I am so excited for more from Sybil! Her books have been high adrenaline and intense. Talon was one of my favorite secondary characters in the Unchecked Series and I cannot wait to dive into who he is and learn more about his past and future! Check out this fabulous cover and mark your calendars for March 1, 2016!
Talon
Uncompromising Series #1
Sybil Bartel Publication date: March 1, 2016 Genre: Adult, Romance
Talon
I surf.
I f*ck.
I pretend to smile.
Two years ago my life was perfect, until it wasn’t. I scattered my wife’s ashes then walked away from the Marines. I didn’t think I had anything else to lose.
I was wrong.
The blond showed up at my surf shop, beaten and stabbed. I did what I was trained to do—I stitched her up. I didn’t have a clue who she was and I told myself I didn’t care. Until they came looking for her.
I swore I’d take my last breath before I let anyone else hurt her except I didn’t know she was keeping a deadly secret. Now I had two choices, her life or mine.
Marriage and combat taught me the same thing—I was no one’s hero. And I was about to prove it.
I grew up in Northern California with my head in a book and my feet in the sand. I dreamt of becoming a painter but the heady scent of libraries with their shelves full of books drew me into the world of storytelling. I love the New Adult genre, but any story about a love so desperately wrong and impossibly beautiful makes me swoon.
I now live in Southern Florida and while I don’t get to read as much as I like, I still bury my toes in the sand. If I’m not writing or fighting to contain the banana plantation in my backyard, you can find me spending time with my handsomely tattooed husband, my brilliantly practical son and a mischievous miniature boxer…
But Seriously?
Here are ten things you probably really want to know about me.
I grew up a faculty brat. I can swear like a sailor. I love men in uniform. I hate being told what to do. I can do your taxes (but don’t ask). The Bird Market in Hong Kong freaks me out. My favorite word is desperate…or dirty, or both—I can’t decide. I have a thing for muscle cars. But never reply on me for driving directions, ever. And I have a new book boyfriend every week—don’t tell my husband.
Sybil Bartel gives readers a fast paced ending to Layna and Blaze’s story, allowing us a glimpse into the hero’s mind in her novella Impossible End! Check out more about this short story, read Tina’s Thoughts and an excerpt from the story, plus don’t miss out on the giveaway to celebrate, and make sure to grab your copy today!
Impossible End The Unchecked Series #3 Sybil Bartel Publication Date: December 8, 2015 Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Blaze
I stood by my brothers in the Marines and fought for my country. I gave my blood, sweat and flesh so that others could have a taste of freedom.
But my wife wasn’t free.
She’d been hunted, stalked, and forced to keep a secret no one should have to live with. I’d made her a promise. Her freedom, my rules, no questions asked. I thought I’d kept my promise but I made a mistake—a rookie mistake.
Now I was going to finish what I started. I was done playing games with the killer who’d murdered my wife’s parents and tracked her for sport. If he thought he was safe in a jail cell, he was wrong. No one puts out a hit on my wife and survives.
This ends now. I protect what’s mine…at whatever cost.
IMPOSSIBLE END is the conclusion to the Unchecked Series. This novella is from Blaze’s point of view and is not a stand alone. To get the full story, please read the first two books in the series, IMPOSSIBLE PROMISE and IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE.
You can purchase your copy of Impossible End today on Amazon!
Talk about an intense and perfect ending for these two! I love Blaze and Layna so much! Their story has been full of fierce moments and danger, coupled with passion and a sense of belonging. This novella, told in Blaze’s POV, was the perfect way to tie the story up in a finishing bow. Sure there are a few things that I am hoping to see in the future through the spin-off series, but this story finally puts the danger to rest in a spectacular way and solidifies everything these two have been fighting for. This novella is sexy, sweet, and dangerous. We see how Blaze ticks and his skills become vital to what is happening in this short story. I loved seeing him in his element and understanding his thought processes. His love for Layna takes on a new deep level that was never doubted, but seeing it spelled out in this way was beautiful. I was surprised that this short story ended so quickly and I could have read a whole other book about these two! Sybil Bartel is a fantastic author and this novella is once again a testament to that fact.
“I’m not going to apologize,” I warned.
Her bottom lip trembled. “I wasn’t going to ask you to.”
I pushed forward, saying what needed to be said. “We either move past this, or we move on…from each other.”
Her breath hitched and her tears broke free.
It took everything I had not to reach for her. “Make a decision,” I demanded.
“Why are you acting so cold?”
“I’m not acting.” This wasn’t an ultimatum. I knew how she felt about those. This was me giving her what she deserved. “I’m giving you a choice. Your decision. No strings.”
“Why are you doing this?” she cried.
I reached the end of my rope. “I’m doing this for you, damn it.”
She sucked in a gasp and it was as if understanding drained the fear from her face. “Move past it,” she said quickly, swiping at her tears.
I wasn’t ready to trust it. “You still scared of me?”
She shook her head.
“Say it.”
Calmly, quietly, she did. “I’m not afraid of you.”
Relief washed over me. “Come here,” I whispered.
Her small body stepped into mine and I wrapped my arms around her.
But she wasn’t ready to let it go. “This is going to follow us.”
No us about it. I killed, she didn’t. “It’s over,” I reassured her.
“I feel like I’ll be looking over my shoulder my whole life.”
I caught her chin and tilted her face up. “Good.”
Her forehead creased with alarm.
“Because you know what you’re gonna see?”
Cautiously, she shook her head.
“Me.”
To celebrate the release of Impossible End, Sybil is hosting a giveaway! Enter this RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY for your chance to win a $10 Amazon GiftCard. Simply follow the instructions listed and you will be entered to win! Don’t miss out. Good luck!
Sybil Bartel grew up in Northern California with her head in a book and her feet in the sand. She dreamt of becoming a painter but the heady scent of libraries with their shelves full of books drew her into the world of storytelling. She loves the New Adult genre, but any story about a love so desperately wrong and impossibly beautiful makes her swoon.
Sybil now resides in Southern Florida and while she doesn’t get to read as much as she likes, she still buries her toes in the sand. If she isn’t writing or fighting to contain the banana plantation in her backyard, you can find her spending time with her handsomely tattooed husband, her brilliantly practical son and a mischievous miniature boxer…
But Seriously?
Here are ten things you probably really want to know about Sybil.
She grew up a faculty brat. She can swear like a sailor. She loves men in uniform. She hates being told what to do. She can do your taxes (but don’t ask). The Bird Market in Hong Kong freaks her out. Her favorite word is desperate…or dirty, or both—she can’t decide. She has a thing for muscle cars. But never reply on her for driving directions, ever. And she has a new book boyfriend every week—don’t tell her husband.
To find out more about Sybil Bartel, be sure to follow her on Twitter (she loves to hear about your favorite book boyfriend!), visit her website, like her on Facebook or join her Facebook group Book Boyfriend Heroes for exclusive excerpts and giveaways.
Sybil Bartel has brought us yet another heart stopping story! Impossible Choice is a story about two people who fight for the love they want and the future they hope for. Check out more about the second story in the Unchecked Series! Read more about the book, check out Tina’s Thoughts, and enter a giveaway to celebrate!
Impossible Choice (Unchecked #2)
Sybil Bartel
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance Published by: Carina Press Publication date: August 31st 2015
After her parents were murdered, Layna Blair spent three years on the run—until Marine Sergeant Blaze Johnson stepped in and saved her. With him, Layna knew safety for the first time…but two weeks after shipping out for another tour in Afghanistan, Blaze comes home early.
When Layna sees the jagged wounds covering his body, every truth she thought she knew is destroyed. Blaze is distant and angry and though her heart is shattered, Layna desperately tries to keep their relationship together in the face of another tragedy. When the tenuous bonds holding them together are ripped apart by a revenge-hungry maniac, Layna must trust her survival instinct and bury her past for good.
But the enemy is two steps ahead, and before she can take action, Layna’s hand is forced by his deadly demands—save herself or save the man who risked his life for her freedom. Blaze saved her once. This time it’s her turn to protect him.
You can purchase your copy today at the retailers listed below!
Sybil writes great gritty stories that make you fall in love with her characters. They are far from perfect and as you read these stories you cannot help but cheer them on to what they are meant to do and be. I was beyond excited to read this book and finally know the conclusion to Layna and Blaze’s story. It was full of highs and love, taking the reader on an emotional journey that was both draining and exhilarating. This story picks up right where Impossible Promise ends, with Layna trying to learn to live a normal life and Blaze deployed. These two were always meant to be together in this book. There is no question in my mind. There is a bit of a love triangle, some may say, but Blaze was always it for Layna, no doubt. These two went through so much in such a short amount of time. They are so connected that they cannot help but feel deeply towards on another. When Blaze comes home for a little R&R after an attack that left him wounded, things go from sweet to crazy in a short amount of time. One of the things that makes this couple great is their passion towards one another. This passion can also make them a little crazy and when the passion and gut wrenching emotions come to play, well let’s just say that there is quite a bit of angst. I loved it!
Layna is still such a young woman. She is so naive in many ways but an old soul resulting from her past. This young woman has seen the horrors of life and so much was taken from her. The amazing things is that despite it all she still holds an innocence that is endearing, while at times frustrating. She has been on her own for so long that when she has a chance to find love and companionship, she is scared to take it, not knowing who she is or what she truly wants. She loves Blaze, something you know without a shadow of a doubt, but she has no grid for what this should look like. She is young, emotional, and confused about the future. Despite it all, she knows that Blaze is what she wants and what she needs.
When the first book ended, I was curious about what this story would be about. The main villain was stopped and these two could finally be together. Little did I know that Sybil planned to take me on an emotional journey that both ripped my heart out and made me fall in love, all with a healthy dose of suspense and action. Blaze and Layna are fused together in fire during this story. There are so many moments of love and sweetness, but there are also moments of anger, frustration, and pain. These two must learn to let it all go to be together, something that I had begun to doubt would happen halfway through. Their story is not one of rainbows and butterflies. It is a fight to the end, a bloody war of emotion, pain, lust, and love. But that war leads to so much peace and hope.
I am so excited to read more of this series and hopefully get glimpses into Layna and Blaze’s HEA! Rumor has it that Talon is next in line for his story and that is fantastic news. I love his character and I am hoping he finally finds what he is looking for! Sybil has grown so much in her writing and I am excited to see where she goes and what she has in store for us!
To celebrate the blog tour for Impossible Choice, Sybil is giving away something awesome! Enter this RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY for your chance to win a $25 Amazon GiftCard, something every reader wants and needs! Just follow the instructions listed and you will be entered for your chance to win! Don’t miss out. Good luck!
Don’t miss Impossible Promise, the story of how Blaze and Layna and their crazy adrenaline laced tale of love, danger, and hope.
Three years ago, Layna Blair listened in horror over a telephone line as her parents were murdered. When the killer said she was next, Layna panicked and made a deadly deal—his secret in exchange for her life. She’s paid the price every day since, becoming a prisoner in plain sight.
Marine Sergeant Blaze Johnson offers Layna a way out—her freedom, his rules, no questions asked—and she takes it, despite knowing what her keepers do to people who get too close. She doesn’t know Blaze is fighting his own demons or that beneath his warrior façade is a man on the verge of breaking.
Embarking on a wild revenge mission with Blaze and his smooth-talking best friend, Talon, is not what Layna signed on for. But attempting to run when Blaze has made no secret he intends to make her his is a reckless mistake. With the killer closing in, it’s up to Blaze to save them all—and to Layna to realize that she’s risked the one thing she can’t afford to lose.
Sybil Bartel grew up in Northern California with her head in a book and her feet in the sand. She dreamt of becoming a painter but the heady scent of libraries with their shelves full of books drew her into the world of storytelling. She loves the New Adult genre, but any story about a love so desperately wrong and impossibly beautiful makes her swoon.
Sybil now resides in Southern Florida and while she doesn’t get to read as much as she likes, she still buries her toes in the sand. If she isn’t writing or fighting to contain the banana plantation in her backyard, you can find her spending time with her handsomely tattooed husband, her brilliantly practical son and a mischievous miniature boxer…
But Seriously?
Here are ten things you probably really want to know about Sybil.
She grew up a faculty brat. She can swear like a sailor. She loves men in uniform. She hates being told what to do. She can do your taxes (but don’t ask). The Bird Market in Hong Kong freaks her out. Her favorite word is desperate…or dirty, or both—she can’t decide. She has a thing for muscle cars. But never reply on her for driving directions, ever. And she has a new book boyfriend every week—don’t tell her husband.
To find out more about Sybil Bartel, be sure to follow her on Twitter (she loves to hear about your favorite book boyfriend!), visit her website, like her on Facebook or join her Facebook group Book Boyfriend Heroes for exclusive excerpts and giveaways.
Sybil Bartel (Impossible Promise #1) Published by: Carina Press (HQN) Publication date: March 23, 2015 Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Three years ago, Layna Blair listened in horror over a telephone line as her parents were murdered. When the killer said she was next, Layna panicked and made a deadly deal—his secret in exchange for her life. She’s paid the price every day since, becoming a prisoner in plain sight.
Marine Sergeant Blaze Johnson offers Layna a way out—her freedom, his rules, no questions asked—and she takes it, despite knowing what her keepers do to people who get too close. She doesn’t know Blaze is fighting his own demons or that beneath his warrior façade is a man on the verge of breaking.
Embarking on a wild revenge mission with Blaze and his smooth-talking best friend, Talon, is not what Layna signed on for. But attempting to run when Blaze has made no secret he intends to make her his is a reckless mistake. With the killer closing in, it’s up to Blaze to save them all—and to Layna to realize that she’s risked the one thing she can’t afford to lose.
Book one of two / 93,000 words
Heat level: Steamy; not for under 17, it has open door sex scenes.
You can purchase your copy at the retailers listed below!
This book took me by surprise and didn’t let go till the very end! Impossible Promise takes you on a wild ride where you attempt to know which way is up and which path is the right one for Layna. This story has passion, intrigue, romance, and adrenaline pumping moments! I loved reading about Layna, Blaze, and Talon. This story was well developed and exciting!
I would like to preface this review one of the reasons this books surprised me. I am not a fan of love triangles and this story has a bit of one thrown in. However, each action and reaction seems legitimate and the feelings are well placed and understood. I feel like there was always a sure winner of Layna’s heart and maybe that helped me justify the triangle. The drama and angst was never too much. I feel like you understand Layne because of her emotions. She is still young yet has lived through something so horrific and harsh. She is mature in her isolation but under developed in her relational skills.
The passion in this story is intense and hot. We see moments of the extreme and moments of tenderness. I loved seeing how Layna learns to love and give her heart away, on so many levels. She learns the meaning of friendship and true love. There are many bumps and bruises along the way, but the heart knows what it wants and she longs for that deep connection with another, taking steps to fight for what she wants and needs.
I felt like each character was unique and complete in who they were without apology. These characters are intense in their own ways yet they balance well, having moments of extreme passion or fear tied in with moments of humor and teasing. I loved seeing how they interacted with one another. There are relationships that have been rock solid for years, those that have withstood the test of time and hardships. There are others that are new and tentative, settled deep into a learning curve.
Impossible Promise took me by storm and gripped me even after the last page. I read the teaser for the second book and it is all I can think about right now! I am excited to see more of Talon, Blaze, Layna, and the gang. I am excited to see them fight for their moments and happily ever afters. I feel like there is more adrenaline packed excitement to come and I cannot wait! Sybil Bartel, I applaud you. You took something that I am was not so sure about and made it into something I could not get enough of. Readers, this is a book you will want to dive into! Trust me. It is a wild ride for sure!
I grew up in Northern California with my head in a book and my feet in the sand. I dreamt of becoming a painter but the heady scent of libraries with their shelves full of books drew me into the world of storytelling. I love the New Adult genre, but any story about a love so desperately wrong and impossibly beautiful makes me swoon.
I now live in Southern Florida and while I don’t get to read as much as I like, I still bury my toes in the sand. If I’m not writing or fighting to contain the banana plantation in my backyard, you can find me spending time with my handsomely tattooed husband, my brilliantly practical son and a mischievous miniature boxer…
But Seriously?
Here are ten things you probably really want to know about me.
I grew up a faculty brat. I can swear like a sailor. I love men in uniform. I hate being told what to do. I can do your taxes (but don’t ask). The Bird Market in Hong Kong freaks me out. My favorite word is desperate…or dirty, or both—I can’t decide. I have a thing for muscle cars. But never reply on me for driving directions, ever. And I have a new book boyfriend every week—don’t tell my husband.
It’s a New Adult Christmas! Thanks for joining us as we celebrate the holidays with thirteen incredible New Adult authors. Check out every stop leading up to December 24, 2014 to get excerpts, exclusive content, and hopefully a cutie under the mistletoe! Be sure to enter the RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY below to win a grand prize pack of an ebook from every author! This is a holiday extravaganza you will not want to miss! Today we are featuring Sybil Bartel, the author of the sexy book NO APOLOGIES! She is sharing her exclusive “Holiday Hottie” picture with us, as well as an excerpt from her book! Take a look….
I looked into Carly’s honest eyes and everything stilled. The anger, the fight, the hatred, it was all gone. I felt stripped and raw and worse, desperate. A needy, crawl-up-her-body-and-lose-myself desperate. What the fuck was happening to me? I wasn’t supposed to fall for a woman. I couldn’t need a woman. I used women. I used them before they used me then I moved on. Fuck them and leave. That’s how you survived. Women were shit and I was nothing. Nothing couldn’t get broken by a woman. But this? This fucked-up desperation could.
“Come inside with me,” she pleaded with the temptation of everything I knew was wrong for me.
Drunk, stupid, I didn’t walk away. I trailed my fingers down her cheek. “I wanted to kiss you this morning.”
She didn’t flinch. “I know.”
I threaded my hand up the back of her neck. “You pulled away from me.”
“I know.”
I twisted my fingers into her hair. “I still want to kiss you.”
Turning her face, she exposed the smooth skin of her neck. “Please, don’t.”
Want to know more about NO APOLOGIES? You can purchase your copy today at Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and Kobo, or check out more about the book on GOODREADS.
Never apologize
Hard-edged rocker Graham Allen has it all. He’s flush with cash from playing bass in a band by night and restoring classic cars by day. And there are plenty of women willing to share his bed for a night, complication-free. Perfect, because if there’s anything he learned from his past, it was to never get attached—to anything. So when bartender Carly Sullivan flashes her innocent smile, Graham isn’t prepared for what happens next.
Never fall in love
Two rules, that’s all Graham has—never apologize and never fall in love. He knows Carly is everything he should avoid. Cheerful and sweet, she has “relationship” written all over her. But Graham can’t stay away from her probing questions and concerned blue eyes.
When Graham discovers Carly is hiding a crushing secret, he’s prepared to risk it all. Until in one single moment, everything changes and Graham’s past threatens to collide with his future. His life is crumbling down around him, and soon no apology in the world can save him.
He should’ve known to walk away.
It’s a New Adult Christmas GIVEAWAY! Check out this RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY. This is the one you will not want to miss! Enter this giveaway for your chance to win an eBook from each of the authors featured. That equals 13 books that you can love and cuddle with. What more could you possibly want this Christmas? So make sure to enter today for your chance to win some incredible books. Look below for the fabulous selection! Good luck!
I grew up in Northern California with my head in a book and my feet in the sand. I dreamt of becoming a painter but the heady scent of libraries with their shelves full of books drew me into the world of storytelling. I love the New Adult genre, but really, any story about a love so desperately wrong and impossibly beautiful makes me swoon.
I now live in Southern Florida and while I don’t get to read as much as I like, I still bury my toes in the sand. If I’m not writing or fighting to contain the banana plantation in my backyard, you can find me spending time with my handsomely tattooed husband, my brilliantly practical son and a mischievous miniature boxer…
But Seriously?
Here are ten things you really want to know about me.
I grew up a faculty brat. I can swear like a sailor. I love men in uniform. I hate being told what to do. I can do your taxes (but don’t ask). The Bird Market in Hong Kong freaks me out. My favorite word is desperate…or dirty, or both—I can’t decide. I have a thing for muscle cars. But never reply on me for driving directions, ever. And I have a new book boyfriend every week—don’t tell my husband.
To see more of what Sybil is up to, you can check out her social media sites!
We are honored to help host the No Apologies Blog Tour and tell you about this great book! If you are wanting a good 4th of July read, then look no further.Take a look at the book’s synopsis, as well as Tina’s thoughts! You can enter the Blog Tour giveaway and one click the purchase links to buy your copy today.
Never apologize
Hard-edged rocker Graham Allen has it all. He’s flush with cash from playing bass in a band by night and restoring classic cars by day. And there are plenty of women willing to share his bed for a night, complication-free. Perfect, because if there’s anything he learned from his past, it was to never get attached—to anything. So when bartender Carly Sullivan flashes her innocent smile, Graham isn’t prepared for what happens next.
Never fall in love
Two rules, that’s all Graham has—never apologize and never fall in love. He knows Carly is everything he should avoid. Cheerful and sweet, she has “relationship” written all over her. But Graham can’t stay away from her probing questions and concerned blue eyes.
When Graham discovers Carly is hiding a crushing secret, he’s prepared to risk it all. Until in one single moment, everything changes and Graham’s past threatens to collide with his future. His life is crumbling down around him, and soon no apology in the world can save him.
He should’ve known to walk away.
Tina’s Thoughts…
Graham is quite a complicated character that I just fell in love with. It was not love at first sight. His arrogance, temper and the walls he had built around his life annoyed me to no end. It was obvious he had been hurt in his life but I couldn’t understand what would cause him to behave the way he did. Yet as this story progresses, I was surprised that Graham was not more psychotic than he was. He had been wounded in a way that no person should ever be hurt. His walls and rules were the only things to hold his sanity together. Yet as he began to live for smiles from Carly and the moments they shared, those looming walls began to crumble. Her sweet temperament and innocence was the thing he needed above all to begin the long road to healing. He would always have scars, but Carly helped him see past those scars and see who he could be. Carly was a woman of passion and stunning innocence, despite her frightful past. Someone who made others around her strive to be a better person. Her character and joyfulness allowed for dark days to be brightened and full of life.
It was interesting to watch Graham’s walls begin to break. They did so without his realization. It was the transformation of hope and freedom in Carly that he desired, her tenderness and love, that brought about his life change. Things he did not know he wanted became a priority. It was heart breaking to watch two broken people fall in love but so beautiful at the same time. Halfway through the story, BAM, Sybil throws us a curve ball. Someone from Graham’s past arrives and a secret is revealed. This secret was a breaking point for Graham but the exact thing he needed to grow into the man he was meant to be. It was amazing to see how the life and love that Carly was helping cultivate in Graham’s life set to a full bloom in light of these events. It was a twist I was not expecting and I loved it! I love being surprised with a story! The ending could not have been better. This story is full of hurt and anger but accented in a beautiful stroke of life, forgiveness, and love. Make sure to grab your copy today and fall in love with the story of Graham and Carly.
Enter this Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon giftcard and a No Apologies mug and tote! You can buy your copy today on Amazon and Barnes&Noble.
About the Author, Sybil Bartel….
I grew up in Northern California with my head in a book and my feet in the sand. I dreamt of becoming a painter but the heady scent of libraries with their shelves full of books drew me into the world of storytelling. I love the New Adult genre, but really, any story about a love so desperately wrong and impossibly beautiful makes me swoon.
I now live in Southern Florida and while I don’t get to read as much as I like, I still bury my toes in the sand. If I’m not writing or fighting to contain the banana plantation in my backyard, you can find me spending time with my handsomely tattooed husband, my brilliantly practical son and a mischievous miniature boxer…
But Seriously?
Here are ten things you really want to know about me.
I grew up a faculty brat. I can swear like a sailor. I love men in uniform. I hate being told what to do. I can do your taxes (but don’t ask). The Bird Market in Hong Kong freaks me out. My favorite word is desperate…or dirty, or both—I can’t decide. I have a thing for muscle cars. But never reply on me for driving directions, ever. And I have a new book boyfriend every week—don’t tell my husband.
To see more of what Sybil is up to, you can check out her social media sites!
Talon
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typicaldistractions.wordpress.com 