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Mercenary.

Navy SEAL.

Unconventional Operative.

I didn’t join the Teams. I was recruited. They called me the Specialist. They said I had a unique skill set. I knew the truth.

For eight years, the Navy tried to rein me in with their tactics, techniques and procedures.They told me to adapt and overcome. I didn’t adapt. I did my job.

Now I worked for Alpha Elite Security. If you called me the Specialist, I’d eliminate you before you took your next breath. If you recognized me, it was already too late. I lived by my instincts and used the resources at my disposal. No target was out of my range…until my boss unknowingly handed me the one assignment that was.

The only woman I couldn’t kill.

Code Whiskey.
Eliminate .

WHISKEY is a standalone book in the exciting Alpha Elite Series by USA Today Bestselling author, Sybil Bartel. Come meet Will “Whiskey” Damien and the dominant, alpha heroes who work for AES!

322 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2023

378 people are currently reading
713 people want to read

About the author

Sybil Bartel

50 books1,235 followers
Sybil Bartel is a USA Today Bestselling author of unapologetic Alpha heroes. Whether you're reading her dominant Alpha Elite mercenaries, her protective Alpha Bodyguards, or her page-turning romantic suspense, all of her heroes are sexy-as-sin and unwaveringly Alpha!

Sybil lives in South Florida, and she is forever Oliver's mom.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,133 reviews109 followers
August 21, 2025
He’s an ex-military security specialist (?) who speaks in one- or two-word sentences containing a lot of military jargon and with all the emotion of an automated teller, even when he’s instructing his sex partner when and when not to touch him. Oh, and he’s a legendary sniper who gets called in to do favors occasionally, like kill Russian-backed terrorists.

She’s an exhausted violin virtuoso who perceives the world in musical phrases and likes to perform without underwear so that nothing comes between her and her Calvins music, which turns out to be very convenient for the MMC. Her whole life is her music and her brother…a Russian-backed terrorist.

Of all the bridges in all the world, he just happens to be driving across the one she’s standing on at 3:00 a.m. She’s small and sexy and fearful and elusive and underwear-free, so he takes one look and is all in. He doesn’t do “all in, “ among other things, but for her, he’s all in. She’s not all in…well, she is…but no, she isn’t…but then she is…oh, what’s a frightened little violin virtuoso to do when confronted by a big, bad man giving her orders she’s too afraid to follow?

“I don’t want you to see me naked,” I blurted, not knowing how to tell him I was afraid.

Suggestion: use words like “I’m afraid.”

His head tilted, and he studied me for a single measure. “You wear your thoughts like you wear your designer dresses.”

One of his lengthier sentences. What does it mean? He doesn’t elaborate. He probably hit his word quotient for the day. She wears her thoughts without underwear? Nah, surely not.

I didn’t know what he meant by the dress comment, and I was too afraid to ask.

Sigh.

This isn’t dreadful. It’s too unoriginal to be good, though, and the author’s staccato writing style, relying heavily on one-sentence paragraphs, annoyed me fairly quickly. I also didn’t care for the author’s quirk of having the characters, when asked a question, answer the question one way in their minds for the reader, but deliver a different answer to the questioner in the book. If used three times, no problem. If used three hundred times, it causes extreme irritation and a rash.

Alas, the only action besides bedroom action lasted all of three seconds.
Profile Image for Serial Romance Librarian.
1,188 reviews299 followers
June 20, 2023
It’s always a pleasure to read one of Sybil Bartel’s books. I was honored to receive this ARC. Her descriptive language is captivating and flows so well. In this book she brilliantly blends musical references with badass military technical jargon. I would be lost without Google!

Whiskey is part of a series, but in my opinion these books can be read out of order. It’s better to read them in order so you don’t miss any of the background information! We get to revisit familiar characters within the books. It’s always such a pleasure when Talon stops by!

The plot of this book centers around the relationship development between two characters who shouldn’t want to be together, yet can’t fight their animal magnetism toward one another. I definitely understood Anika’s reluctance, but I think Whiskey could talk me into anything!

There is a lot of back and forth dialogue in this book, but it’s crucial for the relationship development. There were some maddening exchanges, but that’s another thing I love about Bartel, is her ability to write POV convincingly and authentically. Whiskey is convincing and Anika is stubborn and afraid, for good reason. It takes a ton of discipline to be a virtuoso!

This book was hot, hot, hot in all the ways that I adore Bartel for. I love her formula. There’s always tense action and dominant badass heroes paired with sassy heroines who don’t always want to be saved even when they need it. I devoured this ARC on vacation and I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Ellen YS.
345 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2025
This book is perfection

I know that some readers struggle with Ms Bartel's writing style. It is minimalist, almost staccato, but conveys a depth of emotion that is unrivaled. Many times her words remind me of icebergs, a sentence but the small visible peak of a depth and breadth of unsaid understanding. And Whiskey is the absolute best example of this. Tie in her use of musical references in this book and you have a literary masterpiece, a sumphony of words and a HEA out of an unlikely coincidence.
Profile Image for Jane Royal.
202 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2023
HOT, COMPELLING CRESCENDO/ A WORD SYMPHONY

Sybil Bartel has written a word symphony to relationships, truth and love. In her newest in the Alpha Elites Series, aka AES… Will “Whiskey”Damien, a trained SEAL, Tier One Sniper is retuning from an assignment. As he is driving home, he sees a young woman in a gold evening dress standing on the railing of a bridge, who has just tossed something into the water below. In fear that she might jump, he is out of his SUV and running to save her. An act, he concedes to himself, will become life altering. Anika Semyon is a violinist virtuoso. She came t this country when she was five, along with her older brother Peter. Her late aunt placed a violin into her hands and Anita never looked back. Her talent and reputation soared. She is looking for her brother, who sent her a cryptic message..”Someone is coming for you.” She believes Whiskey is that man. And the journey begins as Will only wants to keep her safe. Anika will see her life and beliefs upended. He has a warmth and compassion he doesn’t realize he not only has but is capable of sharing. Anika has to make decisions about life, her family history and her music. Whiskey will protect her even if it means leaving her so as not to hurt her.
The supporting cast of characters, readers and fans of Ms Bartel’s series will recognize. The friendships and bickering are all part the men who make-up AES and her other books. Readers always look forward to seeing “old friends” and reading Their stories

“The melody in adagio espressivo e molto legato that has been running through my head since I first looked into his cerulean eyes floated in my mind……” *Ch 30) and these words will float through readers minds as they too are caught up in the twists, turns, witty dialogue, honesty, complications, tears as well as fears and a meaning of TIME so that when readers reach the Coda… they will sing! As well as appreciate the talent of Ms Bartel. A pure wordsmith. This is a TBR over and over book.
Profile Image for Alex.
35 reviews
June 21, 2023
"Let the music speak the words your soul can't say."
I wish I had a song, the perfect song to describe this book, and how it crept into my soul and embedded itself into my heart. I was foolish to think Whiskey wasn't in the running for my top Alpha! He snuck up on me like a silent ninja, and boy, does he make an impression. Another shot of Whiskey, please bartender. 😉

I thoroughly enjoyed the Heroines character. Though she had a troubled past, she was strong and confident and could hold her own towards an alpha male. She was witty, smart and beautifully talented.

This book will play your heart strings like a beautiful melody. If you are familiar with Sybils books, you will understand the significance music has to her writing. She's able to play her own melody on paper for us readers to experience. The pages weep with her song. The pure passion, heartache, and love she's able to put into her words is a testament to her story. She has a gift for writing that is unmatched. Just like the gift that brought us this book.
Oliver, we hear you. 💛
Profile Image for Victoria.
36 reviews
June 20, 2023
Jaw dropping. Just... Wow.

So Sybil is a one click author for me because I love the way she builds suspense and holy mother of all animal crackers, Whiskey did NOT disappoint.

The action was paced so perfectly to build suspense, the characters were the usual blend of nuance and mystery that's slowly unfurled, which makes an incredible, compelling, edge of your seat story.

As an aside, I LOVED fleshing out some side characters that are making me so eager for the next installment in this series.

Whiskey wasn't one of the characters I would have previously pegged as being my top interests (I have an unhealthy obsession with Blade at this point), but this is honestly one of my favorite books in the series. And that's saying something because I LOVE this series.
288 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2023
I'm Over It

Listen, Sybil Bartel is, without a doubt, a good writer. She can really tell a story! The problem I'm having with her work, after having read two dozen of her books, is that while plots may differ, her main characters are entirely interchangeable. You could take any of her leading men and drop them into any of her other books, and you wouldn't even know the difference! The only thing that change are their names and their appearances. They all talk alike, act alike, screw alike, treat women the same, and have the same stupid, immature, emotionally constipated, control freak personalities with fragile little egos that make every. Single. One. Of. Them think to themselves that they'll kill everyone who's slept with their woman prior to meeting them, and act threatening towards any man who speaks to, looks at, or is innocently, platonically touched by their woman. That's the most immature, insecure, controlling-that-borders-on-emotionally-abusive behavior! They don't want their women to dress sexily because they don't want another man seeing her looking sexy. In one book, the alphahole actually got pissed that his woman (a famous singer) had male fans cheering for her during her concert! He got so upset about it that he left before the first song was even over! That crap isn't sexy, endearing, dominant, or flattering; it's sick, twisted, concerning, and a major red flag! These types of men end up isolating their women so that they are the only person on whom she can rely. It's frightening!

Concerning actions and thoughts aside, it'd be refreshing if, for once, Sybil would actually write love interests who weren't virtually identical to every other high-handed, overbearing, obsessively controlling, disturbingly jealous jerk that'd come before him! Can at least one of these guys actually have a different personality? Could they not all be so identical and predictable? I really love her writing, I do. But it's gotten really old to read the same dang character in every. Single. Book!

Now, getting down to this book specifically, I became so upset about two-thirds of the way through that I had to stop and walk away from it for a while. I wish authors would stop using the misunderstanding/miscommunication/misleading information trope as a freaking plot driving device! When the LI in this book confessed to the MC that he'd done something heinous when he, in fact, DIDN'T do it, and she instantly hated him and a rift occurred, I was blindingly infuriated! Like, find a legitimate reason for your two main characters to break apart before the inevitable reconciliation and HEA at the end of the book; stop with the flimsy, nobody-in-real-life-would-ever-do-something-this-idiotic bull crap! It doesn't make the story better. It just makes it irritating and pulls the reader out of the world you've carefully created! I mean, suspension of disbelief can only be stretched so far before the reader screams, "Oh, come on! NOBODY would do that!" and stops reading the book out of sheer exasperation!
Profile Image for Cheryl O'Harney.
1,276 reviews21 followers
June 21, 2023
Another fantastic addition to Sybil Bartel’s Alpha Elite series. Stories of dominant, alpha heroes who work for AES and the women who bring them to their knees. Filled with just enough action and suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seat, along with the usual camaraderie and nuances of mystery go towards making Whiskey an absolute must read.  

Will “Whiskey” Damien and Anika Semyon are two characters who should not want to be together, however the pull between them cannot be ignored, their sexual chemistry is way off the charts 🥵🥵🔥🔥. Between them, there were a good few heated exchanges which made their relationship even more authentic. Whiskey is one confident man who exudes B.D.E 🍆🍆🍆, he knows what he wants, and goes after it too, whereas Anika is, for good reasons, more reluctant and afraid, she’s also stubborn which makes sense after all she is a virtuoso…

In typical Bartel style, this book was HOT, HOT, HOT 🥵🔥 Whiskey has well and truly taken poll position as being my #1 Alpha Elite Boyfriend, in saying that I don't think he’ll be at the top for long, GHOST is on the way... and I'm ready and waiting.

ℜ𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔤: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓈 & 𝐵𝑒𝓎𝑜𝓃𝒹 𝐵𝓁𝑜𝑔
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 ��𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
Profile Image for Reyne Clark.
406 reviews46 followers
June 21, 2023
“Whiskey isn’t a name. It’s a statement, calculated and measured for affect just like your smile, and they’re both deceiving.”
That line! I could read it repeatedly and savor it every time. Whiskey is a finely crafted, smooth, complex, hit to the senses, just like a good bottle of Macallan. I loved the very dominant Alpha, Will "Whiskey" Damien. And Anika Semyon is such a contrast; submissive, yet she shines. If you enjoy ex-military, security, forced proximity, slightly dark romance, with plenty of action and steam, Whiskey is a masterpiece to behold. A Symphony of Stars!
Profile Image for Gayle.
83 reviews
June 18, 2023
First off I have to say Sybil Bartel is a one click, no question, buy whatever she writes author for me. Whiskey did not disappoint.
Will “Whiskey”Damien is total domination , a sniper, a former Navy Seal, Mercenary, Teams Specialist and what’s most important he turned out to be a savior.
Being in the right place at the right time for troubled Anika Semyon. Little did they know at the time they met, it would change the course of both their lives forever.
Secrets, intrigue, cybersecurity, music, sailing the ocean, meeting up with past AES team members and yes, last but not least, our favorite surfer/medic Talon. Highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Carina Hales.
471 reviews11 followers
June 20, 2023
Each and every book on this series has been outstanding and this was another fantastic book. I loved Whiskey and Anika, she really kept him on his toes! A perfect match in every way. This had a great story running through and I literally could not stop reading till I reached the end. This had plenty of spice and Whiskey was perfect! I loved seeing more of the gang and seeing their interactions with each other. It makes me appreciate them all so much more. Overall a fantastic 5 star read and one I would highly recommend.
10 reviews
June 20, 2023
Can’t recommend enough. I have eagerly awaited the next installment of Sybil’s delicious, alpha heroes and as per usual it definitely did not disappoint! Whiskey lives up to his name - addictive and smooth but with a simmering dangerous edge. As usual we are treated to interactions between previous characters and teased with insights into future alpha heroes. If you haven’t read any of this series before, you are totally missing out! This book and her others are fantastic 5 star reads - clear your calendar and get reading!!
54 reviews
June 20, 2023
Sybil never fails to deliver a red hot alpha male time after time. Gripping story line full of intrigue, twists and turns with the inevitable love story. Whiskey is no one’s hero but his need to know everything about the heroine knows no bounds. The more he knows the more he wants. So many similarities between these two yet they are polar opposites. Absolutely Love the verbal sparing between these two it’s a prelude to foreplay. Can’t wait for the next addition to the team
54 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2023
A little Whiskey is good for the soul. The liquor and the man. I have read all of Sybil Bartel’s book and I am simply dumbfounded at how she has managed to make each and every Alpha in her series different. Whiskey is such a complex man that I have been dying to get to know his story. Anika is a lost soul and desperately needed to find someone to complete herself. Both characters were so well written and the story was simply beautiful. Sybil Bartel has once again outdone herself. Keep up the incredible writing and I cannot wait to learn more about the other mysterious Alphas!
27 reviews
June 21, 2023
Nothing neat about Whiskey

I have been waiting for Whiskey and who could stand up to him. Anika is able to go head to head with him, which is exactly what he needs in a partner. Man those winks he throws are just theathal.
31 reviews
June 19, 2023
You can’t help but fall in love with WHISKEY!!

Sybil you have done it again - Brilliantly written!
I love the playlist, the mystery, the drama, the super hot and steamy scenes, and of course it wouldn’t be the same without my favourite Talon making an appearance. You will always be my #1 FAVOURITE Author.
Profile Image for Amanda.
138 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2023
Waited hard for this one. Whiskey is the guy who pops up for one point two seconds in another story but his impression sticks with you.
He’s the kind of book boyfriend you find yourself wishing was your real boyfriend. He’s smooth and slick. A little predatory. Like a lion to a lamb. And once he sets his sights on her, well it’s game over.
I love the musical references in this one. It kind of felt like I was listening to it instead of reading. It’s a huge part of the story and I love that. A beautiful masterpiece as always.
The FMC was great. Like the perfect pairing for him. And the way she described him like music was really sweet and different. She stood her ground when needed, and gave him what for when he was too vague or wouldn’t answer questions. Her pain radiates from the pages, at the life she was given, at the loss she suffered, at the numbness that took over after a while. What she knew and didn’t know. What she could only guess at.

“Whiskey isn’t a name. It’s a statement, calculated and measured for affect just like your smile, and they’re both deceiving.”
Profile Image for Seanne.
21 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2023
I got MORE than a just a shot of WHISKEY!

WHISKEY is the 7th book in Sybil Bartel's Alpha Elite series. I've finally caught up, in order, and have loved every Alpha hero she's crafted in these stories!
How she weaves her magic into creating these hunky, sexy and killer ex-Military men is beyond me - but that's why I love this series!! I've started to check the acknowledgments at the beginning of each book for the names of the cover models who represent each of these gorgeous men!
I get to fantasize about how they would look in the stories...and, oh boy...WHISKEY did NOT disappoint!

I've seen Whiskey appear in a few of Sybil's other Alpha Elite books, and was wondering what his story was.
He is ex-Navy SEAL; a lethal and formidable killer. Having survived numerous attempts on his own life, he eventually comes to work for Alpha Elite Security, (AES). Unbeknownst to Sybil's readers, as well as myself, Whiskey is given an assignment - an the book opens up!
When Whiskey, (Will Damien), discovers a woman, (Anika Semyon), in a precarious situation - I started flying through the pages! Will (Whiskey), is a loner and has been all his life and for good reason. He wants to forget his history. He wants to be tied to nothing and no one, until Anika appears in his life. She is a concert virtuoso and has been alone also - yet not for the same reason as Will.
That said - I don't want to spoil the book for other readers! I must say that Anika's knowledge and expertise in the world of concert music add an appealing element to their characters.
There has not been one book of Sybil's where I haven't had a jaw-dropping moment! Everything from murder, terrorism, intrigue, action, Russian antagonists, and politics; and, of course, a stubborn, headstrong woman who can stand up to this unfeeling, bitter man. All wrapped around a symphony of stars and music that brings them both together in a crescendo of love and understanding.
Once again, I was happy to see my Talon...(did I just say that?!😏)...along with Blade, Ghost, November and Delta, (whom I can't wait to read about!), appear in the book!
I am confident that readers will find WHISKEY to be an explosive read. And...let's not forget all of the hot, incredibly steamy parts that make these dominant and powerful men bend at the knees for the women they love and protect!
First class, Sybil! I loved how you included your appreciation of music into this wonderful book!
I highly recommend reading! 🌟❤
573 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2023


5⭐️! Macallan, neat!

'I wondered what her mouth would taste like after a sip of Macallan.....'

Crisp, sweet and spicy....perhaps.

Whiskey is the 7th installment in the Alpha Elite Series and can be read as a standalone, but I strongly suggest to read this series in order for a better comprehension of the atmosphere surrounding Alpha Elite Security.

I must say this book totally surprised me, mostly because it has a very intricate and ingenious plot I didn't see coming.
Sybil mastered to perfection the way our characters' lives intersect, something that goes way beyond the simple damsel in 'supposed' distress and her Seal in a not so shining armor. Will 'Whiskey' Damien didn't know that saving the woman on the bridge would represent saving both of them thereafter.

Whiskey was star-struck with Miss Little Fiddler (can you guess where does the nickname come?), he felt she needed rescue, but couldn't imagine what kind. Anika, as a public figure, was a very solitary soul. Abandoned by the person she loved the most and having lived a life of rules and strict boundaries, that night, on the bridge, she unraveled.....by loss, grief and a very uncertain future. It was a moment of freedom, but one of no joy or meaninful cadence. It pretty much represented the end of the status quo, perpective and significance.

I loved Whiskey and Anika together. Alpha dominant, possessive and a protector, Whiskey is no different from his co-workers at AES, but I was really amazed by the capacity to shed his military personna to an almost seemingly relaxed demeanor and opening to a fair word exchange with Anika. She was torn, angry and momentarily rebel, she asked and responded as a challange, feeling the mood and giving as hard as she got. They understood each other, they contended and disagreeded, verbally sparred (in a very subtle way, I might add), but ended completely embedded in one another.

There were desperate moments in a hostile reality and even in their domain of fickle possibilities, they respected and rooted, always.
And, in an environment of such hardship, they found a 🔥❤️way❤️🔥 to the ❤️heart❤️ and to posterity, together, as one!

I feel complete as well, one Alpha at the time!
Thank you Sybil!🥰
Profile Image for ♥ I’d Rather Be Reading ♥.
2,721 reviews
January 21, 2024
2.5 stars

- Main Couple: Whiskey (aka Will) / Anika
- POVs Included: Dual POVs (Whiskey, Anika)
- Book Playlist (The Alpha Elite Book Series Playlist)

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-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)

Whiskey finds a woman standing on a bridge on his way back from a sniper mission. Anika is a virtuoso violinist and is heartbroken by her brother's death.

The two of them grow closer and more intwined. Until Will finds out that his latest sniper mission hits too close to home for Anika.

-----------------------------------
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REVIEW:

Just okay.

I pretty much saw the whole thing coming with Anika's brother being one of the men assassinated by Whiskey and Ghost. Not a surprise, but interesting nonetheless.

Still, this was really the primary plot. There is really no danger to Anika personally and so there wasn't a whole lot of suspense going on in this one.

Whiskey/Will was okay, but sounds much the same as the other MMC's in this series. I read another review that commented loving Sybil Bartel's writing, but being annoyed that all her heroes sound exactly the same. I wouldn't go as far as to say ALL her heroes sound the same (and I've read just about everything she's written -- over 30 books). But I will agree that most of the heroes in the Alpha Elite series in particular sound the same. They all have virtually the same manner of speaking and dominance. There isn't very much of a variation in personality going on. And that might be part of the reason why this series is boring me. But I just can't give up on her because I've loved all her other series'!

Anyways, Anika was actually an improvement from some of her other heroines though. She was still a bit soft spoken, but not a complete doormat. And she didn't do stupidly annoying things. Yay!

I did like this book better than some of the others in the series, but not by very much.

Overall it was an okay read. A little boring and not much going on plot wise. But I'm just a sucker for sexy ex-military guys so here I am, still reading. lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ravenblackbird74 .
170 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2023
“The hard notes need to be played in order to appreciate the beauty in the soft ones. There is no pianissimo without fortissimo.”

Whiskey is the seventh in the Alpha Elite Series. As the series suggest, Whiskey is a complete Alpha hero. The chemistry between Will “Whiskey” Damien and Anika Semyon is incredible. I appreciate that while Whiskey is the kind of guy who operates on his own and is accustomed to controlling his universe; Anika does’t allow herself to be overshadowed by his dominant nature. Together, they set out on an intense journey of international crime and self discovery. I enjoyed their developing relationship as Whiskey was also challenged to give Anika her own space to make her own choices about her future and about him. She is music, art, creativity and he is by his own definition an ‘eliminator.’ Their relationship is quite a unique combination of life and death.

I especially enjoyed the way music is woven throughout the book. It is more than just stating Anika is a world class violinist. Every part of her love of music is a piece of her character. Even when she questions her desire to ever play again, music still surrounds her. It is how she sees and hears the world. “He ate noise. The man more soundless than any recording studio I’d ever been in, I knew immediately why he was here.” Furthermore, she is full of little secret surprises that intrigue not only the reader, but Whiskey as well.

Although previous characters make appearances, the author gives enough backstory to provide continuity so this can be read as a stand alone. I received a free advance reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is not the first time I’ve read one of Sybil Bartel’s works. I love the way she creates strong alpha heroes and the women who love them.
Profile Image for Brittany.
262 reviews7 followers
June 28, 2023
Whiskey by Sybil Bartel
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Whiskey is the 7th book in The Alpha Elite Series and it was amazing!
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Will “Whiskey” Damien doesn’t exist. Not really anyway, when you’re recruited into Navy Seals special forces and spend your life doing the unthinkable you have to leave your past life behind. Good thing Whiskey wasn’t a huge fan of his life prior to the Seals.
Now he’s out of the military and working for AES Alpha Elite Security, an exclusive private security company owned by Adam “Alpha” Trefor who employs only the absolute best of the best who need to use their particular skill set somehow after leaving the military.. AES is the closest thing to a real family that Whiskey has ever known their support and loyalty runs deep.
After a mysterious assignment Whiskey meets Anika Semyon, violin virtuoso and the only woman who has ever captivated his attention so much that he HAS to know more about her.
Except there’s more to Anika that he or she even realizes and the secrets of both their pasts could either get them both killed or kill any chance they have at happiness.
In the world of the military elite danger is your constant shadow. What happens when that shadow starts following the only woman you’ve ever wanted more with?
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5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5🌶🌶🌶🌶
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#Whiskey #AlphaEliteSeries #SybilBartel #BookReview #BookRecs #SpicyBooks #AlphaRomance #MilitaryRomance #ReadersOfIG #Bookish #Bookstagram #SpicyBookRecs #BookwormLife #Bibliophile
Profile Image for Kate.
23 reviews
June 20, 2023
My New Favorite! 5/5 Stars!

Whiskey was absolutely phenomenal!! I have read and loved every book by Sybil Bartel but this one completely blew me away. Whiskey has made appearances in other AES books, but we finally get to see his story and who he is behind the scope of his rifle and OMG! He is definitely my new favorite AES hero!

This book is the 7th book in the AES series and the storyline was filled with captivating suspense, superb action and hellooo romance!! Whiskey and Anika are focused on very different crafts in life but together their chemistry was explosive. The way Sybil wrote their banter and dialogue propelled the storyline and really showed her talents as a writer. I was blown away by how the author crafted Anika’s voice. Sybil is definitely a virtuoso in her own right!!

Whiskey and Anika have both suffered, and my heart ached for them at times, but they get their HEA and I loved every minute of it! I also loved seeing the other AES characters in this book. There are familiar faces such as Alpha, November, and of course Talon, but also we get to see Blade, Ghost, and Delta in action and OMG are they hot hot hot!!

5/5 Stars and I CANNOT wait for the next AES book
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
2,124 reviews77 followers
June 19, 2023
“Whiskey” by Sybil was my first book I’ve read by her, and it did take me a little bit to get into but I ended up really enjoying it. I was looking forward to getting this book, I love military/men in uniform romances and this did not disappoint. Once everything really started to get going I couldn’t put it down!
When Will, AKA Whiskey, is assigned a mission and then later ends up pulling a woman he believes is going jump from a bridge, he has no idea how much she’s going to change his life.
I really felt for Anika. From the beginning with her phone call from her brother to the end and the letter from her brother, my heart felt for her. And the flashback moments with him, it was a little sad and emotional. I was really surprised and shocked with the revelations surrounding her past.
I loved seeing Whiskey let himself fall for Anika. They were exactly what each other needed and were perfect for each other. How he was with her was great and that proposal at the end!!! Oh my gosh, I loved how he described the ring he got for her and the meaning behind it.
I’m really interested in Alpha’s story and am excited for Delta’s!
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,219 reviews34 followers
June 23, 2023
Intense was the word that kept coming to mind from the outset of Whiskey and the intensity did not abate throughout the book. Will 'Whiskey ' Damien is lethal in ways you can't imagine. He's seemingly emotionless as he handles his missions. Yet the 'one that got away' may be the thing that gives him pause. Meeting Anika Semyon is life altering for Whiskey. She pulls emotions out of him that he long ago had abandoned or stuffed so deep inside of himself they would never see the light of day. She has him doing and saying things that no one else ever has. Anika is beautiful, wildly talented, a world renown violinist and as feisty as they come. Yet, she's neither happy nor fulfilled in part due to what she believes is her brother's apparent mental decline. Having Will 'talk her off the ledge' begins a relationship journey that neither one could have anticipated. He's brusque, dominant and bossy. As much as she tries to deny it both inwardly and outwardly, he sets her on fire. The push-pull between Anika and Will makes for some interesting encounters. I liked the way Anika's thoughts were compared to music. This couple lights up the pages and makes reading their story compelling.
723 reviews7 followers
June 26, 2023
Whiskey is book 7 of the AES series and while they are each stand alone books, I think you would enjoy them more if read in order. Saying that, I need to go back and read the ones that I haven’t because Will has left my mind wheeling!
We know Will works for AES and in knowing that we know he has specialized skills that he uses. One assignment he was called in on was to end a target but someone else did it for him.
Anika, loved her violin and her brother, nothing else mattered to her. Getting ready to go on stage and play, she received a phone call from her brother but it wasn’t a joyous one! He told her things that she didn’t want to hear but things he needed to say…….when he hung up the phone, she never heard from him before he died.
Will found Anika on a bridge while she was throwing things over and he was so afraid she was going to jump! He had to keep her from going over, he had to get to her and keep her grounded.
Anika and Will find themselves in some intense situation but she finally finds the truth about not only her brother but her parents and her aunt that brought her to the states.

I loved this book and can’t wait for Delta!!!
Profile Image for Colleen White.
31 reviews
June 20, 2023
I Think I am Drunk on Whiskey

This is Sybil Bartel’s best book so far in this series. Believe me this book was worth the wait. I read this book over two days, and it was like a really good drink, something that needed to be savored. This is the first time I got lost in the characters, their actions, their thoughts, and their emotions. I was pulled in several directions and I was sometimes holding my breath, wondering if the characters could withstand one more thing thrown at them by fate. By the time they get their HEA, you feel just as happy as they feel once they let go and reach for what they want. The action, the suspense, the push and pull between the main characters, all make this the spectacular symphony that is this story. If you have not read any of Sybil’s previous Alpha Elite books, pick this book up, you will not be disappointed, then go back and read all the previous books in the series because you do not know what you have missed.
Profile Image for Lara Hill.
25 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2023
Holy hot alpha Seal !!

Sybil is a master at writing books with the level of detail on key things that actually educates you on that topic and its clear that much research goes into the creation of her books. I feel like I had a music lesson, a military lesson and an alpha male lesson all from reading one book.

Whiskey surprised me, for the clinical, methodical & calculated alpha Seal that he is, I actually loved the soft side of him. While he certainly was dominant he also showed a gentle side you wouldn't imagine was possible considering his life and occupation.

I loved that Anika had a backbone, she wasn't willing to give up control unless it was her choice and even when confronted with a plethora of scary alpha AES men, she still held her sh!t together.

Nothin' doin'... be still my heart... Plenty of our fav's playing cameo roles as always.

Another awesome addition to this series, go one click it !.
Profile Image for Madame Smarty.
549 reviews
October 23, 2023
UGH this series is doing my head in and not in a good way. I’m actually hating it more and more, and the only reason I persist is because I LOOVE Sybil Bartel and am obsessed with her books.

Except for the Alpha Elite series.

They are just so damn hard to read... The dialogue gives me whiplash, their conversations do NOT flow, AT all. What the hell is up with the constant answering a question with a question? I mean, some of the time YES that’s great and works really well. But this series is absolutely plagued with it and most of the time, the question in response doesn’t even make sense ffs.

I can deal w all the military terminology, can handle the special ops talk, can even try and imagine every. Single. One. of these damn alphas looking so huge and built and fkg expressionless (surely they’re all starting to look the same??). But this bizarre, stilted dialogue between the main characters, is just fkg annoying and does not add any value to the story. It detracts from it and is putting me off wanting to continue reading it altogether.


Now at 63%; WHAT in the ACTUAL HELL is going on!!?? This book is FKG WEIRD. Now all of a sudden, Whiskey is about to turn on Delta ffs and we’re supposed to understand why 😨! ? This is such bullshit, story does not make ANY sense. The whole thing just feels rushed and shallow. Sudden switch to more military terms that we’re obviously supposed to know... Not going to apologise for not flicking over to Google when I’m already bewildered.
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