and her series!
May 12, 2018
This is the second book of a trilogy. OMG! She's done it again! Lulling you into a false sense of security, and then...(I can't tell you, you'll have to read it yourself). I cannot wait to read the next book in this trilogy. It's been really good so far, so I can't wait to see what is in store next.

Reviewed by: Clare M.
791 reviews14 followers
July 5, 2018
Oh wow. Tinley and Marek are just tugging my heart strings. Ahh this series is amazing. It finishes off just where the first book left off and again you will not be disappointed. But NO a cliffhanger like no other. Ahh I need more.

Very well written and great characters Alexandria.

Arc was kindly given in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shelby.
27 reviews5 followers
May 31, 2018
OMG I thought book one left you hanging but book two... why must you do this to me. It started right where book one ended and I was full of nerves and all kinds of stuff! I can't wait until the next one
Profile Image for Kim F.
2,873 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2018
An awesome book. Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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