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The Alpha Escort #3
Grind
Dane
I’m silent. I’m trained. I’m lethal.
My hand skimming down your thigh, my gaze a weapon—I know more ways to kill you than please you.
But you’re not paying for my aim. You’re paying for my control. Bringing you a breath away from ecstasy, watching you beg as I hold back your release, I’ll show you exactly what you’ve been missing. Your hunger is my currency and five thousand is my price. I only have one rule—no repeats, because I’m not for keeps. I’m for sale.
One slow grind and I’ll give you exactly what you paid for.
I’m silent. I’m trained. I’m lethal.
My hand skimming down your thigh, my gaze a weapon—I know more ways to kill you than please you.
But you’re not paying for my aim. You’re paying for my control. Bringing you a breath away from ecstasy, watching you beg as I hold back your release, I’ll show you exactly what you’ve been missing. Your hunger is my currency and five thousand is my price. I only have one rule—no repeats, because I’m not for keeps. I’m for sale.
One slow grind and I’ll give you exactly what you paid for.
ebook
First published June 27, 2017
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About the author
Sybil Bartel
50 books1,235 followersSybil 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.
Sybil lives in South Florida, and she is forever Oliver's mom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
June 29, 2017
Gah!!
So good! It's now official, I'm Sybil Bartel's #1 fan-girl. This was pure trashy dominant alpha awesomeness - it hit all of my buttons and checked all of my boxes!
We first met Irina in Thrust, book 1. She was the the client who had left her husband that Alex couldn't wait to get rid of. The story picks up where Dane comes home early and is on the phone with Alex, wanting to know who's in his house. I loved the cross over portions between the books, they were really well done, and I'd always wondered what happened to Irina - and now I know. She turned out to be so much more than she'd ever told Alex. Her whole life was one dark, twisted story that Dane unravels piece by piece as he falls in love with her.
Like Thrust, this one takes place over a very short period of time. It's jam-packed with action, emotion, and smut of the super-hot, dark(ish), dominant variety. And while perhaps Irina's self-doubt and Dane's refusal to give her any real 'hope' are dragged out a bit too far, I can't say enough good things about this book, which at its heart is a love story.
We first met Irina in Thrust, book 1. She was the the client who had left her husband that Alex couldn't wait to get rid of. The story picks up where Dane comes home early and is on the phone with Alex, wanting to know who's in his house. I loved the cross over portions between the books, they were really well done, and I'd always wondered what happened to Irina - and now I know. She turned out to be so much more than she'd ever told Alex. Her whole life was one dark, twisted story that Dane unravels piece by piece as he falls in love with her.
Like Thrust, this one takes place over a very short period of time. It's jam-packed with action, emotion, and smut of the super-hot, dark(ish), dominant variety. And while perhaps Irina's self-doubt and Dane's refusal to give her any real 'hope' are dragged out a bit too far, I can't say enough good things about this book, which at its heart is a love story.
His thumb brushed at my tears and his expression turned serious. "You okay?"Loved it!!
No. But for the first time in five years, I started to feel like I would be.
December 31, 2021
Reread 31/12/2021
Instead of picking up a new book and being inevitably disappointed, I decided to end the year on a happy note by going for an author and book I love and know would cheer up my book brain no matter what.
Dane is by far the sweetest of Sybil's heroes but in no way lacks in alpha-ness. Great read overall.
Happy New Year lovelies! 💜 Hope you end this year and begin the new one with happiness. And the ones who couldn't be with their families at this time, virtual hugs to you all!
Instead of picking up a new book and being inevitably disappointed, I decided to end the year on a happy note by going for an author and book I love and know would cheer up my book brain no matter what.
Dane is by far the sweetest of Sybil's heroes but in no way lacks in alpha-ness. Great read overall.
Happy New Year lovelies! 💜 Hope you end this year and begin the new one with happiness. And the ones who couldn't be with their families at this time, virtual hugs to you all!
June 19, 2020
2.5 stars. This book was definitely a disappointment. I have read probably 5+ Sybil Bartel books thus far and generally speaking, she's a pretty steady hit for me—somewhat surprisingly so, since I don't like insta-lust/insta-love books and that is basically the definition of her plot setups. Lol, I don't know, for some reason she makes it work for me.
Books 1 and 2 in this series are great and I highly recommend them: Thrust (my review) and Rough (my review). Thrust is sexy as all hell—seriously, have a fan handy—and Rough is my favorite of the trilogy; I love the dynamic between the hero and heroine and their whole setup and storyline.
All of Bartel's series thus far are loosely connected. All the heroes are ex-military, many of them have served together, and the crossover thread is Andre Luna's security company, which is either at the center of her series or appears as a support. All the guys know each other loosely and though they are varied in terms of personality, there are definite themes: they're all super alpha, confident, very sexual, chase after the heroine, etc.
Anyway, back to Grind—both Dane and Irina have popped up in this series before. I wasn't super excited about Irina as the heroine and she was my biggest problem with this book. I just couldn't connect with her; her whole storyline seemed weak to me and in my opinion, she was pretty stupid ... one could call it naive, since she got involved with Viktor when she was 18 ... but whatever, I'm going to go with stupid—call me a bitch if you want. She gets together with Viktor ("marries" him—but possibly not? Because could be he deceived her) and agrees to give him 5 years, after which she can leave with $500k of his money. Yeah. Because that would happen. And then she does stupid shit during the book, which really annoyed me too.
Dane wasn't bad—I thought he was kind of going to be à la Neil ( Neil ), but Neil really is in a class of his own. Yes, Dane has the silent deadly-type down, but still doesn't come close to Neil—he's just in a league of his own. Anyway, I liked Dane, and he's sexy as all of Bartel's heroes are, but Irina spoiled the book for me. Wouldn't recommend. Read the others in the series though, they're really good!!
SYBIL BARTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Books 1 and 2 in this series are great and I highly recommend them: Thrust (my review) and Rough (my review). Thrust is sexy as all hell—seriously, have a fan handy—and Rough is my favorite of the trilogy; I love the dynamic between the hero and heroine and their whole setup and storyline.
All of Bartel's series thus far are loosely connected. All the heroes are ex-military, many of them have served together, and the crossover thread is Andre Luna's security company, which is either at the center of her series or appears as a support. All the guys know each other loosely and though they are varied in terms of personality, there are definite themes: they're all super alpha, confident, very sexual, chase after the heroine, etc.
Anyway, back to Grind—both Dane and Irina have popped up in this series before. I wasn't super excited about Irina as the heroine and she was my biggest problem with this book. I just couldn't connect with her; her whole storyline seemed weak to me and in my opinion, she was pretty stupid ... one could call it naive, since she got involved with Viktor when she was 18 ... but whatever, I'm going to go with stupid—call me a bitch if you want. She gets together with Viktor ("marries" him—but possibly not? Because could be he deceived her) and agrees to give him 5 years, after which she can leave with $500k of his money. Yeah. Because that would happen. And then she does stupid shit during the book, which really annoyed me too.
Dane wasn't bad—I thought he was kind of going to be à la Neil ( Neil ), but Neil really is in a class of his own. Yes, Dane has the silent deadly-type down, but still doesn't come close to Neil—he's just in a league of his own. Anyway, I liked Dane, and he's sexy as all of Bartel's heroes are, but Irina spoiled the book for me. Wouldn't recommend. Read the others in the series though, they're really good!!
SYBIL BARTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
The Alpha Escort Series
Book 1: Thrust (4 stars)
Book 2: Rough (4 stars)
Book 3: Grind (2.5 stars)
The Uncompromising Series
Book 1: Talon (3 stars)
Book 2: Neil (4 stars)
Book 3: André (TBR)
Book 4: Bennett (3 stars)
Book 5: Callan (3.75 stars)
Book 6: Roark (To Be Released)
The Alpha Bodyguard Series
Book 1: Scandalous (TBR)
Book 2: Merciless (3.75 stars)
Book 3: Reckless (3.5 stars)
Book 4: Ruthless (3.75 stars)
Book 5: Fearless (DNF)
Book 6: Callous (TBR)
Book 7: Relentless (TBR)
Book 8: Shameless (To Be Released)
Book 9: Heartless (To Be Released)
Read
June 5, 2018 DNF @ 39%
So I LOVED Book #1. Book #2 was pretty good but Book #3 was a miss for me.
Dane was always the silent deadly damaged Alpha which I normally love but the book kept having him putting down Vega which was the Hero in Book #1. Vega is my favorite Escort/Hero of the series. So every time Dane puts Vega down I am a little offended on behalf of Vega.
I wasn't a fan of Irina when she had her cameo in Book #1 so when she became the Leading Lady in Book #3 it made me *sigh* - so her entire story/background just doesn't really interest me. And the fact she has been sleeping with Vega for 3 years... just a little too messy for my taste.
I DO plan on reading the spin off series: The Uncompromising which is 6 books based on the Military Men from this series who have had cameos. I am really excited to hear about these bad ass military men!
So I LOVED Book #1. Book #2 was pretty good but Book #3 was a miss for me.
Dane was always the silent deadly damaged Alpha which I normally love but the book kept having him putting down Vega which was the Hero in Book #1. Vega is my favorite Escort/Hero of the series. So every time Dane puts Vega down I am a little offended on behalf of Vega.
I wasn't a fan of Irina when she had her cameo in Book #1 so when she became the Leading Lady in Book #3 it made me *sigh* - so her entire story/background just doesn't really interest me. And the fact she has been sleeping with Vega for 3 years... just a little too messy for my taste.
I DO plan on reading the spin off series: The Uncompromising which is 6 books based on the Military Men from this series who have had cameos. I am really excited to hear about these bad ass military men!
January 9, 2018
Hands down my favorite in the series. You don't have to read the first two books but I highly suggest that you do. The first one I loved. The second one I was iffy about. This one? Just... wow.
I can’t express how much I loved this book. Had I read it in 2017 when it was published it definitely would’ve been right up there with my favorite books of the year. Dane is just so amazing. Once he sets his sights on Irina she’s all that matters. He has his rough side but he also has the sweet and caring side. Oh, he tries to always be a bad ass but the reader (and Irina) can see straight through him. He even has a sense of humor that comes out a lot. Irina surprised me. I was iffy about reading the book because I was seriously convinced I’d despise her after seeing her in Thrust. She turned out to be much more than I expected – in a good way.
You can find my full review at -
I can’t express how much I loved this book. Had I read it in 2017 when it was published it definitely would’ve been right up there with my favorite books of the year. Dane is just so amazing. Once he sets his sights on Irina she’s all that matters. He has his rough side but he also has the sweet and caring side. Oh, he tries to always be a bad ass but the reader (and Irina) can see straight through him. He even has a sense of humor that comes out a lot. Irina surprised me. I was iffy about reading the book because I was seriously convinced I’d despise her after seeing her in Thrust. She turned out to be much more than I expected – in a good way.
You can find my full review at -
January 11, 2021
I wasn't planning on reading this because I was not interested with Irina when she was introduced in Thrust. But boy, am I glad that I went ahead and read it anyway because this one is much, much better than I expected. There was more to Irina than what was disclosed in Thrust. Her life is so fucked up and I genuinely feel very sad for her.
There's a lot of cameo from the writer's other series in this one, but I am not complaining.
There's a lot of cameo from the writer's other series in this one, but I am not complaining.
October 24, 2017
Great Book!!!
January 31, 2018
Si olvido la cuestión de tiempo, porque caray, todo de un día a otro y luego solo una semana más...
Como sea, me gustó la historia porque fue diferente en cuestión de la protagonista.
Como sea, me gustó la historia porque fue diferente en cuestión de la protagonista.
January 8, 2022
1.5 stars
Well, as the saying goes ... one man's trash is another man's treasure. Usually I'm fine with that because we all can't be virgins forever, right? But I had a problem with it here.
We meet Irina Tsarko Federov (should be Federova by the way, Sybil) in book 1, Thrust. She's a regular client of money grubbing Alex, the hero of that book, having patronized his services for a number of years. Although it's clear from Book 1 that something's up with this girl, given that she's patronizing a male prostitute and how forward she is with him, I didn't particularly get a good impression of her.
Not surprisingly, I was disappointed to find out that she was to be the heroine of Book 3, this book.
I didn't like getting a front row seat to her throwing herself at Alex in Book 1 and reading about their sex life together in full techicolor . That was TMI, esp because it was just what ...? 3 days since she was practically begging Alex to go steady with her and now 3 days later, she's in love with Dane? What? How?!
Not only that, after everything she otherwise claims to have gone through in her life so far ... is she even in the right state of mind to have a healthy relationship? I sure as heck don't think so. There's so much about herself & her life that she needs to figure out. Jumping from one entanglement to the next not only indicates some sort of deep-seated insecurity, but a fickleness toward commitment & relationships that does not bode well for the longevity of said relationship ... smdh. Furthermore, let's not forget she . She just comes across as one of those clingy ass women who always need to have a man to make them feel whole. Whatever her reasons are for behaving so easy, I don't like it.
Oh and sure, Dane falls in love with her just as quickly, but it's a bit more acceptable given his separate & personal circumstances. Dane is sweet, deliciously dominant, protective and desirous of taking care of her, by the way, but this relationship is a disaster waiting to happen! He's setting himself up for some major grief in the future with an easy woman like Irina. Maybe all she wants is for someone to love her & his love will heal her, but the cynic in me is like, hell nah. His lust is going to be his downfall. I felt a little bad for him since , but oh well, he's a big boy and should own his sh*t (not, if but when) he steps in it.
Insta-love is often an eye rolling trope in romance, but Sybil Bartel is actually one of the few authors who is talented at making it work. Not here, though. The insta-love thing was a total failure here. Just another unbelievable HEA built on damn shaky ground. Very disappointing.
June 25, 2017
OhMyGod! How is possible that these alpha crazed books always rock my world but then somehow the next one is always do much more. I never think they could be topped, but she does it every stinkin time. Alpha, hot, and hellacrazy men drive me crazy. And Dane, Oh. My. Gawd. He just stole the freaking cake and ran with it. These kind of men always break me. I mean hot, sexy, alpha, rugged, deadly, and all together an amazing guy wrapped up in one package, um, yes please!
The way he was with Irina set my heart to melting. This man knows his way around a woman, head, heart, body, All! This one can definitely be read as a stand-alone, but after reading this one, I'll guarantee you'll want to read all of these books.
This book might not be like the others but if you're a fan of sex, alpha, military, badash's you'll love it just the same. It may have a dark side but it shows the light and all the reasoning why. Give this one a go!!
The way he was with Irina set my heart to melting. This man knows his way around a woman, head, heart, body, All! This one can definitely be read as a stand-alone, but after reading this one, I'll guarantee you'll want to read all of these books.
This book might not be like the others but if you're a fan of sex, alpha, military, badash's you'll love it just the same. It may have a dark side but it shows the light and all the reasoning why. Give this one a go!!
August 12, 2017
Wow! Just loved Grind.
Dane is a one time only stud, he's a hard killer who's serious about his work and he never changes his mind about a woman, he'll use you once for a ton of money then your done, goodbye. He finds his life interrupted though when he returns home to find one of Vegas' girls waiting, that does not make him happy.
Irina has escaped from an abusive relationship, a relationship that she knew was wrong, that had humiliated her and finally broke her. Dane can see she needs help, but can he prove to her his worth and gain Irina's trust to keep her safe and ultimately coax her into his bed.
Holy Hotness! Dane is a seriously hot, alpha, male who's Dangerous with a capital D. He also turns out to be very caring, sensitive and protective too, Irina's couldn't have been in better hands. The story has a dark plot line, which is gripping and very hard to put down once started. A very well written thriller, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it!
Dane is a one time only stud, he's a hard killer who's serious about his work and he never changes his mind about a woman, he'll use you once for a ton of money then your done, goodbye. He finds his life interrupted though when he returns home to find one of Vegas' girls waiting, that does not make him happy.
Irina has escaped from an abusive relationship, a relationship that she knew was wrong, that had humiliated her and finally broke her. Dane can see she needs help, but can he prove to her his worth and gain Irina's trust to keep her safe and ultimately coax her into his bed.
Holy Hotness! Dane is a seriously hot, alpha, male who's Dangerous with a capital D. He also turns out to be very caring, sensitive and protective too, Irina's couldn't have been in better hands. The story has a dark plot line, which is gripping and very hard to put down once started. A very well written thriller, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it!
March 28, 2019
Grind
I had no idea what to expect with Grind, but Sybil Bartel did it again! She has such a way of drawing you into the story and keeping you engaged throughout. I thought Dane Marek would be a hard character to write, but she developed him nicely and even more so with Irina.
I loved this series and can't wait for more!
I had no idea what to expect with Grind, but Sybil Bartel did it again! She has such a way of drawing you into the story and keeping you engaged throughout. I thought Dane Marek would be a hard character to write, but she developed him nicely and even more so with Irina.
I loved this series and can't wait for more!
July 4, 2017
I so wanted to 5-star this one. But the fact that they had unprotected sex just merely hours after meeting eachother just threw me off.
I know that this was supposed to be a very dirty kinda romance but the ungloved loving between strangers, NO. I don't need that kind of edge in my life.
I know that this was supposed to be a very dirty kinda romance but the ungloved loving between strangers, NO. I don't need that kind of edge in my life.
August 8, 2017
Readers will find themselves on a roller coaster ride of emotions with this erotically-charged tale teeming with suspense as two bruised souls find comfort, acceptance, and a place to call home in each other's arms. It's a tale that's atmospheric, a tale that shows readers the depravity of some men's souls, but ultimately gives us hope. On a whole it's a tale that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish and leaves me wanting more as there's lots of intrigue left to explore.
Irina was once naive to the ways of the world until a chance meeting introduced her to the devil. A promise of wealth and ease soon took Irina down a dark path she never planned on, a path teeming with degradation that had her closing off her heart and soul. For five long years she allowed herself to be controlled, to have every aspect of her life dictated by a vile man who traffics in using and abusing women. One night though the degradation goes too far and has her running for her life right into the shelter of a man just as dangerous as who she's running from. The promises Dane makes are tempting and with one soft touch he reawakens her heart. Feelings long buried rise to the surface and have her thinking of the future instead of being haunted by the past. But with her new life in jeopardy Dane must ride to the rescue once again if they have any hope for HEA in a romance that races to a heart pounding conclusion. Irina's clearly lost at the start of the story, beaten down both physically and emotionally, which makes it difficult to warm up to her. To protect herself she erected a harsh and stoic facade that Dane slowly brought down through his care and compassion. Being with Dane gave her a glimpse of unconditional support and that affection can be given without expectation. It's moments like that, ones where she showed a bit of uncertainty in her concept of love, that made it easier to connect to her. She'd experienced the worst life had to offer and seeing her finally rise above it had me cheering for her.
Dane Marek's a delicious hero! A former Marine who once killed for God and Country, now kills for wealth. It makes for a lonely life though, one where he just goes through the motions, finding no comfort or anything worth dying for. Meeting Irina changes his life irrevocably and gives him a glimpse of something worth fighting for. Seeing another just as bruised by life as he brings out all his protective instincts and with each word and deed he builds her back up from the hell her Russian master put her through. Theirs is a combustible connection that pushes both of them to their limits. Not since his ex-wife left him has he felt the need to find comfort with another woman, but with Irina he finds acceptance for all the dark deeds he's done and a warm place to call home after years of coldness. Dane's a bit rough around the edges early on but caring for Irina brings out a soft side. His words are erotic at times, full of dirty talk, but at other times he whispers all sorts of sweet words that brought a tear to my eye. He was always a loner, with only his dog Hunter to count on, but when it comes to Irina's safety he doesn't hesitate in calling in his friends as they wage war against the Russian mob. From start to finish Dane's an unforgettable hero who took many lives but with Irina he saved her and set her on a path of independence. On a whole he's sexy and snarky and I'm still dreaming about him.
This was a fast-paced and atmospheric romance teeming with sexual tension and erotically-charged encounters. From the moment they met Dane and Irina scorched up the pages in numerous, almost too many at times, erotic interludes that brought out moments of dominance from Dane. Though their relationship evolved from insta-love it quickly took an intense turn where they'd sacrifice all for each other. Dane and Irina are an unforgettable couple bound through their painful pasts who find a glimpse of heaven in each other's arms. Helping this couple reach their HEA is a cast of secondary characters, former military men who are strong and supportive when they need each other most, whose mysterious histories I long to learn more about as each is more delicious than the last! Ultimately, this was a dark and gritty tale touching on the darkness of men's souls, but which gives reader's hope through the connection between Dane and Irina and it held me captive from the first page to the last!
Irina was once naive to the ways of the world until a chance meeting introduced her to the devil. A promise of wealth and ease soon took Irina down a dark path she never planned on, a path teeming with degradation that had her closing off her heart and soul. For five long years she allowed herself to be controlled, to have every aspect of her life dictated by a vile man who traffics in using and abusing women. One night though the degradation goes too far and has her running for her life right into the shelter of a man just as dangerous as who she's running from. The promises Dane makes are tempting and with one soft touch he reawakens her heart. Feelings long buried rise to the surface and have her thinking of the future instead of being haunted by the past. But with her new life in jeopardy Dane must ride to the rescue once again if they have any hope for HEA in a romance that races to a heart pounding conclusion. Irina's clearly lost at the start of the story, beaten down both physically and emotionally, which makes it difficult to warm up to her. To protect herself she erected a harsh and stoic facade that Dane slowly brought down through his care and compassion. Being with Dane gave her a glimpse of unconditional support and that affection can be given without expectation. It's moments like that, ones where she showed a bit of uncertainty in her concept of love, that made it easier to connect to her. She'd experienced the worst life had to offer and seeing her finally rise above it had me cheering for her.
Dane Marek's a delicious hero! A former Marine who once killed for God and Country, now kills for wealth. It makes for a lonely life though, one where he just goes through the motions, finding no comfort or anything worth dying for. Meeting Irina changes his life irrevocably and gives him a glimpse of something worth fighting for. Seeing another just as bruised by life as he brings out all his protective instincts and with each word and deed he builds her back up from the hell her Russian master put her through. Theirs is a combustible connection that pushes both of them to their limits. Not since his ex-wife left him has he felt the need to find comfort with another woman, but with Irina he finds acceptance for all the dark deeds he's done and a warm place to call home after years of coldness. Dane's a bit rough around the edges early on but caring for Irina brings out a soft side. His words are erotic at times, full of dirty talk, but at other times he whispers all sorts of sweet words that brought a tear to my eye. He was always a loner, with only his dog Hunter to count on, but when it comes to Irina's safety he doesn't hesitate in calling in his friends as they wage war against the Russian mob. From start to finish Dane's an unforgettable hero who took many lives but with Irina he saved her and set her on a path of independence. On a whole he's sexy and snarky and I'm still dreaming about him.
This was a fast-paced and atmospheric romance teeming with sexual tension and erotically-charged encounters. From the moment they met Dane and Irina scorched up the pages in numerous, almost too many at times, erotic interludes that brought out moments of dominance from Dane. Though their relationship evolved from insta-love it quickly took an intense turn where they'd sacrifice all for each other. Dane and Irina are an unforgettable couple bound through their painful pasts who find a glimpse of heaven in each other's arms. Helping this couple reach their HEA is a cast of secondary characters, former military men who are strong and supportive when they need each other most, whose mysterious histories I long to learn more about as each is more delicious than the last! Ultimately, this was a dark and gritty tale touching on the darkness of men's souls, but which gives reader's hope through the connection between Dane and Irina and it held me captive from the first page to the last!
January 5, 2018
No me encantó. quizás tenía altas expectativas por los dos anteriores, pero la verdad este no fue mi favorito. Dane es demasiado críptico para mi gusto, no logré meterme en su vida y por ende sus acciones me parecían sin fundamento. es entretenido, si, pero nada memorable.
August 12, 2017
Dane & Irina = An Exquisite and Scrumptious Read! 5 Stars!
Grind is an exquisite and scrumptious read. The reader is taken on an incredible roller coaster ride filled with action and suspense. Grind has steamy and passionate chemistry and scenes between Dane and Irina. Yum! It features a power and dominate alpha male named Dane. Grind is the 3rd book in the Thrust Series. Each book can be read as a standalone.
Dane is a male escort and hitman. He performs both jobs phenomenally and will exceptional skill. 'Wink!' Dane lives a fairly lonely existence with only his dog Hunter by his side. Dane likes his privacy and his space. One night Dane comes home to find that he has a house guest. He knows from the start that she needs help. Dane is loyal to his friends & military buddies. He is very protective and possessive of Irina. Dane is also a dirty talking, sexy as hell alpha male. Dane has reasons why he is male escort and rules that he always follows.
Irina is an abused and beaten woman. Her husband is a wealthy and powerful Russian Mobster. He controls Irina in every way. She is a submissive, but her husband mistreated her and her trust. His control had gone on for so long that Irina has become cold and shut down to protect herself. As she spends time with Dane, Irina finds her inner strength and determination. Irina will do what she thinks that she has to protect those that she cares about. Irina and Dane learn about love, trust and what is important to them. Will they find love and a happily ever after?
Grind is an outstanding book that will have the reading falling in love with Dane and Irina. I know that I sure did. I loved the chemistry between them and all the white hot scenes. I am now a huge fan of Sybil Bartel. I can't get enough of a dirty talking alpha male, who will do anything for his woman. The reader will not be disappointed with Grind. I highly recommend this book.
Overall Story - 4 1/2 Stars
Chemistry - 5 Stars
Alpha Male - Yes
HEA - Yes
POV - Alternating POV
Cliffhanger - No
Recommend to Others - Hell Yes
*I volunteered for the arc of this book. This is my unbiased review. I also purchased this book.
Grind is an exquisite and scrumptious read. The reader is taken on an incredible roller coaster ride filled with action and suspense. Grind has steamy and passionate chemistry and scenes between Dane and Irina. Yum! It features a power and dominate alpha male named Dane. Grind is the 3rd book in the Thrust Series. Each book can be read as a standalone.
Dane is a male escort and hitman. He performs both jobs phenomenally and will exceptional skill. 'Wink!' Dane lives a fairly lonely existence with only his dog Hunter by his side. Dane likes his privacy and his space. One night Dane comes home to find that he has a house guest. He knows from the start that she needs help. Dane is loyal to his friends & military buddies. He is very protective and possessive of Irina. Dane is also a dirty talking, sexy as hell alpha male. Dane has reasons why he is male escort and rules that he always follows.
Irina is an abused and beaten woman. Her husband is a wealthy and powerful Russian Mobster. He controls Irina in every way. She is a submissive, but her husband mistreated her and her trust. His control had gone on for so long that Irina has become cold and shut down to protect herself. As she spends time with Dane, Irina finds her inner strength and determination. Irina will do what she thinks that she has to protect those that she cares about. Irina and Dane learn about love, trust and what is important to them. Will they find love and a happily ever after?
Grind is an outstanding book that will have the reading falling in love with Dane and Irina. I know that I sure did. I loved the chemistry between them and all the white hot scenes. I am now a huge fan of Sybil Bartel. I can't get enough of a dirty talking alpha male, who will do anything for his woman. The reader will not be disappointed with Grind. I highly recommend this book.
Overall Story - 4 1/2 Stars
Chemistry - 5 Stars
Alpha Male - Yes
HEA - Yes
POV - Alternating POV
Cliffhanger - No
Recommend to Others - Hell Yes
*I volunteered for the arc of this book. This is my unbiased review. I also purchased this book.
June 29, 2017
There's no denying I'm a huge fan of this author. In my opinion she's never written a bad book.
I was really excited for Grind. Danes character got me tingling in all the right places even from the brief teasers I'd seen.
Gah this book!!!
I finished it in the blink of an eye and truthfully I think it might be Sybil's best book so far.
This isn't a fairy tale love story. This isn't a boy meets girl, falls in love and lives happily ever after story.
This story is Sybil Bartel shining and writing what she writes best. It's a complex story or abuse and manipulation. It's dark and Dane is a dominant antihero rather than a knight in shining armour.
Everyone in this book has a story to tell and neither the hero or heroine is a particularly likeable character.
But that's why this book works. With each word written Sybil reveals the core of these characters. We as readers are lucky enough to glimpse into their souls.
And I for one fell in love.
I love seeing the broken cracks of these downtrodden characters. I adore how through all the dark fucked up stuff that happens and has happened in their lives they patch each other up.
The sex in this book is at times raw and gritty but in an instant it morphs to deep and adoring. But again this couple aren't giggles and tickling. Their sexual connection is about power exchange, Dane is a controlling alpha. But even when he's telling her what to do, or what he plans to do to her it doesn't feel orchestrated or abusive. In fact for me the scenes when he is at his most dominant are in fact the most moving and powerful.
This won't be everyone's cup of tea, it has trigger scenes that will upset people. But it's only through the nasty evil stuff that we truly see this couple for what they are.
Perfect for each other.
I loved this book. I love this couple. I smiled with tears in my eyes as two broken souls, who have faced the awful realities of the dark side of life find each other and find salvation in each other.
Just beautiful.
I was really excited for Grind. Danes character got me tingling in all the right places even from the brief teasers I'd seen.
Gah this book!!!
I finished it in the blink of an eye and truthfully I think it might be Sybil's best book so far.
This isn't a fairy tale love story. This isn't a boy meets girl, falls in love and lives happily ever after story.
This story is Sybil Bartel shining and writing what she writes best. It's a complex story or abuse and manipulation. It's dark and Dane is a dominant antihero rather than a knight in shining armour.
Everyone in this book has a story to tell and neither the hero or heroine is a particularly likeable character.
But that's why this book works. With each word written Sybil reveals the core of these characters. We as readers are lucky enough to glimpse into their souls.
And I for one fell in love.
I love seeing the broken cracks of these downtrodden characters. I adore how through all the dark fucked up stuff that happens and has happened in their lives they patch each other up.
The sex in this book is at times raw and gritty but in an instant it morphs to deep and adoring. But again this couple aren't giggles and tickling. Their sexual connection is about power exchange, Dane is a controlling alpha. But even when he's telling her what to do, or what he plans to do to her it doesn't feel orchestrated or abusive. In fact for me the scenes when he is at his most dominant are in fact the most moving and powerful.
This won't be everyone's cup of tea, it has trigger scenes that will upset people. But it's only through the nasty evil stuff that we truly see this couple for what they are.
Perfect for each other.
I loved this book. I love this couple. I smiled with tears in my eyes as two broken souls, who have faced the awful realities of the dark side of life find each other and find salvation in each other.
Just beautiful.
June 29, 2017
Not many people would describe the relationship between a hired gun and an abused submissive as beautiful. Luckily, I'm not most people. But if there is one word which encapsulates the complexity of Dane and Irina's relationship, it is this.
For the record, I love Bartel's commentary on beauty. You see, according to the hero, Dane, Irina is never more beautiful than when he first sees her, and I mean, really sees her. She is on his kitchen floor, broken, hurt and confused. But he looks past this. To him, she is a survivor. The reader soon learns Irina has experienced the depravity of cruel intentions, she has become the product of years of emotional and physical abuse. Yet, she craves more for herself, despite not believing she deserves it. Now that, is the definition of beauty.
On the other hand, it can be argued that the heroine finds beauty in truth. The ugly, complex, horrifying truth. Often, she attempts to hide from it, to shut down when faced with it, hoping to protect herself from the pain associated with vulnerability. However, Dane sees past her deflections, he understands what is withheld and their connection therefore becomes a thing of beauty in itself.
Now, of course the sex in this book is molten—Sybil is a master at this. Of course the dialogue is fast paced, the secondary characters are well developed and the action scenes are intense. There is no denying it, this novel is brilliantly crafted. But it is the main characters which really steal the spotlight in Grind. It is their ability to tear you apart before piecing you back together again which will have you glued to your Kindle.
Read it, embrace it. You’ll be glad you did.
Lee Piper is an Evernight Publishing bestselling author. Rock My World, Book #1 in the Mondez series and Rock My Body, Book #2 are available now. You can find all of this information and more on her website: www.leepiperauthor.com
For the record, I love Bartel's commentary on beauty. You see, according to the hero, Dane, Irina is never more beautiful than when he first sees her, and I mean, really sees her. She is on his kitchen floor, broken, hurt and confused. But he looks past this. To him, she is a survivor. The reader soon learns Irina has experienced the depravity of cruel intentions, she has become the product of years of emotional and physical abuse. Yet, she craves more for herself, despite not believing she deserves it. Now that, is the definition of beauty.
On the other hand, it can be argued that the heroine finds beauty in truth. The ugly, complex, horrifying truth. Often, she attempts to hide from it, to shut down when faced with it, hoping to protect herself from the pain associated with vulnerability. However, Dane sees past her deflections, he understands what is withheld and their connection therefore becomes a thing of beauty in itself.
Now, of course the sex in this book is molten—Sybil is a master at this. Of course the dialogue is fast paced, the secondary characters are well developed and the action scenes are intense. There is no denying it, this novel is brilliantly crafted. But it is the main characters which really steal the spotlight in Grind. It is their ability to tear you apart before piecing you back together again which will have you glued to your Kindle.
Read it, embrace it. You’ll be glad you did.
Lee Piper is an Evernight Publishing bestselling author. Rock My World, Book #1 in the Mondez series and Rock My Body, Book #2 are available now. You can find all of this information and more on her website: www.leepiperauthor.com
August 11, 2017
Very mature content with intense sexual situations and violence. The third installment in the Thrust series features Dane. As is the case with the previous books, he is ex-marine, hot and deadly, and a high-priced male escort. There’s nothing subtle about Dane, and his filthy mouth alone might turn you on. As a $5,000 per client escort, he has one unbending rule – no repeats. One time only means no strings, just the way he wants it. He wants his privacy and solitude, just him and his dog, Hunter. When he’s asked to do a favor and take in a client for 24 hours, Dane reluctantly agrees. Then he sees the stunning, twenty-something year old, blue-eyed blonde in his kitchen. and something changes.
Irina is submissive, abused, and now on the run and hiding out from her arms dealing, Russian Mafia husband, Viktor.
As I read the pages of their meeting, other than the obvious, Dane’s attraction to Irina didn’t make sense to me, and I was disappointed. I like Dane’s character, despite his harshness, but didn’t like his match up with Irina. As a result, I didn’t enjoy this story as much as the others because of Irina's character. However, that won’t stop me from reading any other books to come because I like the interaction and individual stories of the lead male characters in this series as well as in the Uncompromising cross-over series.
Irina is submissive, abused, and now on the run and hiding out from her arms dealing, Russian Mafia husband, Viktor.
As I read the pages of their meeting, other than the obvious, Dane’s attraction to Irina didn’t make sense to me, and I was disappointed. I like Dane’s character, despite his harshness, but didn’t like his match up with Irina. As a result, I didn’t enjoy this story as much as the others because of Irina's character. However, that won’t stop me from reading any other books to come because I like the interaction and individual stories of the lead male characters in this series as well as in the Uncompromising cross-over series.
August 5, 2017
This book is so Alpha I think my husband’s balls got bigger just by me owning a copy. I think my chair will forever hold a permanent wet spot from me reading this steamy, dominating and sex fueled erotic story.
Dane is a beautiful but freighting man with an intense gaze and rippling perfectly cut muscles. He commands with his presences and his authoritative words. He is a killer and he dangerous but he loves just as dangerously.
Irina wants out of a deal she made with a devil and Dane steps into her life at the moment she needed help the most.
They both have an instant bond and chemistry that will soak your panties. Both are wounded souls and find their matches for dominance with submission in each other. Right from the beginning of the story it wraps you in the lust and the fury. There's thrills from the lust and adrenaline from this compelling story line.
If you love submission or dominance, this book has it. If you love adventure and sex, this book has it. If you want a total throbbing in your vagina when you read a romance, this is your book.
This is my first book by Bartel and it won’t be my last, especially when my husband is outta town. It is part of a trilogy but can still be read and enjoyed without feeling left out.
Dane is a beautiful but freighting man with an intense gaze and rippling perfectly cut muscles. He commands with his presences and his authoritative words. He is a killer and he dangerous but he loves just as dangerously.
Irina wants out of a deal she made with a devil and Dane steps into her life at the moment she needed help the most.
They both have an instant bond and chemistry that will soak your panties. Both are wounded souls and find their matches for dominance with submission in each other. Right from the beginning of the story it wraps you in the lust and the fury. There's thrills from the lust and adrenaline from this compelling story line.
If you love submission or dominance, this book has it. If you love adventure and sex, this book has it. If you want a total throbbing in your vagina when you read a romance, this is your book.
This is my first book by Bartel and it won’t be my last, especially when my husband is outta town. It is part of a trilogy but can still be read and enjoyed without feeling left out.
August 1, 2018
Review originally posted on Ctrl, Alt, Books!
The Thrust series is one of my favorite reads this year. Grind was a highly enthralling read. It was gritty, suspenseful and sexy as hell. It is written in such a way that you really get into the character’s head. You can’t help but feel such deep emotion for these people. Yes, they have had a horrible past but they are trying their best to move forward with their lives.
Grind isn’t as light hearted as the other novels are, not that the other books in the series can really be considered light hearted anyway. The contents of this book are dark but also hopeful. The struggle of the characters feels real, as if it were happening to a dear friend of yours.
Sybil Bartel has become one of my favorite authors. She writes in such a captivating way. I love all the detail she includes, it really gives the reader a good picture of the story. There are several of her other books that I have on my “to read” list. I can’t wait to continue the Thrust series!
5/5
~Layna
The Thrust series is one of my favorite reads this year. Grind was a highly enthralling read. It was gritty, suspenseful and sexy as hell. It is written in such a way that you really get into the character’s head. You can’t help but feel such deep emotion for these people. Yes, they have had a horrible past but they are trying their best to move forward with their lives.
Grind isn’t as light hearted as the other novels are, not that the other books in the series can really be considered light hearted anyway. The contents of this book are dark but also hopeful. The struggle of the characters feels real, as if it were happening to a dear friend of yours.
Sybil Bartel has become one of my favorite authors. She writes in such a captivating way. I love all the detail she includes, it really gives the reader a good picture of the story. There are several of her other books that I have on my “to read” list. I can’t wait to continue the Thrust series!
5/5
~Layna
August 1, 2018
The Thrust series is one of my favorite reads this year. Grind was a highly enthralling read. It was gritty, suspenseful and sexy as hell. It is written in such a way that you really get into the character’s head. You can’t help but feel such deep emotion for these people. Yes, they have had a horrible past but they are trying their best to move forward with their lives.
Grind isn’t as light hearted as the other novels are, not that the other books in the series can really be considered light hearted anyway. The contents of this book are dark but also hopeful. The struggle of the characters feels real, as if it were happening to a dear friend of yours.
Sybil Bartel has become one of my favorite authors. She writes in such a captivating way. I love all the detail she includes, it really gives the reader a good picture of the story. There are several of her other books that I have on my “to read” list. I can’t wait to continue the Thrust series!
5/5
~Layna
Grind isn’t as light hearted as the other novels are, not that the other books in the series can really be considered light hearted anyway. The contents of this book are dark but also hopeful. The struggle of the characters feels real, as if it were happening to a dear friend of yours.
Sybil Bartel has become one of my favorite authors. She writes in such a captivating way. I love all the detail she includes, it really gives the reader a good picture of the story. There are several of her other books that I have on my “to read” list. I can’t wait to continue the Thrust series!
5/5
~Layna
February 1, 2019
So this is the last of Sybil Bartel’s books . I have been on a binge of her books for the last 2 weeks and loved them all. I’ve read every series and book I can find by her. Her alpha characters were the best . This book was about Dane Marek and Irina. I went into this book hating Irina with a passion. In Alex’s book , alpha escort book 1, Irina was one of Alex’s clients . Several things made me hate her . We found out she was married but was still seeing Alex weekly. She was portrayed as a soiled rich woman who cheated on her husband . When we got to Dane’s book we found how dark Irina’s life really was and nothing we knew about her was reality . I found myself liking her a lot more and loved Dane. I am sad there are no more books by Sybil Bartel to read and await future works with excitement! If you like alpha possessive, protective, and jealous men who love their women any book by this writer is a winner!
August 7, 2017
Amount of sex 3 / 5
How explicit 3 / 5
Story 4 / 5
Overall: 3.5 / 5 (Rounded to 4 / 5)
Grind is the third book in the Thrust series by author Sybil Bartel. I have not read the other books in this series and had no issues following along. This is a insta-love romance, which occurs over a couple of days. So, you will need to buckle your seat belts for Dane, a very possessive alpha male!
At times within the story, I needed to suspend reality. I think the fact that Irina was abused by her “husband” was the only factor that bugged me. I don’t know of any woman who went through what she did and able to fall in love with a stranger in a couple of days. But, don’t get me wrong… I completely enjoyed Dane’s possessiveness and alpha male qualities. There was a lot of action, drama, angst, and some very steamy scenes!
*Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy*
How explicit 3 / 5
Story 4 / 5
Overall: 3.5 / 5 (Rounded to 4 / 5)
Grind is the third book in the Thrust series by author Sybil Bartel. I have not read the other books in this series and had no issues following along. This is a insta-love romance, which occurs over a couple of days. So, you will need to buckle your seat belts for Dane, a very possessive alpha male!
At times within the story, I needed to suspend reality. I think the fact that Irina was abused by her “husband” was the only factor that bugged me. I don’t know of any woman who went through what she did and able to fall in love with a stranger in a couple of days. But, don’t get me wrong… I completely enjoyed Dane’s possessiveness and alpha male qualities. There was a lot of action, drama, angst, and some very steamy scenes!
*Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy*
July 4, 2017
Edited: YASS, Dane! Yaass! I've never waited so long for a man before. God. Damn. Worth the wait. But when do I get Mr. Luna, tho?
DANE!
Sweet golden baby Jesus.
My body is ready, Okay? Ready.
Give him to me!
DANE!
Sweet golden baby Jesus.
My body is ready, Okay? Ready.
Give him to me!
October 16, 2024
The story is about Dane, an ex-Marine who became a hit man who kills bad guys like drug dealers, kidnappers, murderers, and such. He also, sometimes, takes part on Alex Vega’s escorting business. And he’s one heck of an expensive escort. Dane was introduced on the first book of the series, Thrust, Alex Vega’s story (if you bessies wanna read my review about it, click here). And then he met Irina Tsarko, wife of a gunrunner. Because of that, Dane got mixed in Irina’s messy life and he started solving her problem. And because Dane is an ex-Marine, and Irina’s husband is a gunrunner, you could just imagine the action containing this book. 😀
You see, Dane was introduced in the second book, Rough, as a sharp-shooter with amazing marksmanship in both hands. And because of that, I was so looking forward for Dane’s book. Because I so love alpha-males and guns. *dreamy sigh*
I would admit that I love Dane more than I love Jared and Alex. Sure both were also alpha-males but there’s something about Dane that got me hooked from the beginning that I managed to read his book in one sitting. Lol! Maybe because he’s got guns, and rifles, and snipers? Haha! Yeah maybe that’s one of the reasons.
Bes, I love guns. I love guns not in a way that I know every single name of every gun I see but I love guns in a way that I get to fire them. You get me? I don’t care what gun I’m firing so long as I’m firing it. Haha! And of all the firearms I know, my very favorite is a sniper. I love snipers so much! So imagine my swoon when Dane went behind one. I was practically fanning myself! (Is it weird that I find it hot when a guy is behind a firearm? I mean, to use it with right authority and reason, okay? Note those psychopaths who use gun to threaten people.)
Yeah. I am swooning over Dan Marek alright. XD
On the other hand, let’s go to Irina, our leading lady here. At first I do not know what her deal is. Like I wasn’t sure what she is. It took me a couple of chapters to realize she was a submissive, forced trained by her husband. She annoyed me sometimes but I understand why she is the way she is towards Dane. She’s a hard shell to crack but when she did, she gave her all to Dane. She’s a survivor and I can see that she’s a strong woman. Not all women could endure what she did during her five year marriage with her husband. That being said, I’m proud of the change she became at the end of the book. She opened up her heart despite being a bit traumatized. She doesn’t actually believe in love and Dane isn’t exactly the romantic type of guy to make her believe in one. But she managed it all and she evolved. She’s a great character.
I love the story of this book! It was somehow an action-romance. Because there were illegal people and hostage takings and rescue operations, it was so much fun reading this! I love the part where Dane was behind a sniper in order to save Irina from going back to her husband. They concocted a plan which got compromise so there was an exchange of fires in between parties. And then the amazing alpha-males from the other series of Sybil Bartel did a cameo! Talon, Neil, Andre, I think the only one missing is Jared. They all got together to rescue Irina because her husband got her in his claws again.
The only disappointing part of this book is the journey to rescuing Irina. Thing is, the plan was revealed. They would meet here and do this and stuff like that. It was well planned. The only problem was it was skipped. I mean, one moment Dane was gathering his friends and planning the rescue of Irina and then next Dane was in a room where Irina was being abused by her husband and in one turn of Dane’s hand, Irina’s husband was dead. It was kind of disappointing because the way Dane wanted Irina’s husband’s death wasn’t that easy. Dane wanted to torture him, give him back the pain he inflicted towards Irina. And I was kind of hoping he’d do that. I was hoping he’ll torture Viktor, Irina’s husband, because I hated the bastard the moment he showed up. But it didn’t happen. So I was kind of disappointed on that part.
The ending though, I don’t know what to feel towards it. I like that they got their happily ever after but I wasn’t satisfied by it. Maybe I would if Irina ended up pregnant since they talked about it so much all throughout the book. They kept talking about Dane planting his seeds on Irina, and Dane talking about quitting his job once Irina would be swollen with his child, and stuff like that. I was kind of hoping that by the end of the book, Irina would be pregnant. Haha! Though the ending is good too, I wasn’t just satisfied to it.
And as always, Sybil Bartel’s books didn’t felt like fast paced at all. This book happened in a span of more or less three days but it didn’t feel like that at all. It felt like the story was longer. Sybil always has a magic on not making the fast paced romance so obvious. And I like her for it.
To wrap this up, you bessies should check out Sybil Bartel’s works. She might rival J. Daniels in being my favorite new adult author. She is good, I assure you. If you love alpha-males, with loving and understanding hearts, her books are good for you. As for me, this isn’t my last Sybil Bartel read.
You see, Dane was introduced in the second book, Rough, as a sharp-shooter with amazing marksmanship in both hands. And because of that, I was so looking forward for Dane’s book. Because I so love alpha-males and guns. *dreamy sigh*
I would admit that I love Dane more than I love Jared and Alex. Sure both were also alpha-males but there’s something about Dane that got me hooked from the beginning that I managed to read his book in one sitting. Lol! Maybe because he’s got guns, and rifles, and snipers? Haha! Yeah maybe that’s one of the reasons.
Bes, I love guns. I love guns not in a way that I know every single name of every gun I see but I love guns in a way that I get to fire them. You get me? I don’t care what gun I’m firing so long as I’m firing it. Haha! And of all the firearms I know, my very favorite is a sniper. I love snipers so much! So imagine my swoon when Dane went behind one. I was practically fanning myself! (Is it weird that I find it hot when a guy is behind a firearm? I mean, to use it with right authority and reason, okay? Note those psychopaths who use gun to threaten people.)
Yeah. I am swooning over Dan Marek alright. XD
On the other hand, let’s go to Irina, our leading lady here. At first I do not know what her deal is. Like I wasn’t sure what she is. It took me a couple of chapters to realize she was a submissive, forced trained by her husband. She annoyed me sometimes but I understand why she is the way she is towards Dane. She’s a hard shell to crack but when she did, she gave her all to Dane. She’s a survivor and I can see that she’s a strong woman. Not all women could endure what she did during her five year marriage with her husband. That being said, I’m proud of the change she became at the end of the book. She opened up her heart despite being a bit traumatized. She doesn’t actually believe in love and Dane isn’t exactly the romantic type of guy to make her believe in one. But she managed it all and she evolved. She’s a great character.
I love the story of this book! It was somehow an action-romance. Because there were illegal people and hostage takings and rescue operations, it was so much fun reading this! I love the part where Dane was behind a sniper in order to save Irina from going back to her husband. They concocted a plan which got compromise so there was an exchange of fires in between parties. And then the amazing alpha-males from the other series of Sybil Bartel did a cameo! Talon, Neil, Andre, I think the only one missing is Jared. They all got together to rescue Irina because her husband got her in his claws again.
The only disappointing part of this book is the journey to rescuing Irina. Thing is, the plan was revealed. They would meet here and do this and stuff like that. It was well planned. The only problem was it was skipped. I mean, one moment Dane was gathering his friends and planning the rescue of Irina and then next Dane was in a room where Irina was being abused by her husband and in one turn of Dane’s hand, Irina’s husband was dead. It was kind of disappointing because the way Dane wanted Irina’s husband’s death wasn’t that easy. Dane wanted to torture him, give him back the pain he inflicted towards Irina. And I was kind of hoping he’d do that. I was hoping he’ll torture Viktor, Irina’s husband, because I hated the bastard the moment he showed up. But it didn’t happen. So I was kind of disappointed on that part.
The ending though, I don’t know what to feel towards it. I like that they got their happily ever after but I wasn’t satisfied by it. Maybe I would if Irina ended up pregnant since they talked about it so much all throughout the book. They kept talking about Dane planting his seeds on Irina, and Dane talking about quitting his job once Irina would be swollen with his child, and stuff like that. I was kind of hoping that by the end of the book, Irina would be pregnant. Haha! Though the ending is good too, I wasn’t just satisfied to it.
And as always, Sybil Bartel’s books didn’t felt like fast paced at all. This book happened in a span of more or less three days but it didn’t feel like that at all. It felt like the story was longer. Sybil always has a magic on not making the fast paced romance so obvious. And I like her for it.
To wrap this up, you bessies should check out Sybil Bartel’s works. She might rival J. Daniels in being my favorite new adult author. She is good, I assure you. If you love alpha-males, with loving and understanding hearts, her books are good for you. As for me, this isn’t my last Sybil Bartel read.
May 27, 2018
This is the last of the Alpha Escorts series and by far the most intense. Dane Marek is an ex-marine who acts as a mercenary during the day (including killing, if that’s what he’s paid to do) and an escort at night. Unlike Alex and Jared, he won’t see a woman more than once. He just wants the release that sex gives him and if he’s getting paid big bucks for it? All the better.
He gets home early from one of his clients as a hurricane is about to hit Miami, only to find a young, white blonde woman with a Russian accent in his house. She is one of Alex’s clients who needed emergency accommodation, and Alex called in a favour. Dane soon learns who she is: the wife of Viktor Federov, a known Russian guns dealer. Dane also quickly realises what Irina is to Viktor: his submissive. Everyone in the business knows Viktor isn’t able to have sex after an accident damaged certain body parts, but he’s still able to cruelly control Irina, whom he married five years previously when she was eighteen. She did it with the encouragement of her mother and the promise of half a million if she stayed married to him for five years.
Irina had no idea what she was getting herself into when she married Viktor. He treats her as nothing more than a possession, and by the time Dane meets her she’s so conditioned that she does anything Dane tells her to. He’s disgusted by Federov and the hold he has over this beautiful woman, and soon Dane not only finds himself falling under her spell but becomes obsessed with the idea of getting her pregnant.
Irina sees a chance to finally be free of Viktor with Dane, but he’s as damaged as she is. Their relationship is intense and electrifying. There’s also the problem of Viktor. Dane wants to kill him for what he’s done to Irina, and Viktor seems to think she’ll just go running back to him as she always does. But with Dane’s help, Irina is able to break the hold Viktor has on her – but he’s not going to let his prized possession go.
This book was mesmerizing. This whole series was captivating. Recurring characters in these books have their own in another series, which I will definitely be checking out!
He gets home early from one of his clients as a hurricane is about to hit Miami, only to find a young, white blonde woman with a Russian accent in his house. She is one of Alex’s clients who needed emergency accommodation, and Alex called in a favour. Dane soon learns who she is: the wife of Viktor Federov, a known Russian guns dealer. Dane also quickly realises what Irina is to Viktor: his submissive. Everyone in the business knows Viktor isn’t able to have sex after an accident damaged certain body parts, but he’s still able to cruelly control Irina, whom he married five years previously when she was eighteen. She did it with the encouragement of her mother and the promise of half a million if she stayed married to him for five years.
Irina had no idea what she was getting herself into when she married Viktor. He treats her as nothing more than a possession, and by the time Dane meets her she’s so conditioned that she does anything Dane tells her to. He’s disgusted by Federov and the hold he has over this beautiful woman, and soon Dane not only finds himself falling under her spell but becomes obsessed with the idea of getting her pregnant.
Irina sees a chance to finally be free of Viktor with Dane, but he’s as damaged as she is. Their relationship is intense and electrifying. There’s also the problem of Viktor. Dane wants to kill him for what he’s done to Irina, and Viktor seems to think she’ll just go running back to him as she always does. But with Dane’s help, Irina is able to break the hold Viktor has on her – but he’s not going to let his prized possession go.
This book was mesmerizing. This whole series was captivating. Recurring characters in these books have their own in another series, which I will definitely be checking out!
July 31, 2017
This is my first encounter with this author's work and boy what a story! I was quite entranced by the writing style as much as the storyline.
Dane is ex Marine. He likes working solo but supports his friends and vice versa. His work is dangerous and his reprieve is sex. He gets paid. No repeat. One night only.
Irina is married to Viktor, an arm dealer. She has been conditioned into submission since she was eighteen years of age. Getting away from him is more or less impossible! She takes a chance and makes an escape.
Dane has been injured during one of his missions and after a failed hook up, he decides to go home. The best decision as there's a storm brewing. Irina is taking refuge in his home through a mutual friend. At first sight, he is taken aback. She reminds him of someone else. This first encounter is not pleasant. She is on the defensive and he can see through her. She panics and makes the wrong move. A move that could cost them, their lives. Viktor doesn't give up easily and he is as nasty as they come.
When Dane catches her on the phone, he instantly knows what she is going through. Being a problem solver and a saviour, she becomes his business! It doesn't stop at that, and the more he uncovers about Irina's life, the more determined and protective he becomes. Her past has taught her not to trust men, and despite Dane's alpha demeanour, she starts to relent after he saves her life. From here on out, the journey ahead is dark and dangerous. These two broken souls face this journey together!
Dane is like an avenging angel who risks his life to give Irina a chance at a normal life. Their romance is no fairy tale but, beautiful just the same. Irina is sweet and naive and even though five years of brutal conditioning have broken her spirit, she is stronger than she thinks. This is a dark story. The violence is beyond comprehension. The emotions are raw and intense. This poignant story sent me on and emotional turmoil and I became completely engrossed.
I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
Dane is ex Marine. He likes working solo but supports his friends and vice versa. His work is dangerous and his reprieve is sex. He gets paid. No repeat. One night only.
Irina is married to Viktor, an arm dealer. She has been conditioned into submission since she was eighteen years of age. Getting away from him is more or less impossible! She takes a chance and makes an escape.
Dane has been injured during one of his missions and after a failed hook up, he decides to go home. The best decision as there's a storm brewing. Irina is taking refuge in his home through a mutual friend. At first sight, he is taken aback. She reminds him of someone else. This first encounter is not pleasant. She is on the defensive and he can see through her. She panics and makes the wrong move. A move that could cost them, their lives. Viktor doesn't give up easily and he is as nasty as they come.
When Dane catches her on the phone, he instantly knows what she is going through. Being a problem solver and a saviour, she becomes his business! It doesn't stop at that, and the more he uncovers about Irina's life, the more determined and protective he becomes. Her past has taught her not to trust men, and despite Dane's alpha demeanour, she starts to relent after he saves her life. From here on out, the journey ahead is dark and dangerous. These two broken souls face this journey together!
Dane is like an avenging angel who risks his life to give Irina a chance at a normal life. Their romance is no fairy tale but, beautiful just the same. Irina is sweet and naive and even though five years of brutal conditioning have broken her spirit, she is stronger than she thinks. This is a dark story. The violence is beyond comprehension. The emotions are raw and intense. This poignant story sent me on and emotional turmoil and I became completely engrossed.
I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
July 2, 2017
Grind starts very graphic – and I don’t mean in the action or bloody department. There are no pretense, from the beginning that this book is sexually explicit, and while I don’t have – obviously – much of a problem with reading erotica novels, I was taken back, as most books usually are not that much in your face in the first few paragraphs – heck it did not wait until the second page! So my first impression was not the most pleasant one, but I stuck with it, and I am glad that I did.
While Grind is not for the faint of heart, it does have a lot of heart, and an actually pretty well-developed story line. It is emotional, the connection between the two main characters starts not in the best way – and it really took me until the middle of the second chapter before I got really warmed up to both of them. Yet, once the connection was made, it was heartwarming and endearing.
Both of the characters have a learning curve – again, something I miss in many erotica novels, who push sex above plot – but the Author managed to create a constructive, suspenseful plot despite the graphic sexual details.
Another thing that surprised me was, that I enjoyed the story despite the fact that it was written in alternating first-person past-tense narrative. I am usually not a fan of stories written in first-person – even less so, when they are written in present tense – yet the Author managed to keep the flow going, and switched rather seamlessly between the two main characters.
The book is a rather quick read, not because it is very short, but because once you warmed up to the main characters, you don’t want to stop reading. And speaking of characters, some of the side characters are rather charming, which made me hope that they get their own time in the other novels in the series.
Grind can be read as a stand-alone novel and has an HEA, which I very much appreciate. Yet, I will read the other books in the series, now that the Author got me curious.
While Grind is not for the faint of heart, it does have a lot of heart, and an actually pretty well-developed story line. It is emotional, the connection between the two main characters starts not in the best way – and it really took me until the middle of the second chapter before I got really warmed up to both of them. Yet, once the connection was made, it was heartwarming and endearing.
Both of the characters have a learning curve – again, something I miss in many erotica novels, who push sex above plot – but the Author managed to create a constructive, suspenseful plot despite the graphic sexual details.
Another thing that surprised me was, that I enjoyed the story despite the fact that it was written in alternating first-person past-tense narrative. I am usually not a fan of stories written in first-person – even less so, when they are written in present tense – yet the Author managed to keep the flow going, and switched rather seamlessly between the two main characters.
The book is a rather quick read, not because it is very short, but because once you warmed up to the main characters, you don’t want to stop reading. And speaking of characters, some of the side characters are rather charming, which made me hope that they get their own time in the other novels in the series.
Grind can be read as a stand-alone novel and has an HEA, which I very much appreciate. Yet, I will read the other books in the series, now that the Author got me curious.
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