What do you think?
Rate this book
The Alpha Escort #1
Thrust
I know the game. I know the angle. I know how to make you beg.
My hands on your body, my mouth hovering over yours—I’ll tell you everything you want to hear. Ten inches of real estate never felt so good.
But don’t take my word for it. My client list is long and my motto is short—one single thrust and you’re mine. I’m not good at what I do, I’m fantastic. But satisfaction doesn’t come cheap. So open your wallet and prepare to forget your name. I’m about to ruin you for any other man.
One single thrust and you’re mine.
My hands on your body, my mouth hovering over yours—I’ll tell you everything you want to hear. Ten inches of real estate never felt so good.
But don’t take my word for it. My client list is long and my motto is short—one single thrust and you’re mine. I’m not good at what I do, I’m fantastic. But satisfaction doesn’t come cheap. So open your wallet and prepare to forget your name. I’m about to ruin you for any other man.
One single thrust and you’re mine.
272 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2016
1057 people are currently reading
2027 people want to read
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
July 28, 2017
Wow! This had one of my least favorite type of Heros and I loved him! How did that happen???
In the first chapter, I was disgusted by Alex and just knew I was not gonna like this book. He was way too arrogant and every move he made was deliberate and well practiced. He's a male escort and completely played the part. Despite my prediction, the words flowed so easily and I was rivited to what was unfolding.
By the end, Alex was still arrogant, but I loved what I saw beneath all that arrogance. It helped that Olivia was feisty and made Alex work for her. She fought every step and he dominated. I wasn't expecting him needing to heal her and not the other way around. And how this author showed two men, one you should lean on and one you should run away from only to find out that the opposite was true. Brilliant! I couldn't stop reading!
I'm in awe that this author put some of my pet peeves in a book and made me love it. This was way more than I was expecting and I'm can not wait for the next in the series.
In the first chapter, I was disgusted by Alex and just knew I was not gonna like this book. He was way too arrogant and every move he made was deliberate and well practiced. He's a male escort and completely played the part. Despite my prediction, the words flowed so easily and I was rivited to what was unfolding.
By the end, Alex was still arrogant, but I loved what I saw beneath all that arrogance. It helped that Olivia was feisty and made Alex work for her. She fought every step and he dominated. I wasn't expecting him needing to heal her and not the other way around. And how this author showed two men, one you should lean on and one you should run away from only to find out that the opposite was true. Brilliant! I couldn't stop reading!
I'm in awe that this author put some of my pet peeves in a book and made me love it. This was way more than I was expecting and I'm can not wait for the next in the series.
January 17, 2017
***4 "Sweetness" stars***
Honestly, i didn't expect to enjoy this book that much!!! And I'm so glad that Mrs. Bartel proved me wrong!!!
Usually, I don't like so much this kind of stories with male escorts and so much sex, but in here there were more things than that!!!
My only objection was the pace of the story... Damn it, but everything were moving sooooo fast!!!!
And that's the reason why i cut one star... But let me tell you more about this story!!!
Alex Vega thinks that he is a gift for women!!! And that's why he is offering himself in exchange of money... After all he was a 5 year plan to excel!!!
Alex thinks that he is the best and that he has the magical c**k!!!
God, until the 30% of the book, I wanted to punch this guy!!!
He was too cocky, too arrogant for my tastes and honestly, i thought that in no way he couldn't save it... But he managed to make me like him!!!! Even though that he was keeping frustrate the hell out of me!!! Bahahaha...
Olivia was living with guilts and she had devoted her life to a single cause and that's why she had put so much energy to this fundraiser about dogs who could help Vet's with PTDA... And everything were going perfect, until this infuriating man made everything a fucking mess!!!
Now, everything that she had worked for had vanished and she is about to make the biggest mistake of her life!!!!
Alex and Olivia's lives got complicated when they collided together... but they just couldn't stay away from each other even though that they tried!!!! Mostly Olivia tried but her willing weren't that strong!!! Alex was a predator who couldn't leave his prey alone!!!
I loved the way that they were bickering and i liked the way that they were together...
The sex between them was also very hot and i love that beyond that there were more depth, because the things felt more real!!!!
The only thing that i didn't like was that everything were moving very fast between them!!!! Like the strike of a lightning!!!
I won't tell you more because i don't like to make spoilers, but i really enjoyed this book... It was light, sexy, funny and at times, sweet!!!
Except from the main two characters, I also liked very much the three adorable dogs and ... Talon!!!
I really have to read his book!!!
I also can't wait for Dane's book!!! He intrigued me very much!!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
Honestly, i didn't expect to enjoy this book that much!!! And I'm so glad that Mrs. Bartel proved me wrong!!!
Usually, I don't like so much this kind of stories with male escorts and so much sex, but in here there were more things than that!!!
My only objection was the pace of the story... Damn it, but everything were moving sooooo fast!!!!
And that's the reason why i cut one star... But let me tell you more about this story!!!
Alex Vega thinks that he is a gift for women!!! And that's why he is offering himself in exchange of money... After all he was a 5 year plan to excel!!!
Alex thinks that he is the best and that he has the magical c**k!!!
God, until the 30% of the book, I wanted to punch this guy!!!
He was too cocky, too arrogant for my tastes and honestly, i thought that in no way he couldn't save it... But he managed to make me like him!!!! Even though that he was keeping frustrate the hell out of me!!! Bahahaha...
Olivia was living with guilts and she had devoted her life to a single cause and that's why she had put so much energy to this fundraiser about dogs who could help Vet's with PTDA... And everything were going perfect, until this infuriating man made everything a fucking mess!!!
Now, everything that she had worked for had vanished and she is about to make the biggest mistake of her life!!!!
Alex and Olivia's lives got complicated when they collided together... but they just couldn't stay away from each other even though that they tried!!!! Mostly Olivia tried but her willing weren't that strong!!! Alex was a predator who couldn't leave his prey alone!!!
I loved the way that they were bickering and i liked the way that they were together...
The sex between them was also very hot and i love that beyond that there were more depth, because the things felt more real!!!!
The only thing that i didn't like was that everything were moving very fast between them!!!! Like the strike of a lightning!!!
I won't tell you more because i don't like to make spoilers, but i really enjoyed this book... It was light, sexy, funny and at times, sweet!!!
Except from the main two characters, I also liked very much the three adorable dogs and ... Talon!!!
I really have to read his book!!!
I also can't wait for Dane's book!!! He intrigued me very much!!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
November 10, 2018
DNF at 36%. Don't care if it's free. It's wasting my time.
I should have known better than to read a BDSM, erotica, alpha whatever. I broke my own rules about reading a story where the H is a man whore. As in literally - a male prostitute.
It's getting 2 stars because it did turn me on in places, but it made me so MAD!!!! One star now, since I skimmed a bit further and got more pissed off.
BOILING, STEAM COMING OUT OF MY EARS MAD!!!!
But look, I knew what I was getting into and I was going to give it a chance, and here I spent the last 2 hours giving it a chance. Something to make me like EITHER the H or h within the first third of the book. Let me count all the ways this has NOT happened:
1. I did like the h at the beginning when she brushed him off and shut him down. Good job, girl, I would have done the same with cocky asshole douche bag who thinks he's god's gift to women because of his (ridiculous) ten inch cock. BUT THEN!
A bunch of stuff happened and she got so pissed at him bc he's a completely fucking asshole and ruined not only her fundraiser but also got her fired from her job. So what does she do? She fucks him angry.
2. Oh and BTW, her best friend is hot and she's been in love with him like forever and he's treated her with nothing but respect and kindness giving her the space she needed to grieve and obsess over her dead brother. He's dating a girl but HASN'T SLEPT WITH HER because he loves the h and he broke up with the girl and kissed h for the first time because you don't just go from trusted best friend to fuck buddy overnight - DUH! and what does she do after he kissed her? this guy she loved all along? She goes and angry fucks the douche bag who ruined her event and her job. SO I HATE HER.
3. The douche bag man whore. I'm sure there's all this background later on about how he's PTSD from whatever happened in his tour of duty. And fucking women for money 20 times a day with 5 diff women is how he deals with it. BUT in 37% of the book he has not shown even an iota of common decency!! I have no interest to continue reading about him and his imaginarily large cock and how he's going to be redeemed by the end. Mainly because I can't stand the h at the point!
Now, if the author made me empathize with any of these characters within the first THIRD of the book, I would have continued. Right now the only one I like is the poor best friend whose love just chose to fuck a complete stranger after he waited for her for 2 years!!!! Who, BTW, supposedly loved him back and waited for him too.
This teaches me to branch out. Done with this crap.
Then I skimmed to 45% in the hopes that things were getting better. I feel like the h is bat-shit-crazy. She's now the shut-down queen she was when I first liked her. And the H can't get enough of her bc she keeps shutting him down and she's the first person he's ever swapped DNA with, etc. And now they're going into setup for book 2 or whatever (I can see the writing on the wall) about his ex-marine comrade who's also whoring for a living, whom he's "coaching" and taking a cut on like a good little pimp. Oh excuse me, "nothing about [him] is little."
Pauuuuullllleeeeeesssssseeeee!
At 47%, I seriously HATE the h. She's absolutely cruel to Jesse (the best friend, the one who's always taken care of her). She blames HIM for not coming after her when he gives her space. when she's the one who never told him anything and was so wrapped up in her brother's death. She slaps him for being angry enough to give her what she so readily took from a complete stranger. And then he takes care of her when she breaks down, but she BLAMES HIM FOR LEAVING afterwards!
I HATE THIS HEROINE!! OK, NOT going to even skim further...
I should have known better than to read a BDSM, erotica, alpha whatever. I broke my own rules about reading a story where the H is a man whore. As in literally - a male prostitute.
It's getting 2 stars because it did turn me on in places, but it made me so MAD!!!! One star now, since I skimmed a bit further and got more pissed off.
BOILING, STEAM COMING OUT OF MY EARS MAD!!!!
But look, I knew what I was getting into and I was going to give it a chance, and here I spent the last 2 hours giving it a chance. Something to make me like EITHER the H or h within the first third of the book. Let me count all the ways this has NOT happened:
1. I did like the h at the beginning when she brushed him off and shut him down. Good job, girl, I would have done the same with cocky asshole douche bag who thinks he's god's gift to women because of his (ridiculous) ten inch cock. BUT THEN!
A bunch of stuff happened and she got so pissed at him bc he's a completely fucking asshole and ruined not only her fundraiser but also got her fired from her job. So what does she do? She fucks him angry.
2. Oh and BTW, her best friend is hot and she's been in love with him like forever and he's treated her with nothing but respect and kindness giving her the space she needed to grieve and obsess over her dead brother. He's dating a girl but HASN'T SLEPT WITH HER because he loves the h and he broke up with the girl and kissed h for the first time because you don't just go from trusted best friend to fuck buddy overnight - DUH! and what does she do after he kissed her? this guy she loved all along? She goes and angry fucks the douche bag who ruined her event and her job. SO I HATE HER.
3. The douche bag man whore. I'm sure there's all this background later on about how he's PTSD from whatever happened in his tour of duty. And fucking women for money 20 times a day with 5 diff women is how he deals with it. BUT in 37% of the book he has not shown even an iota of common decency!! I have no interest to continue reading about him and his imaginarily large cock and how he's going to be redeemed by the end. Mainly because I can't stand the h at the point!
Now, if the author made me empathize with any of these characters within the first THIRD of the book, I would have continued. Right now the only one I like is the poor best friend whose love just chose to fuck a complete stranger after he waited for her for 2 years!!!! Who, BTW, supposedly loved him back and waited for him too.
This teaches me to branch out. Done with this crap.
Then I skimmed to 45% in the hopes that things were getting better. I feel like the h is bat-shit-crazy. She's now the shut-down queen she was when I first liked her. And the H can't get enough of her bc she keeps shutting him down and she's the first person he's ever swapped DNA with, etc. And now they're going into setup for book 2 or whatever (I can see the writing on the wall) about his ex-marine comrade who's also whoring for a living, whom he's "coaching" and taking a cut on like a good little pimp. Oh excuse me, "nothing about [him] is little."
Pauuuuullllleeeeeesssssseeeee!
At 47%, I seriously HATE the h. She's absolutely cruel to Jesse (the best friend, the one who's always taken care of her). She blames HIM for not coming after her when he gives her space. when she's the one who never told him anything and was so wrapped up in her brother's death. She slaps him for being angry enough to give her what she so readily took from a complete stranger. And then he takes care of her when she breaks down, but she BLAMES HIM FOR LEAVING afterwards!
I HATE THIS HEROINE!! OK, NOT going to even skim further...
May 22, 2018
Oh, WOW! What a nice surprise! Emotional, hot and dirty, fast-paced, and believable. What more could I ask for? Somehow this author was able to portray a truly aggressive alpha who didn't piss me off, and a sassy, strong-willed heroine who didn't wimp out. Despite most of the book taking place over only two days, I felt that both Alex and Olivia grew into their characters and their relationship. There was plenty of great angst, including between Olivia and her 'best friend' Jesse, which I thought was well-done. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster, but one you'll really enjoy.
June 12, 2021
This cover.
I laughed at the dedication from the author. “Dad, please don’t read this book.”
This was a dirty talking, king alpha, rollercoaster sex ride of a story about a male escort and a dog trainer helping veterans suffering from PTSD. I know, I know, just go with it.
I don’t usually read books with this plot line, but dang, I’m really glad I did! Sybil Bartel made me like Alex and his ridiculous OTT alpha arrogance. Plus Bartel wrote great dialogue that had me rolling!
Olivia is running a charity auction to raise money for her service dogs. She's suffering from her own trauma and has a huge emotional wall up, she doesn't let her guard down or let anyone in.
I hurt for Alex as the story went on, it was clear that he was ashamed of what he did for a living when someone he cares knows about it.
Overall, I was shocked how much heart was under all the smutty smutness.
I laughed at the dedication from the author. “Dad, please don’t read this book.”
This was a dirty talking, king alpha, rollercoaster sex ride of a story about a male escort and a dog trainer helping veterans suffering from PTSD. I know, I know, just go with it.
I don’t usually read books with this plot line, but dang, I’m really glad I did! Sybil Bartel made me like Alex and his ridiculous OTT alpha arrogance. Plus Bartel wrote great dialogue that had me rolling!
He didn’t miss a beat. “You know what happened last night…”Alex has a five year plan and he’s rolling in the money. He’s got around 20 clients. Some he "services" within 40 minutes of each other, he showers and hops in his car to the next house. (I will admit to being grossed out about that). He's ripped, hung, and quite talented at his job.
“You prematurely ejaculated?”
“DNA swapping. You know what that means?”
“I’m a crime scene?”
Olivia is running a charity auction to raise money for her service dogs. She's suffering from her own trauma and has a huge emotional wall up, she doesn't let her guard down or let anyone in.
I hurt for Alex as the story went on, it was clear that he was ashamed of what he did for a living when someone he cares knows about it.
I wanted to erase the past three years…I wanted to be anything except what I was.Olivia and her brash no-bs mouth was wonderful. She really made Alex work for any attention.
"I’d tell you to fuck off but it has zero effect on you.”Yes, it was inst-lust. Yes, they started falling in love right away. Yes, both of these characters are gorgeous and that got a little old as well. But something about the writing made me really like them both!
Overall, I was shocked how much heart was under all the smutty smutness.
December 26, 2016
'Thrust' by Sybil Bartel is the story of Olivia and Alex. Alex was once very poor and only really had a roof under his head until he joined the military. But he has been out of the military and has become a very expensive escort that does sleep with his clients. One of his clients pays him extra to go with her to a charity function were he meets Olivia. Olivia brother died after leaving the military and she has forgiving herself for missing some of the signs that he was mental in trouble. Now she is trying to raise money for dogs to be trained to help military people coming home with emotional issue. Olivia has no time for Alex and him hitting on her. But when two of his clients start fighting over him and one being her boss she finds that he has ruined her charity raising function. Alex is not letting Olivia go it seems. Can these two overcome their emotional past? How will Olivia take the news of what Alex used to do for a living?
This was a total surprise on how much I ended up liking this book. Yes it was a hot read, but it took it to an emotional level too.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
This was a total surprise on how much I ended up liking this book. Yes it was a hot read, but it took it to an emotional level too.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
January 6, 2017
Roxie and Jen's Review
Let us star this review with a statement. Lately we've been the moodiest readers ever. We were both reading an ARC yesterday and we just couldn't get into it at all. So when Thrust popped up on Roxie's feed and after reading the synopsis and seeing the reviews on, Amazon she quickly grabbed a sample. She told Jen to grab ASAP and voila!
We were looking for something lighter, funny and hot and THRUST fit the bill perfectly.
Alex Vega is a male escort who fucks like God and enjoys the luxuries supported by his "job".
His no strings, just pay me and love my dick attitude worked for him for the past 3 years. He has a 5 year plan and he is happy to see the numbers in his back account rising until he meets Olivia.
Olivia single handedly messes up everything he mapped out. She is feisty and hot. The first woman who interested him ever since he returned from the war zone.
She has her own demons that she's been fighting for years unsuccessfully. Her pain runs deep. What starts with an insanely hot hate-fuck quickly turns into more as they explore each other.
"Alex Vega didn't fuck me. He consumed me."
This book is steamy and there is definitely an insta-attraction, but Sybil Bartel made it realistic and believable. Alex and Olivia had an amazing connection that they both tried to fight against, for different reasons, unsuccessfully.
"Happiness wasn't a choice. It was opportunity."
If you are looking for a quick, hot read with a good plot and excellent writing make it Thrust. You won't be disappointed. Alex will melt your panties. We will be definitely be picking up Sybil Bartol books again in the future!!
Let us star this review with a statement. Lately we've been the moodiest readers ever. We were both reading an ARC yesterday and we just couldn't get into it at all. So when Thrust popped up on Roxie's feed and after reading the synopsis and seeing the reviews on, Amazon she quickly grabbed a sample. She told Jen to grab ASAP and voila!
We were looking for something lighter, funny and hot and THRUST fit the bill perfectly.
Alex Vega is a male escort who fucks like God and enjoys the luxuries supported by his "job".
His no strings, just pay me and love my dick attitude worked for him for the past 3 years. He has a 5 year plan and he is happy to see the numbers in his back account rising until he meets Olivia.
Olivia single handedly messes up everything he mapped out. She is feisty and hot. The first woman who interested him ever since he returned from the war zone.
She has her own demons that she's been fighting for years unsuccessfully. Her pain runs deep. What starts with an insanely hot hate-fuck quickly turns into more as they explore each other.
"Alex Vega didn't fuck me. He consumed me."
This book is steamy and there is definitely an insta-attraction, but Sybil Bartel made it realistic and believable. Alex and Olivia had an amazing connection that they both tried to fight against, for different reasons, unsuccessfully.
"Happiness wasn't a choice. It was opportunity."
If you are looking for a quick, hot read with a good plot and excellent writing make it Thrust. You won't be disappointed. Alex will melt your panties. We will be definitely be picking up Sybil Bartol books again in the future!!
dnf
December 1, 2017I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF at 18% - I love a good erotica novel but this one didn't do it for me. It's hard to get connected to a story when you dislike both main characters.
Always the same - hot guy, hot body, don't give a fuck attitude, douche - hot girl, hot body, falls for said douche.
Olivia said several times she thought Alex was a douche. I mean I see why, I cringed at their first interaction, he was. She knew that he was involved with her boss and STILL made out with him minutes later? What? Ok, that does nothing for me. She knew he was some sort of escort, loves-the-ladies type of guy, and she fell for him.
He was not attractive at all and she was just stupid.
Not for me.
DNF at 18% - I love a good erotica novel but this one didn't do it for me. It's hard to get connected to a story when you dislike both main characters.
Always the same - hot guy, hot body, don't give a fuck attitude, douche - hot girl, hot body, falls for said douche.
Olivia said several times she thought Alex was a douche. I mean I see why, I cringed at their first interaction, he was. She knew that he was involved with her boss and STILL made out with him minutes later? What? Ok, that does nothing for me. She knew he was some sort of escort, loves-the-ladies type of guy, and she fell for him.
He was not attractive at all and she was just stupid.
Not for me.
November 9, 2017
Lo único que impide que le de 5 estrellas, es que todo ocurrió en un lapso de 3 días. ¡3 días!
November 15, 2017
3,5⭐️
Si pero no sé. Así me he quedado.
Lo empecé con ansias pero llegó un punto que el protagonista me empezó a caer mal.
Ella me ha gustado mucho, sobre todo por el echo de montar el sitio de perros para los veteranos con TEPT ❤️ me pareció de lo más bonito.
Pero él... a ver yo no soy prejuiciosa, pero no sé si podría estar con un prostituto, que quieres que te diga... es difícil saber que tu pareja ha vendido su cuerpo por dinero solo por el hecho de que vino jodido de la guerra... no me parece justificación. Encima el tío reconoció que se excitaba ganando tanto dinero así que...
en fin, que lo recomiendo para pasar el rato, está bien la verdad solo soy yo y mi mente jajaja
Si pero no sé. Así me he quedado.
Lo empecé con ansias pero llegó un punto que el protagonista me empezó a caer mal.
Ella me ha gustado mucho, sobre todo por el echo de montar el sitio de perros para los veteranos con TEPT ❤️ me pareció de lo más bonito.
Pero él... a ver yo no soy prejuiciosa, pero no sé si podría estar con un prostituto, que quieres que te diga... es difícil saber que tu pareja ha vendido su cuerpo por dinero solo por el hecho de que vino jodido de la guerra... no me parece justificación. Encima el tío reconoció que se excitaba ganando tanto dinero así que...
en fin, que lo recomiendo para pasar el rato, está bien la verdad solo soy yo y mi mente jajaja
July 18, 2017
First, total cover porn.
Second, I don't prefer male escort novels because it just seems a pretty hard concept to grasp. But this was a really good. The character development in such a short time was palpable. The plot was really good. And all in all it was not cliche, which is one of the things that I look for in a good book. Also, alpha male alert, total hottie and did I say alpha?
Second, I don't prefer male escort novels because it just seems a pretty hard concept to grasp. But this was a really good. The character development in such a short time was palpable. The plot was really good. And all in all it was not cliche, which is one of the things that I look for in a good book. Also, alpha male alert, total hottie and did I say alpha?
November 30, 2020
I added this book to my to-read list almost 4 years ago and I finally got around to read it. This is my first book by the author and oh boy, i am already a fan! Love the storyline, the characters, the chemistry 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Will definitely check out book 2!
Will definitely check out book 2!
Want to read
August 15, 2020💝FREE on Amazon today (5/22/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Alex
I know the game. I know the angle. I know how to make you beg.
My hands on your body, my mouth hovering over yours—I’ll tell you everything you want to hear. Ten inches of real estate never felt so good.
But don’t take my word for it. My client list is long and my motto is short—one single thrust and you’re mine. I’m not good at what I do, I’m fantastic. But satisfaction doesn’t come cheap. So open your wallet and prepare to forget your name. I’m about to ruin you for any other man.
One single thrust and you’re mine.
*THRUST is the first stand alone book in the Thrust Series*
The Thrust Series
THRUST
ROUGH
GRIND
Blurb:
Alex
I know the game. I know the angle. I know how to make you beg.
My hands on your body, my mouth hovering over yours—I’ll tell you everything you want to hear. Ten inches of real estate never felt so good.
But don’t take my word for it. My client list is long and my motto is short—one single thrust and you’re mine. I’m not good at what I do, I’m fantastic. But satisfaction doesn’t come cheap. So open your wallet and prepare to forget your name. I’m about to ruin you for any other man.
One single thrust and you’re mine.
*THRUST is the first stand alone book in the Thrust Series*
The Thrust Series
THRUST
ROUGH
GRIND
March 10, 2019
I only finished Thrust so I could explain in detail just how much I hated it in general and, to be specific, the "hero". It's been a long time since a book has made me so want to reach through the pages and strangle someone, but someone needs to take him down a peg or 5000. Scratch that. Someone needs to end him.
He's an arrogant prick who thinks he's what every woman needs in bed. In reality, half the shit he does sounds painful. After sex with him, she describes her flesh as "very sore, very used." And I quote, "I shoved my dick in her ass." (He uses the word shoved in relation to their sex scenes thirteen times.) There's very little warm up to this. He tells us all the time that he has a ten inch dick. (And says he has a waiting list as long as it, apparently too stupid to realise that ten inches is not a terribly long list.) He doesn't ask her if she's up for anal (and IMHO that is a conversation you always need to have beforehand). He ignores the "alarm (that) tainted her voice" and insists that "you're gonna let me in". This incident leaves her "shaking badly", "whimper(ing)", seeming "like she was going to cry" and in "shock". She even seems to have the beginnings of a panic attack.
He physically overpowers (or threatens to) the heroine so many times. He holds her arms above her head despite her "trying to wrench free" because he doesn't want her to drink. This is within an hour or so of them meeting. He "(lifts) her off her feet, easily overpowering her" and when she kicks him to try and get away he threatens her. He pushes her down and gets in her face. He likes her to look submissive (and is the same with his clients and expects them to "take what (they have) coming (to them"), gets off on their arguments and even tells us that "blue eyes bright with tears, she was stunning". So, what, he likes to see her crying?
He says "I would never force you to do anything." which made me laugh for a solid five minutes 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 He forces her to do stuff all the time. And I quote:
- "You have one minute to walk out of this shithole or I'm carrying you out."
- "“Go away.”“Get up,” he snapped. I didn’t move. “Who the hell died and made you boss? Leave.” He didn’t hesitate. He reached down and plucked me up."
- "I’m not hungry." “You’re gonna eat, sweetness, so sit your ass down and pretend to be grateful.”
- "Hot spray burned my chest. “Ow!” I scrambled to adjust the temperature. His hand closed around my wrist. “Leave it.”" Emphasis on burned.
But I suppose if he thinks it's for her own good, that's ok?
He is incredibly angry that the heroine doesn't approve of his career as a prostitute. But as she says: "“You should have told me! You don’t go around fucking women without telling them you’re a prostitute.” She spit the last word out like she was equating me to a murderer. “I should’ve had a choice.” She pounded on her chest. “Me. My choice. But you didn’t say shit. That’s like an addict not warning someone they stick needles in their arm!”". Amen sistah! It's not the being a prostitute that is necessarily the problem. It's that there 100% needed to be a conversation about this before sex.
And you know what's almost funny? He gets really angry about her using this addict analogy but tells us himself that shooting insurgents is the ultimate high. I mean, seriously, these are human beings we're talking about. Human beings with shitty lives who you're being told by old men in ivory towers are the enemy. Yes, war is complex and maybe those people do bad things and maybe those fights need to happen but the so-called hero openly admits to getting high off killing people.
Oh, and he talks about the dogs she loves cruelly: "pathetic bitch", "rat dog", "fucking mutts", "damn thing", "nippy little rat", "fucking dogs", "damn dog", "motherfucker". He even says he'll leave one behind to presumably drown thanks to the door he kicked down.
Die in a fire Alex.
He's an arrogant prick who thinks he's what every woman needs in bed. In reality, half the shit he does sounds painful. After sex with him, she describes her flesh as "very sore, very used." And I quote, "I shoved my dick in her ass." (He uses the word shoved in relation to their sex scenes thirteen times.) There's very little warm up to this. He tells us all the time that he has a ten inch dick. (And says he has a waiting list as long as it, apparently too stupid to realise that ten inches is not a terribly long list.) He doesn't ask her if she's up for anal (and IMHO that is a conversation you always need to have beforehand). He ignores the "alarm (that) tainted her voice" and insists that "you're gonna let me in". This incident leaves her "shaking badly", "whimper(ing)", seeming "like she was going to cry" and in "shock". She even seems to have the beginnings of a panic attack.
He physically overpowers (or threatens to) the heroine so many times. He holds her arms above her head despite her "trying to wrench free" because he doesn't want her to drink. This is within an hour or so of them meeting. He "(lifts) her off her feet, easily overpowering her" and when she kicks him to try and get away he threatens her. He pushes her down and gets in her face. He likes her to look submissive (and is the same with his clients and expects them to "take what (they have) coming (to them"), gets off on their arguments and even tells us that "blue eyes bright with tears, she was stunning". So, what, he likes to see her crying?
He says "I would never force you to do anything." which made me laugh for a solid five minutes 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 He forces her to do stuff all the time. And I quote:
- "You have one minute to walk out of this shithole or I'm carrying you out."
- "“Go away.”“Get up,” he snapped. I didn’t move. “Who the hell died and made you boss? Leave.” He didn’t hesitate. He reached down and plucked me up."
- "I’m not hungry." “You’re gonna eat, sweetness, so sit your ass down and pretend to be grateful.”
- "Hot spray burned my chest. “Ow!” I scrambled to adjust the temperature. His hand closed around my wrist. “Leave it.”" Emphasis on burned.
But I suppose if he thinks it's for her own good, that's ok?
He is incredibly angry that the heroine doesn't approve of his career as a prostitute. But as she says: "“You should have told me! You don’t go around fucking women without telling them you’re a prostitute.” She spit the last word out like she was equating me to a murderer. “I should’ve had a choice.” She pounded on her chest. “Me. My choice. But you didn’t say shit. That’s like an addict not warning someone they stick needles in their arm!”". Amen sistah! It's not the being a prostitute that is necessarily the problem. It's that there 100% needed to be a conversation about this before sex.
And you know what's almost funny? He gets really angry about her using this addict analogy but tells us himself that shooting insurgents is the ultimate high. I mean, seriously, these are human beings we're talking about. Human beings with shitty lives who you're being told by old men in ivory towers are the enemy. Yes, war is complex and maybe those people do bad things and maybe those fights need to happen but the so-called hero openly admits to getting high off killing people.
Oh, and he talks about the dogs she loves cruelly: "pathetic bitch", "rat dog", "fucking mutts", "damn thing", "nippy little rat", "fucking dogs", "damn dog", "motherfucker". He even says he'll leave one behind to presumably drown thanks to the door he kicked down.
Die in a fire Alex.
June 19, 2020
This is my first book by Sybil Bartel and wow. I mean, WOW. Talk about sizzling!! I don't read too much of this genre and I am never a fan of insta-lust (which is usually what this genre operates on, I know), but for some reason, this book worked for me. Alex is totally an asshole at times—wow is he an asshole, and selfish, self-centered, demanding, etc.—sometimes. He's also super, super sexy though and his attraction to Olivia is wowzers; he falls, and he falls hard for her.
When it comes to Olivia, I found her really likable, which isn't always the case with some of the heroines in this genre; I don't find them very real or well-rounded, but despite all the sexy times, Olivia still comes off as very accessible and someone whom you can imagine as a friend—she's down-to-earth, is living a regular life, has been through some tough times but is trying to bounce back.
The center-focus is obviously the dynamic between Alex and Olivia and it is FAN. TASTIC. Break out the fan, turn on the AC, keep some cold water or ice on-hand, and get ready to enjoy ...! I'm really looking forward to checking out Bartel's other work; if the characters and chemistry are as engaging and sizzling as in Thrust, then we're in for some more good times ;-).
SYBIL BARTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
When it comes to Olivia, I found her really likable, which isn't always the case with some of the heroines in this genre; I don't find them very real or well-rounded, but despite all the sexy times, Olivia still comes off as very accessible and someone whom you can imagine as a friend—she's down-to-earth, is living a regular life, has been through some tough times but is trying to bounce back.
The center-focus is obviously the dynamic between Alex and Olivia and it is FAN. TASTIC. Break out the fan, turn on the AC, keep some cold water or ice on-hand, and get ready to enjoy ...! I'm really looking forward to checking out Bartel's other work; if the characters and chemistry are as engaging and sizzling as in Thrust, then we're in for some more good times ;-).
SYBIL BARTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
The Alpha Escort Series*This review is of an ARC provided by Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
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)
May 24, 2018
2.5 stars
I read this because I was interested in reading Talon and some reviews suggested starting from the beginning because there are holes if you don't.
And I was high on allergy meds and didn't want to have to think for a bit.
Plus, I've owned since 2016, apparently.
It could've gone much worse though. 😨 Especially with the male escort plot which isn't really my "jam".
Due to aforementioned allergy meds, this'll be easy, breezy, not-so-beautiful cover girl. *Don't worry, I just rolled my eyes at myself for you*
The story has span of about 48 hours for the first 95%, then two weeks later for the last 5% with a HFN ending and no epilogue. Dual POV. It's pretty insta-love considering, but the timeline felt like a lot longer. In a good way.
I liked the heroine, Olivia. She wasn't a doormat, and although I would've liked her to slap Alex a few times, she didn't make it easy for him or fall right into his bed. Well, actually, she sort of did, but it was angry sex, and she continued to fight him after that so I forgave her. However, I didn't like how she
Before I get into the hero, let me first say that my first impression of him was not good. At all. The book literally opens with him mid-sex with one of his clients, then follows him to a "meeting" with another client where he starts his thing and is just about to have sex and then a later chapter, he's finishing up with another client before going to the fundraiser where he meets the heroine with yet another client. (In case you lost count, that's four clients.) It's a personal thing, but I'm not a fan of OW scenes. It did help give me a feel for him though, and showed me exactly how he treated the women so I wasn't left with endless questions.
But still.
Anyway, once he sees the h he's all about her, but bounces back and forth between his denial of his feelings for her and his desire to make her his (wow, I just realized how sick I am of that phrase. Hmm.). He's controlling and definitely uses sex to manipulate the heroine, but he also goes out of his way for her several times when even her best friend wouldn't. Still, towards the end he said some stupid shit that made me want to throat-punch him and when Olivia didn't really fight back, I was disappointed.
The writing's pretty good. The characters are relatable, although I'd prefer more background on them both. I also didn't like the ending. Their issues were hardly worked out before the H is all "I did this nice thing for you" and the h "ohmigod how sweet are you i love you to the ends of the earth and back", sex starts, curtain drops.
Really hot sex, though! ;-)
I read this because I was interested in reading Talon and some reviews suggested starting from the beginning because there are holes if you don't.
And I was high on allergy meds and didn't want to have to think for a bit.
Plus, I've owned since 2016, apparently.
It could've gone much worse though. 😨 Especially with the male escort plot which isn't really my "jam".
Due to aforementioned allergy meds, this'll be easy, breezy, not-so-beautiful cover girl. *Don't worry, I just rolled my eyes at myself for you*
The story has span of about 48 hours for the first 95%, then two weeks later for the last 5% with a HFN ending and no epilogue. Dual POV. It's pretty insta-love considering, but the timeline felt like a lot longer. In a good way.
I liked the heroine, Olivia. She wasn't a doormat, and although I would've liked her to slap Alex a few times, she didn't make it easy for him or fall right into his bed. Well, actually, she sort of did, but it was angry sex, and she continued to fight him after that so I forgave her. However, I didn't like how she
Before I get into the hero, let me first say that my first impression of him was not good. At all. The book literally opens with him mid-sex with one of his clients, then follows him to a "meeting" with another client where he starts his thing and is just about to have sex and then a later chapter, he's finishing up with another client before going to the fundraiser where he meets the heroine with yet another client. (In case you lost count, that's four clients.) It's a personal thing, but I'm not a fan of OW scenes. It did help give me a feel for him though, and showed me exactly how he treated the women so I wasn't left with endless questions.
But still.
Anyway, once he sees the h he's all about her, but bounces back and forth between his denial of his feelings for her and his desire to make her his (wow, I just realized how sick I am of that phrase. Hmm.). He's controlling and definitely uses sex to manipulate the heroine, but he also goes out of his way for her several times when even her best friend wouldn't. Still, towards the end he said some stupid shit that made me want to throat-punch him and when Olivia didn't really fight back, I was disappointed.
The writing's pretty good. The characters are relatable, although I'd prefer more background on them both. I also didn't like the ending. Their issues were hardly worked out before the H is all "I did this nice thing for you" and the h "ohmigod how sweet are you i love you to the ends of the earth and back", sex starts, curtain drops.
Really hot sex, though! ;-)
December 14, 2016
Alex Vega aims to please, he is damn good at what he does, and well worth the money he rakes in doing it... problem is for the first time in three years he has doubts about the line of work he is in. Being a high end male escort comes with it's list of complications, so he's created a list of rules that he always follows down to the letter in hopes of keeping things from getting messy. But when a client offers him a healthy sum to escort her to a fancy event he decides to bend his rules just this once. While he has his reservations about attending the event, once he's there things start looking up... he never planned on meeting a woman like Olivia there, and now that he has he just can't seem to let her go. The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes that it might be time to toss out his pesky list of rules, change his ways, and be the man she deserves!
The moment Olivia meets Alex Vega she is ready to turn and hightail it in the other direction, she finds his bold and assertive approach a total turn off, and she can't fathom why any woman would want to be near him, he's such an ass! He has no problem making his attraction to her known, and as much as she tries to deny his advances, her traitorous body tells him otherwise. She doesn't want to like him, but the more time she spends with him, the more she starts to see there is a better man hidden underneath his hard alpha exterior, and it has her reconsidering her initial opinions of him. Question is can he find it in himself to be that guy?
Once again Ms. Bartel has unleashed an irresistible alpha from her elite alpha male arsenal, and gave readers a man that is sure to invade their every thought, and linger with them long after the last page is swiped. The moment you meet Alex, he may piss you off, but little by little he will sneak under your radar, and find a way into your heart...and when he does he'll get you GOOD! His alpha traits run bone deep, and he isn't above playing a little dirty to get exactly what he craves, and when he gets it, he is sure to leave you completely satisfied. There is no filter with him, no apologies for his actions, he's just a man that is sure of himself, his capabilities in the bedroom, and he knows exactly how to convince you he's the only man you'll need...no matter the risk! The man is seriously something else, he pushed my buttons, made me swoon, and ingrained himself into my thoughts and my heart... and I loved every minute I spent with him!! This is by far my favorite story from Ms. Bartel yet, I didn't think anything could top Neil... but she completely surprised me with this one!!
If you like your fairy tales on the super naughty side, and equipped with an smooth talking alpha sure to give you everything you could possibly desire then I HIGHLY recommend you meet Alex!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
The moment Olivia meets Alex Vega she is ready to turn and hightail it in the other direction, she finds his bold and assertive approach a total turn off, and she can't fathom why any woman would want to be near him, he's such an ass! He has no problem making his attraction to her known, and as much as she tries to deny his advances, her traitorous body tells him otherwise. She doesn't want to like him, but the more time she spends with him, the more she starts to see there is a better man hidden underneath his hard alpha exterior, and it has her reconsidering her initial opinions of him. Question is can he find it in himself to be that guy?
Once again Ms. Bartel has unleashed an irresistible alpha from her elite alpha male arsenal, and gave readers a man that is sure to invade their every thought, and linger with them long after the last page is swiped. The moment you meet Alex, he may piss you off, but little by little he will sneak under your radar, and find a way into your heart...and when he does he'll get you GOOD! His alpha traits run bone deep, and he isn't above playing a little dirty to get exactly what he craves, and when he gets it, he is sure to leave you completely satisfied. There is no filter with him, no apologies for his actions, he's just a man that is sure of himself, his capabilities in the bedroom, and he knows exactly how to convince you he's the only man you'll need...no matter the risk! The man is seriously something else, he pushed my buttons, made me swoon, and ingrained himself into my thoughts and my heart... and I loved every minute I spent with him!! This is by far my favorite story from Ms. Bartel yet, I didn't think anything could top Neil... but she completely surprised me with this one!!
If you like your fairy tales on the super naughty side, and equipped with an smooth talking alpha sure to give you everything you could possibly desire then I HIGHLY recommend you meet Alex!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
Read
August 13, 2017Al final estos libros todos sexosos y románticones son lo mismo pero ya me molesta más la actidud de las protagonistas. Pero el problema es mío y no del libro, aclaro.
Personajes: Alex es todo lo que debería: rico, guapo, dios del sexo, ex-militar, seguro de sí mismo, controlador, posesivo, arriesgado y todas esas "cualidades" masculinas que justifican lo impulsivos y acosadores que son. Olivia también es típica: insegura, bellísima, más baja que Alex, amorosa, bondadosa, grosera, caprichosa, todo eso que la hace una drama queen que enamora a un dios del sexo y se hace que se enamore de ella y en dos semanas la ame.
Me molesta mucho que sigan construyendo estos personajes pero me alegra que exista esta literatura, en lugar de leer cosas de la U, me divertí todo un día leyendo esto. Se pasa un buen rato, hasta puede que una escena te haga excitar.
Personajes: Alex es todo lo que debería: rico, guapo, dios del sexo, ex-militar, seguro de sí mismo, controlador, posesivo, arriesgado y todas esas "cualidades" masculinas que justifican lo impulsivos y acosadores que son. Olivia también es típica: insegura, bellísima, más baja que Alex, amorosa, bondadosa, grosera, caprichosa, todo eso que la hace una drama queen que enamora a un dios del sexo y se hace que se enamore de ella y en dos semanas la ame.
Me molesta mucho que sigan construyendo estos personajes pero me alegra que exista esta literatura, en lugar de leer cosas de la U, me divertí todo un día leyendo esto. Se pasa un buen rato, hasta puede que una escena te haga excitar.
August 21, 2017
ES un 3.5 aunque me gusto me esperaba mas, otra cosa no se..
in-collection-already
May 17, 20185/17/18 currently free
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
December 12, 2016
Alex is a dirty dirty bird and I absolutely adored that about him. He's a high end escort who has no qualms at all about the job he does or the life he leads. He's got an end game, he's got a plan, and for right now raking in the dough through his escort service is just fine for him. He's got rules, and when he breaks one of those rules - attending a function with a client, he meets someone unexpected and his life changes.
Olivia's got one goal in mind, having a successful charity auction so she can see her dream realized of being able to train service animals for veterans. It means so much to her, becuase of a personal tragedy so when a chance encounter with a stranger throws things off track and appears to have ruined it all, Olivia is very upset. But there's more to it than that, she's got a life long friend, she'd at one time wanted more than anything throwing moves her way and it feels all wrong.
I really liked how Olivia realizes quickly that what she thought she wanted from her friend, a real relationship between them, wouldn't work and that he's not really the man she thought he was. I like how their disentegrating friendship mixes in with the friendship turned relationship building between her an Alex. It gives a certain complexity to the story.
Alex is blown away by his connection to this woman, who is unlike any of his clients and with whom he can't seem to do anything right. Taking a chance to not only make things right for Olivia and her goals, he attempts to get to know her better, and in doing so realizes that he can't go back to the man he was before. He's smart, he's solid, I really liked how Alex was determined to win over Olivia nd see where they'd find themselves.
In between the interactions with Alex as he tries to get to know Olivia better and figure out what their connection means, Olivia is dealing with a friendship gone weird which adds to the drama of the book.
Thrust was a wild emotional ride about two people who've been through a lot in the past, two people who randomly find one another and in that connection find more than they ever expected. For Olivia, she's got a man who believes in her, one who wants to see her achieve her dreams, but also wants her to do it for the right reasons and not misguided ones. And Olivia sees Alex's worth, even when she's upset.
I really enjoyed the way the relationship between these two blossomed and grew from one initial meeting that went oh so bad to something they needed on many levels. How Alex helped her see the truth of her friendship, how he helped her understand the tragedy she let haunt her, and how she helped him see his true worth.
Sybil Bartel pulled an amazing story together for Alex and Olivia; one that was emotional and heart felt, but also steamy and fun.
Olivia's got one goal in mind, having a successful charity auction so she can see her dream realized of being able to train service animals for veterans. It means so much to her, becuase of a personal tragedy so when a chance encounter with a stranger throws things off track and appears to have ruined it all, Olivia is very upset. But there's more to it than that, she's got a life long friend, she'd at one time wanted more than anything throwing moves her way and it feels all wrong.
I really liked how Olivia realizes quickly that what she thought she wanted from her friend, a real relationship between them, wouldn't work and that he's not really the man she thought he was. I like how their disentegrating friendship mixes in with the friendship turned relationship building between her an Alex. It gives a certain complexity to the story.
Alex is blown away by his connection to this woman, who is unlike any of his clients and with whom he can't seem to do anything right. Taking a chance to not only make things right for Olivia and her goals, he attempts to get to know her better, and in doing so realizes that he can't go back to the man he was before. He's smart, he's solid, I really liked how Alex was determined to win over Olivia nd see where they'd find themselves.
In between the interactions with Alex as he tries to get to know Olivia better and figure out what their connection means, Olivia is dealing with a friendship gone weird which adds to the drama of the book.
Thrust was a wild emotional ride about two people who've been through a lot in the past, two people who randomly find one another and in that connection find more than they ever expected. For Olivia, she's got a man who believes in her, one who wants to see her achieve her dreams, but also wants her to do it for the right reasons and not misguided ones. And Olivia sees Alex's worth, even when she's upset.
I really enjoyed the way the relationship between these two blossomed and grew from one initial meeting that went oh so bad to something they needed on many levels. How Alex helped her see the truth of her friendship, how he helped her understand the tragedy she let haunt her, and how she helped him see his true worth.
Sybil Bartel pulled an amazing story together for Alex and Olivia; one that was emotional and heart felt, but also steamy and fun.
January 5, 2017
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This is one of those times when I really wish Goodreads had half stars. I'm rounding it up instead of down because the one thing that had me knock a half star off my rating was in regards to a secondary character, not a main one.
It's been a long time since I've read a M/F romance. I saw Thrust on Amazon and decided to take a chance. I've been known to buy books based solely on their covers and I shallowly admit that this was one of those times. Look at it. :)
With that being said, I went into this not expecting much more than porn without plot. The ten inches of real estate in the blurb turned me off. I ended up being pleasantly surprised. I'm glad I took a chance because I really enjoyed this.
Alex Vega is a high-priced male escort. While at an art auction with one of his clients he sets his sights on Olivia. After a cat fight between Alex's current client and another one who happens to be at the auction, things get interesting between the two.
Olivia's only goal is to open a charitable organization that trains service dogs for veterans with PTSD. She worked her butt off to organize the auction in hopes of raising enough money to make it happen. She's finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel... then Alex Vega shows up and ruins everything.
This is where the story starts and where it gets hot as hell.
Alex is an arrogant jerk. He's very full of himself and believes he's God's gift to women. Early on I despised him. Surprisingly, as the story played out and I got to see more of his character, I started to really like the guy. By the time I finished the book I loved him. One of the best things about the story for me was that Olivia was no doormat. The main reason I stopped reading M/F is because I felt like all I was reading about were female characters who went from strong to weak the instant a hot guy came into their world. Olivia wasn't like that. Oh, she had her TSTL moments, but she still stood up for herself and proved that she was strong and didn't have to have a man to survive.
Overall, a very good book and not at all what I was expecting. There are a lot of hot sex scenes but there's also a good story. I'll definitely be reading more by this author.
Highly recommended.
Full NSFW review can be found at -
This is one of those times when I really wish Goodreads had half stars. I'm rounding it up instead of down because the one thing that had me knock a half star off my rating was in regards to a secondary character, not a main one.
It's been a long time since I've read a M/F romance. I saw Thrust on Amazon and decided to take a chance. I've been known to buy books based solely on their covers and I shallowly admit that this was one of those times. Look at it. :)
With that being said, I went into this not expecting much more than porn without plot. The ten inches of real estate in the blurb turned me off. I ended up being pleasantly surprised. I'm glad I took a chance because I really enjoyed this.
Alex Vega is a high-priced male escort. While at an art auction with one of his clients he sets his sights on Olivia. After a cat fight between Alex's current client and another one who happens to be at the auction, things get interesting between the two.
Olivia's only goal is to open a charitable organization that trains service dogs for veterans with PTSD. She worked her butt off to organize the auction in hopes of raising enough money to make it happen. She's finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel... then Alex Vega shows up and ruins everything.
This is where the story starts and where it gets hot as hell.
Alex is an arrogant jerk. He's very full of himself and believes he's God's gift to women. Early on I despised him. Surprisingly, as the story played out and I got to see more of his character, I started to really like the guy. By the time I finished the book I loved him. One of the best things about the story for me was that Olivia was no doormat. The main reason I stopped reading M/F is because I felt like all I was reading about were female characters who went from strong to weak the instant a hot guy came into their world. Olivia wasn't like that. Oh, she had her TSTL moments, but she still stood up for herself and proved that she was strong and didn't have to have a man to survive.
Overall, a very good book and not at all what I was expecting. There are a lot of hot sex scenes but there's also a good story. I'll definitely be reading more by this author.
Highly recommended.
Full NSFW review can be found at -
February 6, 2017
This book is worth a read, and reads quickly and easily. I was eager to see how the plot unfolded (indeed, it is very plot-driven) and there was a lot of great material in it, but it hit a pet peeve of mine that made me wish the author had taken the characterizations farther.
SPOILERS: An extremely high-priced gigolo (Alex) with regard for little other than his bank account creates a mess for aspiring therapy dog trainer (Liv) when two of his clients get into a catfight over him at her charity fundraiser. His clients' shenanigans seriously compromise her funding and before the night ends, Liv's major donor (her boss) fires her over the debacle and pulls out her support. Predictably furious with Alex, she tells him off at the end of the night when she's three sheets to the wind. Of course, they're alone and her confrontation results in angry drunk sex, which, since this is a romance novel, unfolds into something more.
Beyond this, secondary characters added interesting dimension and tension to the Liv/Alex story. A love triangle with Liv's childhood best friend, Alex's ex-client who grew feelings for him, a few colorful ex-Marines, as well as a few sweet scenes with really lovable dogs were fantastic assets that were enjoyable to read. Really great sex scenes also added strength to the overall story.
With that said, I found myself wishing that some parts of the story had simply been more developed. Alex and Liv fall in "insta-love" and though the descriptions of how it feels for them to be in love are AMAZING, we never get a good reason for why they've fallen for one another. The love at first sight" trope bugs me when it's not followed up with chemistry that isn't sexual. We see only one other big thing they have in common (a soft spot for vets) but the story is VERY light on other details that would make authentic love between them more credible.
SPOILERS: An extremely high-priced gigolo (Alex) with regard for little other than his bank account creates a mess for aspiring therapy dog trainer (Liv) when two of his clients get into a catfight over him at her charity fundraiser. His clients' shenanigans seriously compromise her funding and before the night ends, Liv's major donor (her boss) fires her over the debacle and pulls out her support. Predictably furious with Alex, she tells him off at the end of the night when she's three sheets to the wind. Of course, they're alone and her confrontation results in angry drunk sex, which, since this is a romance novel, unfolds into something more.
Beyond this, secondary characters added interesting dimension and tension to the Liv/Alex story. A love triangle with Liv's childhood best friend, Alex's ex-client who grew feelings for him, a few colorful ex-Marines, as well as a few sweet scenes with really lovable dogs were fantastic assets that were enjoyable to read. Really great sex scenes also added strength to the overall story.
With that said, I found myself wishing that some parts of the story had simply been more developed. Alex and Liv fall in "insta-love" and though the descriptions of how it feels for them to be in love are AMAZING, we never get a good reason for why they've fallen for one another. The love at first sight" trope bugs me when it's not followed up with chemistry that isn't sexual. We see only one other big thing they have in common (a soft spot for vets) but the story is VERY light on other details that would make authentic love between them more credible.
December 22, 2016
I actually really enjoyed this book! I just love how the characters are written. Olivia is a great character.
I thought each and every character was written very uniquely, which is amazing for a writer. Each character had their own level of either spice or sass or baggage really. Alex got on my nerves at times, but as you read the book you understand why he does some of the things he does. I felt as though the author was unclear at times, or the author probably needed to go deeper into the different reasons for the actions done by each character.
The erotic parts were that. Erotic. Great writing on that part. It was very well and it went with the story very well too.
Let me just give a shoutout to that first sex scene with Alex and Olivia! That was hot af and showed who these characters was in a deeper emotional yet hot way.
4.5 star rating
**ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review**
I thought each and every character was written very uniquely, which is amazing for a writer. Each character had their own level of either spice or sass or baggage really. Alex got on my nerves at times, but as you read the book you understand why he does some of the things he does. I felt as though the author was unclear at times, or the author probably needed to go deeper into the different reasons for the actions done by each character.
The erotic parts were that. Erotic. Great writing on that part. It was very well and it went with the story very well too.
Let me just give a shoutout to that first sex scene with Alex and Olivia! That was hot af and showed who these characters was in a deeper emotional yet hot way.
4.5 star rating
**ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review**
December 16, 2022
Loved it!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: instalust
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely loved this story! Super original storyline, super hot smexy, and still a deeply emotional read. Somehow Sybil Bartel manages to cram all the yumminess into a relatively short story. Loved all Alex's OTT alpha goodness :) Definitely a cocky, pretty self absorbed turd to begin with, he manages to change, but still be himself. Loved Olivia. Her vulnerability, but also her strength and resolved. Loved her smart mouth and that she called him on his BS. Definitely prefer Sybil's stronger heroines and she definitely made my favorites list. Can't wait to read the last two books of the series - they're the only two books I haven't read yet!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: instalust
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely loved this story! Super original storyline, super hot smexy, and still a deeply emotional read. Somehow Sybil Bartel manages to cram all the yumminess into a relatively short story. Loved all Alex's OTT alpha goodness :) Definitely a cocky, pretty self absorbed turd to begin with, he manages to change, but still be himself. Loved Olivia. Her vulnerability, but also her strength and resolved. Loved her smart mouth and that she called him on his BS. Definitely prefer Sybil's stronger heroines and she definitely made my favorites list. Can't wait to read the last two books of the series - they're the only two books I haven't read yet!
July 10, 2017
Four Stars
This was ridiculously HOT. Kinda an insta-lust/insta-love, well at least from the Hero's POV. I enjoyed the heroine's reluctance in the beginning but as the story progressed her stubbornness was off putting. Aside from that minor flaw, this story was pretty fun to read and like I said before...ridiculously HOT.
This was ridiculously HOT. Kinda an insta-lust/insta-love, well at least from the Hero's POV. I enjoyed the heroine's reluctance in the beginning but as the story progressed her stubbornness was off putting. Aside from that minor flaw, this story was pretty fun to read and like I said before...ridiculously HOT.
May 31, 2017
Holy Hotness!
10 stars for all 10" !!! No joke you have got to read this book! This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last!
This book had me at service dogs, threw down at the vodka bottle and drove it home with 10" of yumminess! I loved Olivia and Alex. I disliked Jesse a lot and I could have used some more beat down on that part but it just shows how invested I was in the story I was and how close to Olivia I felt. This book has ALL the feels. I highly recommend it!
10 stars for all 10" !!! No joke you have got to read this book! This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last!
This book had me at service dogs, threw down at the vodka bottle and drove it home with 10" of yumminess! I loved Olivia and Alex. I disliked Jesse a lot and I could have used some more beat down on that part but it just shows how invested I was in the story I was and how close to Olivia I felt. This book has ALL the feels. I highly recommend it!
on-sale-to-read
July 1, 2017
February 14, 2018
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews