Impossible Choice

Unchecked #2

by Sybil Bartel

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.

(91,000 words )

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, New Adult, Suspense

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2015

About the author

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.

Reviews

[R. Beach · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems like I'm one of the rare few who couldn't stand Layna by the middle of this book. She's immature to the extent I'm ready to side with the bad guys and take her out. I DNF at about 67%. Maybe it would have improved but I just couldn't stomach any more of Layna/Jennifer's ridiculous reactions to everything they were doing to keep her safe. Bitching, moaning and complaining about every little thing they were doing to keep her safe from people who she even admitted she was scared of.

What was she worried about with the cameras and security following her? The security people seeing her drunk most of the time or behaving like a brat the rest of the time or kissing/hugging on Talon when she LOVES Buck (riiiiight) .

I love Buck and I love Talon but Layna... no... just no. She's not strong enough to be with these heroic men. She's just a baby brat diva. I much preferred the Tarquin/Shaila set of books. The troubles they had made sense. Tarquin had his problems which rose from his upbringing and Shaila had her issues again from her upbringing. But they both had good reasons for everything they did. Layna, was just a whiny rich bitch who never appreciated anything she had until she was close to losing it or had already lost it.

Gonna try and finish this series out since the last book is Blaze's POV. Maybe I won't have to hearall her cringy mental decision processes combined with her whining and drinking.

One other thing that niggles at me that I never knew since I just assumed all these men were in their upper 20s or low 30s is their ages having read other books of hers first. Andre is supposed to be 25 years old, same as Talon, and Buck if I remember this right. These men have all been in the military together but Talon and Andre have been out for awhile. So they just served like 3-4 years or something. Pretty sure you have to be 18 to go into the military. And with all their special trainings for Force Recon and SARC's and Seals I'm no sure they could have jammed that much in in 7ish years. And according to my research 8 years is the minimum if you're a SEAL unless your injured severe enough not to pass the PT requirement. Sarcs is a 2 year program for navy so I guess Talon could have been in and gotten out but it apparently is somewhat a rare thing to leave your unit in the lurch like that so I wouldn't understand why he left after only serving 5 or so years. Maybe I'm wrong but timing just seems way too messed up for all these men. Wish I'd skipped this trilogy. Liked her other series much better.

p.s. Oh and don't get me started on how much they are all (the guys) trying to get this girl (not a woman in my book) to eat. But she could drink ALL THE TIME even when she was pregnant. I'd pretty much say she was suffering from anorexia nervosa mixed with alcoholism because she always acted like she couldn't/wouldn't eat but she sure could pound tequila.

[Elizabeth (Liz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm convinced...she totally chose the right guy. Love!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars!

“Life is a gift.” I knew that now. I was proof. Buck was proof. We’d both been given a second chance. “Every minute I get to spend with you is a gift. I’m not going to waste it.”

Impossible Choice picks up right where Impossible Promise left off. Layna is finally free from her past and is finally ready to live her life with Buck. However, Buck is a military man and it’s time for him to go back off to war. Neither one of them were expecting Buck to return home early. So, when Buck returns home wounded, it completely destroys Layna. The reality really hitting home. The fear taking over and making her see that Buck can get hurt or worse die. Buck is not the same when he comes back home. He is distant and angry. Layna is desperately trying to hold things together when another tragedy strikes. Once again bringing the two of them together. Buck and Layna have been through so much. How much more can one person take? Layna will find herself asking that exact question. She thought her past was dead and buried. Only to find that one villain just won’t go away. Will Layna and Buck ever be free? Will the two of them get the happily ever after that they deserve?

Impossible Choice was a fantastic read. It picks up right where the last book left off and kept me begging for more. I did not want to put this book down. I devoured it one sitting. Impossible Choice is well-written and captivating. I easily got lost in the characters and their story. I loved the sort of, but not really love triangle. You have to read it for yourself to really understand what I mean. I loved the push and pull between these characters. Their emotions so real, so palpable. In the end, you knew who Layna was really in love with. There never was any real question.

I absolutely loved Buck. He was 100% alpha male. He knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it. He was fiercely and I mean fiercely protective of Layna. I found it to be very entertaining. Layna did frustrate me at times. I wanted her to just trust in Buck and their relationship. That being said, I understood her actions and how real her fears were. And Talon. Boy do I just want him to be happy. He is the most amazing friend. He is funny and caring. And a great protector. He also has some ghosts that haunt him, but I’m really hopeful that he will get a chance to tell his story.

Impossible Choice will take you on a fantastic, emotional ride. Buck and Layna’s story will tug and really pull at your heart. Their story is filled with angst, romance, and action. There is never a dull moment. I loved the twists and turns along the way; they really kept me guessing. I loved the anticipation and couldn’t wait to see how everything would play out in the end. My only complaint is that the story is over!! Sybil Bartel is a new author to me, and let me just tell you: I am blown away by this series! I can not wait to read more. This is an author to definitely watch out for.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via Xpresso Book Tours, in exchange for an honest review*

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *

~ 3 Stars ~

It kind of pains me to say this but Impossible Choice wasn't what I expected it to be. With that said I did enjoy the book as a whole, but I think it was just too long and the first 30% of the book was drawn out. I guess you could just say I wasn't WOW'd by it.

I did like that this book took off right where book 1 (Impossible Promise) ended. We didn't lose any time there. I think the reason I couldn't give it the same rating as book 1 was because I think this book still revolved around a love triangle per say. And love triangles are not my favorite. I thought the whole Talon storyline was going to be finished in the first book, but that was not the case. Talon played a HUGE part in this book as well, which then led to unneeded drama between Layna and Blaze (Buck). Like I said before if this book would've started with the storyline at about 40% then I think this would've been a 4 star read for me.

As with book 1, I thought the writing was good and the storyline was intriguing enough to keep my attention and want to finish the story. The flow of the story was spot on, I just thought the pace was a little slow for my taste. I thought the troubles that Layna and Blaze were having in their relationship took away from the true plot of this story and that was the revenge plot against Layna and Blaze. I don't want to say too much about that because it would spoil the book for others, I just wish it would've been more of the focus.

I liked getting to know more characters in this book. I am kind of hoping we get a spin off book featuring Andre and Ariel and her son Conner. I do also hope that someday we will get to see Talon get his HEA. I liked that we got more of his past in this story, my heart broke for what he went through.

As with the first book, Sybil did bring out many of my emotions with this book. I think my over all emotions that she touched the most on were Anger and Heartbreak. One thing I did notice that Sybil did in this book was she made Layna's true age of 19 come out more in this book. I remember in book 1 having to remind myself she was 19 because she acted more mature. That was not the case in this book. I felt her character changed and not for the better.

I'm sorry if this review seems negative, I don't mean it to. I would still recommend this book to anyone who has read Impossible Promise or is looking for a duet of books that include mystery, suspense, drama, angst and romance. Just because this wasn't a 5 star for me doesn't mean it won't be a 5 star for others. I do look forward to reading more books by Sybil in the future.

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[Ishabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review and as part of the book's blog tour promotions.

I read the first book. While I liked it, I couldn't quite connect to the hero as much as I wanted to. I mean, he was a great character and all, but I felt like he wasn't relatable and I really found him to be stiff. This book made up for all my hesitation. In this book, the hero was real, emotionanlly charged, even almost tangible.

This second book is a test of strength, in the midst of adversaries, of loneliness, of a war that everybody fights but nobody wants. This book shows that the characters have all developed from how they were in the first book. There was always something that was happening on every page, so it was really easy to get lost in the book. And that's a very good thing.

If you haven't read the first book, I strongly urge you to do so. While I personally feel like it wasn't as good as this one, that first book will introduce you to the main characters, their background story, their history, how and when their story began and why they always had seemingly insurmountable challenges to face. When you've read the first book, move on to this right away. The two books will definitely hook you in and get you invested in the whole story.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

copy received from Netgalley for honest review
this is a continuation of the first book and a better story for me. In the first book I wasn't sure who the love interest was, Buck or Talon. In this it clearly is Buck. We get more Buck and Layna, Talon is still there being too close and flirty. He is an interesting character but I wanted to to see the relationship grow between Buck and Layna. This book picks up right where the first book left off. with all that Layna went through, you really forget how young she really is. I was really starting to not like her. She made a lot of immature and silly decisions in this story but again she is very young and inexperience dealing with men. Buck is the ultimate alpha marine. It was hard for him to communicate his feelings to Layna. they had quite a few silly misunderstanding. In the first book they really did not have time to really get to know each other. this one had them revealing a little more as it went along. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read Talon's.

[Rachel Hogya · Rating 3 out of 5]

It Ended Fine, but the Beginning was a hot Mess!

I almost gave up reading this book about a third of the way through. Layna and Bkaze were both so unbelievably moody and immature, breaking up and running away from each other at the drop of a hat over either nothing or the tiniest little thing! Half the time I couldn't even figure out exactly what had set them off! Frankly, neither one of them had any business being in a relationship! I gave a little leeway to Layna because she's a teenager, but that only goes so far. She's not just immature and moody, she's also a one-woman, walking sh*t show of bad decisions and NEVER learns her lesson after making the same mistake over and over! If I were Blaze, I'd have dumped her and moved on quick! Conversely, if I were Layna, I'd have dropped his overly controlling, hypocritical, moody, emotionally unavailable a** as fast as I could and never looked back! I think they're a toxic combination.
Thankfully, before the book ended, they both grew up a bit and pulled their heads out of the a**es, but I almost quit reading the book before getting there because I couldn't stand either of them! It was physically and emotionally exhausting reading their relationship drama!
I also take issue with a couple of things from the plot. This part of my review contains some spoilers, so you've been warned! The issues they had with Shorty were so easily solveable that it drove me nuts! This guy was constantly showing up, threatening them, blackmailing them, pointing guns at them, and even shooting at them, and the most Blaze ever did was beat the guy up a little bit and send him off so he could keep coming back and doing it again! Here are my problems with that: Florida is a Stand Your Ground state. The second Shorty stepped foot on their property and raised guns at them, threatening them, and especially once he got off some shots, they had every right to kill him where he stood! It's improbable that someone as violent and agressive as Blaze wouldn't have ended that scumbag, especially since he was endangering Layna, someone Blaze was highly protective of. It would've been legal, and it would have immediately solved all their problems. Even people that aren't aggressive or violent would've shot Shorty or at the very least, called the cops, but Blaze never did either of thise things! I'm aware that Sybil wrote it that way as a plot device, but the problem with that is if your plot makes your characters act in a way that is that's not only contrary to their nature and the law, but contrary to what any sane person would do, your plot needs to be revised! You can't sacrifice believable and consistent characters just to have a plot. It requires the reader to not only suspend disbelief, but to also suspend all logic and essentially turn off their brain! It's insulting and it's lazy writing! Either find a logical reason for why Blaze wouldn't do everything in his power to protect Layna (like he constantly says he will) and solve their problem (like he also constantly tells her he's going to), or rework the plot so that you're not making your character someone you've spent two books convincing us he is! For all the above reasons, I couldn't give this book more than 3 stars.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Please read Impossible Promise first. Although the previous book did not end on a cliffhanger this book is a continuation of Blaze and Layna's story. Just when you thought Layna's past has been resolved new threats arrive. Coinciding with this Blaze and Layna's relatonship spirals and starts to disintergrate can they reconnect or is their love lost forever. With Layna's life in danger once again will the lovers finally get together. Once again another good read with plenty of angst and a suspenseful storyline and questions from the previous book answered. Recommended read.

[Flo₂₂ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok so..i was like...what the hell is Sybil doing here...for all the first book and more than an half of the second i was like...wtf..why is she forcing this two as a couple when she invested wayyyyy to much time writting about her and Talon...come on...all will be great if she cut from this story you know?
poor Blaze was like a shadow for most of it :(anyway i loved the story,trying to forgot the excess of Talom xD

[Karen Lovvorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great duet!

Second book in the duet. Blaze Johnson, 6’4” hardcore marine and his exotic beauty Layna try to figure out their relationship. Standing in the way is her 3 year battle with the criminal who killed her parents. All the players from Luna and Associates, plus their friends are here!

[Linda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A whole lot of love

A happily ever after does not come easily for this couple. Its as if every obstacle is put in their way, but the undergoing love between them keeps pushing forward. This series is one that goes beyond a "good read" and masterful writing to next level captivating storytelling. Bartel is one author I plan to follow for a long time to come.

[Juli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT! Review consist of all three books. See the last book.

[Dan & Jen Brooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

So addicted!!

My second time reading this serious and it's just as addicting as the first time I read it!! I love all of Sybil's books!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripped my heart out and put it back together

I was crying 76 pages into this book. It tore my heart out and put it back together again. 5 stars. Would read again

[DanielleGN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me feeling all the feels, I really loved it. 💙

[Julie Serson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

I love layna and blaze they are such a good fit. This book was heartbreaking is places but i loved the storyline it was fast paced with action and romance this is a definite read.

[Amber Swinford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impossible Choice picks up shortly after Blaze deploys to Afghanistan, leaving Layna heartbreakingly lonely and lost without him. Part of what I love so much about this book is that the author doesn't pull punches when it comes to the difficult feelings. Loneliness, anger, fear, jealousy, lust...they exist, and we all feel them. The characters in this book feel them. Things aren't always picture perfect and beautiful, with the hero and heroine skipping off into the sunset, everyone fulfilled and no feelings hurt. And, as much as it shreds the heart to read those kinds of truths, it makes the characters so much more real and relateable.

"I craved him--his touch, his smile, the intense way he looked at me. I missed him more than I missed my parents and that scared the hell out of me."

That quote. Right there. That's what connected me to Layna's emotional state at the novel's opening. Can I relate to sitting bored in my bikini by the pool at my ritzy house in South Florida? Ha. Not even close. But I think that deep yearning--the craving--is something we can all relate to. Add to that yearning a sense of missing love, of feeling a total loss of security and certainty about your place in the world? A loneliness that surpasses that felt with the loss of ones parents--for many, the providers of a person's first and deepest sense of belonging and security--is a deep kind of loneliness that brings with it a gnawing, aching emptiness. Now hold on to that feeling for a minute. Imagine that one of your best friends in the world (who also happens to be a devilishly sexy man) shows up with his smiles, hugs, and abs of steel.

"Every reason why I'd thought I'd once wanted Talon seeped into my bones like poison. He laughed, he played, he teased. He wasn't half way around the world, fighting a war I couldn't see, he wasn't even a marine any more."

There has always been a tangible attraction between Talon and Layna, and it's not hard to see why. Talon, despite his shortcomings, is a genuinely good man. And when he decides he cares about someone? It's for good. So, really, it's no surprise that Layna is, once again, tempted by the sinfully sweet apple that is Talon, is it?

"But Buck was--a complex, strong, silent marine. He carried the world and shouldered responsibility because that was the type of man he was. He didn't make it look effortless, he made you not realize he was doing it. And I loved him."

Oh yes. But wait. What about Buck? I'll admit that I didn't really connect with Buck in book 1, Impossible Promise, but everything here? The complexity, strength, and silent shouldering of responsibility? It really comes to life in Impossible Choice, making Buck more real...more tangible. This isn't just a cheap romance novel where the heroine goes with the sexiest man because he rocks her world and treats her like a queen. There's more to it, and this book really makes it possible to see why, as delicious as Talon is, Layna chooses Blaze. And THAT is an essential knowledge that makes everything else in this book come to life, grab you by your heart, and refuse to let go. And we're just a few chapters in...

"The light went out, the bedroom door closed and I knew. Nothing was ever going to be the same. I would never sleep again without nightmares. I would never watch him deploy without fear. I would never be free as long as he was at war."

Never having been a military wife (or significant other), my understanding of their everyday struggles before reading Impossible Choice was abstract at best. The way that Bartel paints it here, though? As a constant fear, keeping Layna a prisoner of war for as long as Blaze is fighting? It makes the pain more real, and it makes Layna's wish for Blaze to be done with the Marine Corp about so much more than a selfish bid for attention. It's about survival, connection, and peace.

"He wanted me to need him. He needed me to need him, body and soul, like he thought he needed me. He didn't want to be alone in this. He was lost like I was lost and suddenly I realized that if we were lost together, nothing would be insurmountable."

The most beautiful part of Impossible Choice, though, was Layna's realization of the equity in their need for one another. Their relationship isn't just about Layna needing security and affection from Blaze. It's about Blaze needing that tether to his life outside of deployment and war. It's about Blaze and Layna being lost together and, with each other, finding their way home.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Christina Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

**This book was sent to me in exchange for my honest review**

Another steamy, drama-packed story from Sybil Bartel! This is the second book in the Unchecked series and I must say that I enjoyed this story a bit more than the first book, IMPOSSIBLE PROMISE. I felt that I got to know the characters a whole lot more and I was able to understand them in a manner that I don't think was possible with just the first book.

We pretty much pick up where the last book left off, give or take a bit of time, with Layna trying to deal with Blaze's deployment to Afghanistan -- with the help of Talon. Talon, good ol' Talon, probably one of the highlights of the two books, is definitely his ever flirtatious and ambiguous self. But his relationship/friendship with Layna is part of what makes the character development and entanglements so interesting. Nothing is just black and white. Nothing is ever simple.

Enter Blaze -- who returns from Afghanistan earlier then intended due to being injured. This very incident is what sheds the remaining ambiguity I felt when it came to, not only Blaze's character, but also with Layna's. I will admit, Layna is NOT my favorite character. But I understood her a lot more after this book.

Layna definitely grows a lot throughout this book, with the help of Talon and Blaze, who both have to put her in her place from time to time -- very lovingly (most of the time). If I have to pinpoint my love/hate feelings for Layna, it's like this -- if I met her in person, I'd respect her. But we could NOT be friends. We're too incompatible. I will say that I forgot how young she was, so that makes up for it a bit. Plus she's been through hell, but my goodness, the girl's emotions are ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE. I couldn't keep up from time to time.

I think, though, Sybil was extremely smart in giving the reader both Talon and Blaze's cool, calm and collected (mostly) demeanors. To counter the rollercoaster of emotions that is experienced when it comes to Layna. The story needed that balance, otherwise it would have been way too much to handle.

Despite Layna's demeanor, I really enjoyed how she and Blaze brought out the best and the worst in one another. Their relationship, believe it or not, is quite tangible to me. I believed it. I could see it playing out before me in real life. In fact, I'm sure I know a few people that are in relationships like theirs. One minute you're hot, the next you're boiling. Then you're ice cold. That's love for you, sometimes.

Overall, without giving anything away, I really liked the progression of this book, better than the first. Sometimes the pacing seemed a bit uneven, but by then I was too invested in the characters and the plot to really care. While this story has a plot that can carry it, I find that the characters are what really make this an engaging read. I was more concerned about the characters affecting one another versus the world affecting the characters. And that's what I love about books -- when I come to care about the characters more than anything.

So, good one, Sybil! I can't wait for more books from you!

[Caro [The Book Rogue] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why I picked this story up:

So I wasn't overwhelmed the first time around, but I thought this would be different with Blaze wounded and maybe this time Layna being the strong one. Plus, I just can't say no to all those gorgeous muscles on all those awesome marines. And who can blame me, huh? ^^

What I found:

Not at all what I expected (I find that the blurbs on those books don't really fit their content), but still tons of awesome, because Choice now had everything that Promise was missing in my eyes. Better flow, better wording, stronger on the characters.

Like before, I very much loved Layna's spunk. She could really make me laugh, because it's just so cute when she tries to threaten steel-to-the-core marines. A lot of the abstrusity in the dialogue made me laugh, but it made me wonder why Layna couldn't handle all of the crap this way, instead of turning to drinking again. She's all irrational female this time around, and while it makes for some laughs and even had me feel for her at points, I had to bang my head against the wall when she was so dumb to dodge her security (at 50% in, as I noted in mx reading status) because she couldn't handle sitting on her ass for once, trusting that the war trained, gun handling guys could deal with the trouble. WTF? Sure, it makes for action in the plot, but it ruined me liking her as a character again. I liked her better, much better, but this one dumbass move... I wanted to crawl into the pages and rip her head off. Survival instinct, my ass!

But the boys... hrrrrr yummy! Blaze showed some new shades trying out new things to find common ground with Layna. I believe Talon helped some -- and then had to take crap for it, the lovely soul -- but I think Blaze came up with most of the details himself. It was perfectly adorable, plus a lot of sexy, and even funny occasionally. LOVE him. Roak had an appearance, which made me interested in his story. Talon totally broke my heart as more of his background was revealed, and I just couldn't believe Blaze would be such an ass. I'd totally hold a grudge, and I'm not so sure if Talon really has forgiven that outburst, or just buried it under his mask with most of the rest about his wife. I definitvely want to read him falling in love again, too! And where was my favorite stormy Viking, eh? MIA, that's what (and no, even that one important moment he was present doesn't make up for him not being there the rest of the crisis!). Loved all the new additions of the security firm, but don't you dare think I'd take quantity over quality. Uh-uh!

There was already some more hints to possible further couples, and that I absolutely LOVE. Having one pair the focus is great and makes sense, but threading all books kinda together makes it even better. =)

Area Scan: Idea: 5/5 -- Style/Vocab: 5/5 -- Plot: 4/5 -- Heroine: 3.5/5 -- Hero: 5/5 -- Sidekicks: 5/5 -- Hearts: 5/5 -- Tears: 4/5 -- Heat: 5/5 -- Thrills: 4/5 -- Laughs: 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sybil Bartel’s Impossible Choice is the finale to Impossible Promise, the first book in her Unchecked series. The second book essentially picks right where the first ends. Blaze is in Afghanistan serving another tour in the Marines when he gets injured, and has to return stateside to recuperate from his injuries. Layna not only has to deal with what’s going on with Blaze, but she’s still trying to bury her past. Three years ago, Layna’s parents were murdered while she talked to them on the phone, and Layna heard everything. Until recently, she didn’t know why they were targeted, or who exactly was behind the murders, but she’s been running scared just the same. One day she meets Marine Sergeant Blaze Johnson, and he offers to help her get under the thumbs of the thugs who’ve harassed her ever since. Despite the demons that haunt them, Blaze and Layna discover that they don’t have to go it alone, and try to find a way towards each other.

The Good…:

I really enjoyed all of the characters in this story. From the main lovers, Blaze and Layna, to all of Blaze’s friends. They were all multi-layered characters that I loved unraveling, and I wished this series would continue to featuring some of them. Especially, Neil and Talon. They were both riveting characters, and I feel like we’ve only scratched their surface. I’d love to see something about them both.

The mystery of what happened to Layna’s parents, and why was pretty fascinating, and made for a tense thriller. The bad guys were bad and mysterious, and the hunt for their identities kept the action flowing, and the story moving forward. One of my favorite aspects of the story was how unpredictable it was. Maybe not the characters’ actions, as I was able to figure out how they would react once I got to know them, but the various twists and turns of the story kept me glued to the page. I was so hooked, that I couldn’t put it down, and immediately picked up Impossible Choice once I finished Impossible Promise. Cont...

[books are life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out more of my reviews on my blog http://gemmareadstoomuch.co.uk

Impossible Choices is book #2 in the Unchecked series, I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC of this book to read for Gemma Reads Too Much.

I loved the first book in this series but honestly I think this one was even better!!!

Layna was a bit of a mess in this book and I missed her spunk and fight. At times she did seem to have just given up.

Buck let’s be honest at times was a bit of a dick. But I wanted to slap him for about seconds then I completely fell for him again.

Buck is definatly what you would call a man of few words but the ones he does say rocked my world!!!

Buck is sooooo alpha his name is basically listed in the dictionary definition for possessive, sexy alpha man. His behaviour is caveman and if you are a feminist it’s probably incredibly offensive.

But if you are like me and you fall in love with the bossiest most dominant male characters then Buck is the man for you.

God every time he went alpha possessive and did the mine speech I had a mini orgasm.

The first book was seriously lacking in the sexy time scenes but never fear because book two totally makes up for that!! The sex between Layna and Buck is raw and rough and intense and holy hell was it hot!!!

I really hope this isn’t the end of this series because there are still so many of these men I want to read about. Talon, Neil and now Andre as well as all the other military hot men!!!

There’s not as much intrigue and action in this book it mainly focuses on Buck and Layna’s relationship. But I loved getting a glimpse into Bucks mind and if the author were to write these two books from Bucks perspective I would totally buy them!!!

This book rocked my world and left me horny as hell, impossible choices gets 4.5 stars from me.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impossible Choice picks up shortly after Blaze deploys to Afghanistan, leaving Layna lonely and lost without him. One of the things that I love the most is that there isn’t any sort of sugar coating feelings in this book. Every emotion possible gets felt by the characters which, in my opinion makes them all the more real. Things are not always storybook, picture perfect but life isn’t always that way either.


Layna is both easy and difficult to connect with. Sitting by the pool in a ritzy house is not really something I can relate to but hey, a girl can dream. However having that deep emotional connection was easy for me. She has such an uncertainty about her place in the world along with such a sense of loneliness that my heart just went out to her.


Talon and Layna have always had an attraction and it is very easy to see that he is a good man not to mention gorgeous but this isn’t about the heroine choosing the sexy man because he treats well or is great in the sack. No because Layna chooses Blaze and that is important. I can relate to Layna’s fear as Blaze is off fighting and wanting him to be done with the Marines. I grew up in the military lifestyle and have lived it so I know first hand how the family suffers back home.


One of the best things about Impossible Choice is that it is about both Layna and Blaze being lost together and finding their way home not only to each other but with each other. That is the one thing that made this book utterly brilliant in my opinion. The struggle is real for both Layna and Blaze, so real that I can easily name two or three couples that I know who this book could be about.

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was first posted on Blushing Reads.

[Mignon Mykel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.

I cannot express how excited I was for this conclusion to Blaze and Layna's story.

While there were parts in IMPOSSIBLE PROMISE that I didn't care for, and Layna didn't always keep my attention in a positive way, their story was one that I was excited to continue -- and the glimpse at CHOICE that was left at the end of PROMISE? Well, it definitely was enough to whet the appetite.

Yet again, we have a bit of a fiasco when it comes to Blaze-Layna-Talon. Talon opens up quite a bit to Layna (breaking my heart), Layna has some identity issues and with that come some abandonment issues, and Blaze? Well, you'd think Blaze would have learned how to read his girl by now, but I suppose, it really hasn't been all that long.

I felt that, altogether, the context of CHOICE was fuller and more thought out than PROMISE was. Layna's age shows on more than one occasion, but for a story that deals with Layna and Blaze growing closer together -- they're not together for that much of this story (as in, in the same scene). Blaze still has his protective/jealous/possessive urges when it comes to his best buddy being near Layna while he's gone but that stems from trust -- it was semi-predictible in a way, but only because there are many points in the entire Blaze-Layna journey where you're reminded just how quick they've moved from strangers to more. Blaze does prove himself though, yet again, that Layna's it for him, standing at her side when she needs him most.

With Talon opening up, a slight suspense plot, and sceondary characters getting a few more mentions... I'm yet again excited to see what Sybil will be bringing next.

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! way more than the first. I think that Layna is a powerhouse, even when she breaking down because of the crazy circumstances surrounding her life. When Blaze heads back to Afghanistan on active duty it becomes clear that Layna is not good at being alone, but she somehow pulls through, and when Blaze returns to her it is after a serious accident in which he injured, and this is where so much happens. I think Blaze really feel like he has to be a hero for Layna all the time, which was why he did not even tell her he was coming home, but the problems that they face in a relationship that is so young but under so much strain is expected, and I think they deal with it in a very realistic way. The truth is this book was hit after hit after hit for these two, and it kept me on my toes, and it really liked it. I think that this a well written glimpse into a few months of their lives, and relationships that make them who they are. I loved having Talon back, I think he is just the sweetest, and we finally learnt his story as well and there was so much to take in with that story, it was unbelievable, but Talon needs a girl, and I hope he gets one soon. Meeting some more of Blaze's friends was also a fun treat, they are all so Marine but so different. I hope that we will get to know what happens with these two in a few months, cause I don't think I'm ready to shelve them just yet.

ARC provided by Carina Press via Netgalley

[Cassie Brooker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impossible Choice by Sybil Bartel
Review done by Cassandra Brooker for Alpha Book Club
I give this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

I did like this book but it reminded me a lot of my ex and the stress I went through with him while he was away. He would keep secrets and not let me in.
Anyways Blaze is like my ex, just wants peace and quiet outside of military life but will not tell you what is going on. He keeps it bottled up and I feel like he never wanted to let anyone in epically Layna. She fought to get him to open up but he shuts her out!

After they fight so much they finally realize that they belong together. Blaze may do things differently but her learns to let Layna in so she can help him and he needs to lean that he can rely on other people.

Blaze and Layna is a beautiful couple and I do love Layna. Blaze took a while to love because he reminded me of my ex but Blaze did open up and my ex didn’t. Blaze is way better and he learns from his mistakes.
This book is recommended if you love military romance and need a great love story to put that happy and sad smile on your face. I had a smile on my face at the end for sadness and happiness. Sad it took so long for Blaze and Layna to realize they love each other and happy they finally have the love they deserve.

[Witchy Richey's Booktastic Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not wait to read this one from Sybil and I was not disappointed!

Blaze is the alpha male that I loved to hate! Half way through the book I was still hating him! Then it happen! You have to read to see what I mean!

This is such a great series and I am really hoping that Talon gets his own story because that man has so many layers, I would just like to peel him!

Layna has had such a rough life and she is only 19! She is such a strong young woman. Her age shows at times and you have to remind yourself that she is only 19 and remember what we were like at that age. Relationships are hard. Add a steaming alpha male with possession issues and nonverbal skill, a randy best friend who is hot as sin, a young girl on the verge of a meltdown and some butthead wanna be gangsters and you have a recipe for one great book!

You will want to get down and dirty with these men!

When the man you love comes to you injured, your already broken, the best friend is very tempting, where will you find your comfort!?

[♥ I’d Rather Be Reading ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

- Main Couple: Layna/Blaze (aka Buck)
- POVs Included: Single Female POV (Layna)

Buck has to go back to active duty and Layna isn't looking forward to him being gone. But when he comes back early because of an injury, he's acting distant and angry. As Layna tries to help Blaze while he recovers, she's also trying to still deal with her past.

In this one Buck is back for a lot of it, but he's very cold and distant. The whole vibe of the book is very moody and angsty. This wasn't my favorite. I feel like these two are rather toxic together. They just act way too immature most of the time.

I still don't love Layna either. She's just not my type of heroine. Kind of immature and snooty. I donno, I just don't like her that much.

Even so, the entire plot arc is still pretty suspenseful and gripping. So I'm definitely reading the final book to see how it all ends.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! But please read the book in order starting with book 1 Impossible Promise.
I could not put the book down #fastpageturner notice I read this book in 2 days! Layna, Blaze & Talon are the main characters in this book! Layna's life has been Turner upside down as you know ( if you read the first book)! Will she trust and be an anchor for Blaze or will she end up with Blaze's best friend Talon!
Find out in this book 2 Impossible Choice.