What do you think?
Rate this book
Alpha Bodyguard #9
Heartless
Bodyguard.
Sentry.
Explosives expert.
There was a reason I was the only Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician in the Marines who'd never sustained any injuries. I didn't take chances. Ever. My actions were precise. My thoughts were controlled, and I lived by one creed—no second chances.
Except serving my country as an EOD in the Marines had a shelf life. Promoted off the front lines, I didn't want to ride out my career behind a desk. A civilian job with the best security firm in the business seemed like a better solution… until a frightened client with haunted eyes lied to me about everything.
Now she was going to find out how heartless a bodyguard could be.
*HEARTLESS is the ninth standalone book in the Alpha Bodyguard Series.
The Alpha Bodyguard Series:
SCANDALOUS - Tank's story
MERCILESS - Collins's story
RECKLESS - Tyler's story
RUTHLESS - Sawyer's story
FEARLESS - Ty's story
CALLOUS - Preston's story
RELENTLESS - Thomas's story
SHAMELESS - Shade's story
HEARTLESS - Ronan's story
Sentry.
Explosives expert.
There was a reason I was the only Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician in the Marines who'd never sustained any injuries. I didn't take chances. Ever. My actions were precise. My thoughts were controlled, and I lived by one creed—no second chances.
Except serving my country as an EOD in the Marines had a shelf life. Promoted off the front lines, I didn't want to ride out my career behind a desk. A civilian job with the best security firm in the business seemed like a better solution… until a frightened client with haunted eyes lied to me about everything.
Now she was going to find out how heartless a bodyguard could be.
*HEARTLESS is the ninth standalone book in the Alpha Bodyguard Series.
The Alpha Bodyguard Series:
SCANDALOUS - Tank's story
MERCILESS - Collins's story
RECKLESS - Tyler's story
RUTHLESS - Sawyer's story
FEARLESS - Ty's story
CALLOUS - Preston's story
RELENTLESS - Thomas's story
SHAMELESS - Shade's story
HEARTLESS - Ronan's story
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2020
107 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Sybil Bartel
50 books1,236 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 74 reviews
dnf
December 31, 2020DNF At 36%
The last few books this author has released have been misses for me for one reason or another. This time it was the heroine. I simply dislike her. I disagree with her choices and her actions in dealing with this very serious situation on the down low. Actual people that isn't solely herself are at risk, the least she could have done was get the authorities involved from the start. Vance just feels smarmy and it gives me icky feelings that I don't want to deal with. Ronan barely seems to have a personality outside of his career and being in love with the heroine.
Cheers to the last DNF of 2020!
The last few books this author has released have been misses for me for one reason or another. This time it was the heroine. I simply dislike her. I disagree with her choices and her actions in dealing with this very serious situation on the down low. Actual people that isn't solely herself are at risk, the least she could have done was get the authorities involved from the start. Vance just feels smarmy and it gives me icky feelings that I don't want to deal with. Ronan barely seems to have a personality outside of his career and being in love with the heroine.
Cheers to the last DNF of 2020!
January 5, 2021
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: It was a fast-paced and steamy read as all of Mrs. Bartel’s books are. I had been awaiting Ronan’s story for awhile.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It’s told in dual first person POV. I enjoyed being inside their heads. There’s also some angst and a lot of suspense.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I enjoyed being inside Ronan’s head but was perplexed at how sloppy he became. I wanted to shake Sanaa for withholding pertinent information and for whatever weirdness she had going with Vance. But also, I wanted to tell Sanaa to move on and forget the jerk who left her and refused to hear her out. I also kept seeing Sanaa as Rihanna in my head!
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: The reconciliation scene... *fans myself*
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: second chance romance
* What did you think about the ending?: It was a super sweet and satisfying HEA!
* What is your impression of the author?: I’m a loyal fan. I just read that she finished this book during great tragedy and my heart goes out to her.
* How did the book make you feel?: It was a fast-paced and steamy read as all of Mrs. Bartel’s books are. I had been awaiting Ronan’s story for awhile.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It’s told in dual first person POV. I enjoyed being inside their heads. There’s also some angst and a lot of suspense.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I enjoyed being inside Ronan’s head but was perplexed at how sloppy he became. I wanted to shake Sanaa for withholding pertinent information and for whatever weirdness she had going with Vance. But also, I wanted to tell Sanaa to move on and forget the jerk who left her and refused to hear her out. I also kept seeing Sanaa as Rihanna in my head!
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: The reconciliation scene... *fans myself*
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: second chance romance
* What did you think about the ending?: It was a super sweet and satisfying HEA!
* What is your impression of the author?: I’m a loyal fan. I just read that she finished this book during great tragedy and my heart goes out to her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
![Profile Image for Liz [reads books].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1668868475i%2F23423026._UY200_CR19%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 27, 2020
I should have known Ronan was so dominant and controlling. I wish I could have experienced more of that in this book. It took awhile for this book to get going for me. I held pretty steady until about 45% in and that's about when I got fully invested. Wish I could have read more instances of the dynamic of the relationship between Ronan and Sanaa. I understand this was the introduction of the author's new series. (Which I hope isn't the end of this series, because - hello! Harm! I need his book!) I wonder if Vance will be getting his own book. He was kind of a douchebag in this book. One cocky SOB. I wonder if he'll be able to redeem himself, in my eyes anyway.
December 23, 2020
4.5 stars
I don’t know how she does it but I’m always so happy when another alpha hero has his own story and more so a romance one, especially at the right time because I was looking forward to be swept away into a great fictional world that I loved so much over the years.
I’m a die hard second chance romance lover and if the characters are older and grown up to overcome so much in their life over the time, that’s definitely a great story that will stay with me for a while.
This is darker, more raw and heartbreaking but beautiful and fulfilling at the same time, just as expected from a favourite author that never disappoints.
I don’t know how she does it but I’m always so happy when another alpha hero has his own story and more so a romance one, especially at the right time because I was looking forward to be swept away into a great fictional world that I loved so much over the years.
I’m a die hard second chance romance lover and if the characters are older and grown up to overcome so much in their life over the time, that’s definitely a great story that will stay with me for a while.
This is darker, more raw and heartbreaking but beautiful and fulfilling at the same time, just as expected from a favourite author that never disappoints.
January 27, 2025
Ronan & Sanaa
This cover... H O T D A M N ..... !!!!
That cover is the hottest damn thing I've seen in a long time. Unfortunately I didn't feel the same way about the story :( I'd just finished Shameless and was so pumped for the next round of Alpha goodness but it seemed to me things just went way off track. The Ronan in this story wasn't the same as the Ronan in the book I'd just read. I felt like the first half of the book really dragged and Vance's character was just downright weird. After figuring out later that the Prologue is actually narrated by Vance, we know that he is solid and good at heart underneath, but he was portrayed as the villain throughout the book.
Could NOT figure out how to pronounce Sanaa's name the whole time, so that was distracting. There were a lot of editing issues and I'm glad to have discovered my Kindle's new editing feature that allows the reader to highlight errors and recommend changes.
Also found it weird that Ronan was an explosives expert, but not once in the story was he involved in anything to do with this. SO disappointed, as that was part of the attraction!
I'll always stand by Sybil Bartel's outstanding writing and understanding of this genre. She has had a crap year on a personal level, as she states in her dedication in the front of book, so there is no animosity from me over this book.
However: I stand by my previous reviews and my opinion is that Sybil’s writing is unrivalled, in that she meticulously weaves exactly the RIGHT amount of plot with the RIGHT amount of heat from the very beginning. Every book is almost impossible to put down and has me hooked straight away. Her descriptions bring every character to life and take me into their hearts & minds.
"His demeanor cool and aloof, he was controlled, dominant, and so very intense that sometimes I had to look away from him just so my heart didn’t shatter."
“You have no idea what you’re asking for.” I did. I was asking for everything. I was asking for this angry, complex, beautiful man to hold me accountable. I wanted all of his rage, passion and hurt. I wanted his emotions. I wanted to take them and absorb it and then finally, selfishly, I wanted him to forgive me."
Cover model: Andrew Biernat
Alpha Bodyguard Series:
SCANDALOUS – Tank & Audrina
MERCILESS – Collins & Brookelyn
RECKLESS – Tyler & Calandra
RUTHLESS – Sawyer & Genevieve
FEARLESS – Ty & Ludeviene
CALLOUS – Preston & Mercy
RELENTLESS – Thomas & Fallon
SHAMELESS - Shade & Summer
HEARTLESS – Ronan & Sanaa
This cover... H O T D A M N ..... !!!!
That cover is the hottest damn thing I've seen in a long time. Unfortunately I didn't feel the same way about the story :( I'd just finished Shameless and was so pumped for the next round of Alpha goodness but it seemed to me things just went way off track. The Ronan in this story wasn't the same as the Ronan in the book I'd just read. I felt like the first half of the book really dragged and Vance's character was just downright weird. After figuring out later that the Prologue is actually narrated by Vance, we know that he is solid and good at heart underneath, but he was portrayed as the villain throughout the book.
Could NOT figure out how to pronounce Sanaa's name the whole time, so that was distracting. There were a lot of editing issues and I'm glad to have discovered my Kindle's new editing feature that allows the reader to highlight errors and recommend changes.
Also found it weird that Ronan was an explosives expert, but not once in the story was he involved in anything to do with this. SO disappointed, as that was part of the attraction!
I'll always stand by Sybil Bartel's outstanding writing and understanding of this genre. She has had a crap year on a personal level, as she states in her dedication in the front of book, so there is no animosity from me over this book.
However: I stand by my previous reviews and my opinion is that Sybil’s writing is unrivalled, in that she meticulously weaves exactly the RIGHT amount of plot with the RIGHT amount of heat from the very beginning. Every book is almost impossible to put down and has me hooked straight away. Her descriptions bring every character to life and take me into their hearts & minds.
"His demeanor cool and aloof, he was controlled, dominant, and so very intense that sometimes I had to look away from him just so my heart didn’t shatter."
“You have no idea what you’re asking for.” I did. I was asking for everything. I was asking for this angry, complex, beautiful man to hold me accountable. I wanted all of his rage, passion and hurt. I wanted his emotions. I wanted to take them and absorb it and then finally, selfishly, I wanted him to forgive me."
Cover model: Andrew Biernat
Alpha Bodyguard Series:
SCANDALOUS – Tank & Audrina
MERCILESS – Collins & Brookelyn
RECKLESS – Tyler & Calandra
RUTHLESS – Sawyer & Genevieve
FEARLESS – Ty & Ludeviene
CALLOUS – Preston & Mercy
RELENTLESS – Thomas & Fallon
SHAMELESS - Shade & Summer
HEARTLESS – Ronan & Sanaa
September 12, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Cool alpha male dominant, lots of action, everywhere.
Sybil writes some brilliant books and I’ve loved all this series.
Great characters and storylines tense and satisfying adventures
💋💋💋
Cool alpha male dominant, lots of action, everywhere.
Sybil writes some brilliant books and I’ve loved all this series.
Great characters and storylines tense and satisfying adventures
December 23, 2020
𝙱𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚎'𝚜 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝙶𝚞𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠𝚜
4 1/2 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sybil is the queen of military romances and dirty, sexy EVERYTHING. She knows this world like the back of her hand, and it really shows through in the experiences, emotions and actions of her alpha heroes in her novels.
A few reasons that Sybil Bartel's usual 5-star read just wasn't a 5 star read this time around:
I feel like the connection of our couple got lost in translation. There was a lot of focus on introducing Adam Trefor's mercenary team for her new series, Alpha Elites. So, amongst that, it felt so hyperfocused on giving background on the new character versus giving more background and passion to the current couple. If I didn't get the prologue of this book, I would have been dumbfounded as to why Ronan and Sanaa even liked one another.
There were a few instances where I felt like Sanaa and Ronan's connection could have been amplified with a little more background of their history together. Sanaa and Ronan have known each other for 10+ years, but when they reconnect under unfortunate circumstances, it feels as though they're strangers if we're being honest. I never saw that connection, or the chase associated with getting the girl that Sybil always so wonderfully executes.
I couldn't picture Sanaa in my head. All I got was a woman from Trinidad with long, dark hair and dark eyes. I one hundred percent don't agree with the stigma around characters being Caucasian with blonde hair and blue eyes. Then, when a racially ambiguous character is introduced people tend to loose their minds, so I can understand why Sybil decided to leave Sanaa's appearance open to our imagination, but I really wish we got a clearer picture of her. I just know that Sanaa was beautiful inside and out.
I also wished we had more time with Ronan. We weren't really familiar with him, and I wished I got to spend more time with him, if you know what I mean. He was such a raw, emotionally driven man that I just knew if I had a few more pages to get to know him, he would have probably taken a spot within my top five alpha bodyguard's. But MAN, does Sybil know how to write an alpha-male. Gosh dang.
Overall, this short and somewhat fast-paced read was phenomenal. It's always so hard to leave a review with Sybil's books based off of what goes on, because I literally cannot tell you, it would ruin the whole book for you guys. There is always something happening every time you turn the page, and there is absolutely no filler pages where a character makes eggs for three paragraphs. Sybil is the QUEEN when it comes to writing, she delivers every.single.time.
She pulls you in and plants you into the bodyguard world that we've all come to know and love, and once a book ends we want to dive right back in. I get so caught up in her writing, that I can't even tell you how many times I have put the book down to find my heart is racing just as fast as the heroines was described as. She literally makes you a part of the book.
I also love and admire that although this is the ninth book in the Alpha Bodyguard series, none of the men have the same personality traits besides being an alpha male. They are all uniquely and individualistically their own person with so little resemblance that I could pick them out in a sea of crowded people.
I've been reading Sybil for about two years now. She has become a one-click author for me, and I know that will never change. She puts everything, her heart, soul and emotions into her writing and is so dedication-driven that she pushed through to get this novel out on her intended release date, despite all of the heart-break and hardships she has been dealt with in her personal life. Sybil Bartel will forever be a warrior woman. She is everything she writes about and more -- she is scandalous, fearless, merciless, reckless, ruthless, callous, relentless, shameless, but definitely NOT heartless. This woman has a heart filled with gold. We love you.
4 1/2 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sybil is the queen of military romances and dirty, sexy EVERYTHING. She knows this world like the back of her hand, and it really shows through in the experiences, emotions and actions of her alpha heroes in her novels.
A few reasons that Sybil Bartel's usual 5-star read just wasn't a 5 star read this time around:
I feel like the connection of our couple got lost in translation. There was a lot of focus on introducing Adam Trefor's mercenary team for her new series, Alpha Elites. So, amongst that, it felt so hyperfocused on giving background on the new character versus giving more background and passion to the current couple. If I didn't get the prologue of this book, I would have been dumbfounded as to why Ronan and Sanaa even liked one another.
There were a few instances where I felt like Sanaa and Ronan's connection could have been amplified with a little more background of their history together. Sanaa and Ronan have known each other for 10+ years, but when they reconnect under unfortunate circumstances, it feels as though they're strangers if we're being honest. I never saw that connection, or the chase associated with getting the girl that Sybil always so wonderfully executes.
I couldn't picture Sanaa in my head. All I got was a woman from Trinidad with long, dark hair and dark eyes. I one hundred percent don't agree with the stigma around characters being Caucasian with blonde hair and blue eyes. Then, when a racially ambiguous character is introduced people tend to loose their minds, so I can understand why Sybil decided to leave Sanaa's appearance open to our imagination, but I really wish we got a clearer picture of her. I just know that Sanaa was beautiful inside and out.
I also wished we had more time with Ronan. We weren't really familiar with him, and I wished I got to spend more time with him, if you know what I mean. He was such a raw, emotionally driven man that I just knew if I had a few more pages to get to know him, he would have probably taken a spot within my top five alpha bodyguard's. But MAN, does Sybil know how to write an alpha-male. Gosh dang.
Overall, this short and somewhat fast-paced read was phenomenal. It's always so hard to leave a review with Sybil's books based off of what goes on, because I literally cannot tell you, it would ruin the whole book for you guys. There is always something happening every time you turn the page, and there is absolutely no filler pages where a character makes eggs for three paragraphs. Sybil is the QUEEN when it comes to writing, she delivers every.single.time.
She pulls you in and plants you into the bodyguard world that we've all come to know and love, and once a book ends we want to dive right back in. I get so caught up in her writing, that I can't even tell you how many times I have put the book down to find my heart is racing just as fast as the heroines was described as. She literally makes you a part of the book.
I also love and admire that although this is the ninth book in the Alpha Bodyguard series, none of the men have the same personality traits besides being an alpha male. They are all uniquely and individualistically their own person with so little resemblance that I could pick them out in a sea of crowded people.
I've been reading Sybil for about two years now. She has become a one-click author for me, and I know that will never change. She puts everything, her heart, soul and emotions into her writing and is so dedication-driven that she pushed through to get this novel out on her intended release date, despite all of the heart-break and hardships she has been dealt with in her personal life. Sybil Bartel will forever be a warrior woman. She is everything she writes about and more -- she is scandalous, fearless, merciless, reckless, ruthless, callous, relentless, shameless, but definitely NOT heartless. This woman has a heart filled with gold. We love you.
Read
December 21, 20204-1/2 sizzling stars!!!!!
Sybil Bartel takes a break from her usual insta-love romance and treats us to a hot, angsty, second chance romance in the explosive Heartless. 4-1/2 fantastic stars for this romance with a psychological twist.
Sanaa Narine and Ronan Conlan reconnect ten years after a terrible series of events one night when she was 17 and he twenty that shaped the course of their lives. Although he'd wanted to marry her, they were forced apart and he went on to the Marines and she became a pop star. Ronan's identical twin, Vance, was involved with the event and with bringing them all back together after ten years.
At times raw and disturbing, Heartless is a fast paced romance featuring Sybil Bartel's signature rough, dominant, uber alpha hero and a wealthy, messed-up young heroine whose life is spiraling out of control for one reason or another. (Otherwise, they would not have a need for a bodyguard.)
In Sanaa's case, nursing a broken heart for ten years, she is rather passive about her mega star status and has let too many people make decisions for her for too long, doing whatever her manager and agent tell her to. Now after having her fill of fame and living out of hotels, she's decided to quit right about the time she is being stalked by a bomber. Ronan's identical twin, Vance has recently started working for her. (And he's got a screw loose, if you ask me.) He has an almost Svengali like hold on Sanaa as he helps her channel her frustrations.
Ronan is an explosive expert and one of Andre Luna's bodyguards. Trying to identify and stop the bomber, Vance & Sanaa come to Miami with a scheme to get Ronan involved with the search for the stalker. It's obvious from the start there's more to the story than they or anyone connected with Sanaa is admitting to. Ronan agrees, despite his suspicions about what Sanaa is doing with his brother. Will Ronan forgive Sanaa for her actions that fateful night? Has too much time passed for them to be happy?
Ronan and Sanaa are great characters but I didn't feel quite the build up of sexual tension as from the others in the series. I wanted description of Sanaa and I couldn't get a picture of her other than she was originally from Trinidad and had dark eyes and hair. But there is a trend these days toward racially ambiguous heroines, not that I agree with that trend. I felt there were a couple loose ends.
Great cameos from several of the guys band its always great to see Andre Luna. Is Harm's story coming soon?
This is an enjoyable, sexy read.
Sybil Bartel takes a break from her usual insta-love romance and treats us to a hot, angsty, second chance romance in the explosive Heartless. 4-1/2 fantastic stars for this romance with a psychological twist.
Sanaa Narine and Ronan Conlan reconnect ten years after a terrible series of events one night when she was 17 and he twenty that shaped the course of their lives. Although he'd wanted to marry her, they were forced apart and he went on to the Marines and she became a pop star. Ronan's identical twin, Vance, was involved with the event and with bringing them all back together after ten years.
At times raw and disturbing, Heartless is a fast paced romance featuring Sybil Bartel's signature rough, dominant, uber alpha hero and a wealthy, messed-up young heroine whose life is spiraling out of control for one reason or another. (Otherwise, they would not have a need for a bodyguard.)
In Sanaa's case, nursing a broken heart for ten years, she is rather passive about her mega star status and has let too many people make decisions for her for too long, doing whatever her manager and agent tell her to. Now after having her fill of fame and living out of hotels, she's decided to quit right about the time she is being stalked by a bomber. Ronan's identical twin, Vance has recently started working for her. (And he's got a screw loose, if you ask me.) He has an almost Svengali like hold on Sanaa as he helps her channel her frustrations.
Ronan is an explosive expert and one of Andre Luna's bodyguards. Trying to identify and stop the bomber, Vance & Sanaa come to Miami with a scheme to get Ronan involved with the search for the stalker. It's obvious from the start there's more to the story than they or anyone connected with Sanaa is admitting to. Ronan agrees, despite his suspicions about what Sanaa is doing with his brother. Will Ronan forgive Sanaa for her actions that fateful night? Has too much time passed for them to be happy?
Ronan and Sanaa are great characters but I didn't feel quite the build up of sexual tension as from the others in the series. I wanted description of Sanaa and I couldn't get a picture of her other than she was originally from Trinidad and had dark eyes and hair. But there is a trend these days toward racially ambiguous heroines, not that I agree with that trend. I felt there were a couple loose ends.
Great cameos from several of the guys band its always great to see Andre Luna. Is Harm's story coming soon?
This is an enjoyable, sexy read.
December 24, 2020
Sanaa Narine was the beautiful girl that stole his heart with her angelic voice, she was his everything. He was ready to promise her forever, and vow to always protect her, but tragedy struck and it forced them apart. He hasn't seen his songbird in ten long years, but fate is about to reunite them and Ronan Conlan isn't so sure he is ready to face her again.
But when he learns that her safety has been compromised he knows he can't put her life in someone else's hands, it must be him that keeps her safe. No matter how hard it is to see her again...
Between the pages of this expertly crafted novel readers will meet a stoic man that has the capabilities to disarm bombs, protect a nation, and take down the enemy... well except for one very beautiful enemy with the voice of an angel. At one point in his life Ronan saw himself settling down with Sanaa and having a life he thought they both dreamed of, but that all ended in disaster. Mistakes were made, feelings were hurt, bonds were broken, and the only thing left to do was walk away. These two once had something most aren't lucky enough to find, but their hurt and distrust for one another has smothered those feelings and that connection. Now it is going to take a miracle for them to find their way back to one another, there is so much baggage to sort and forgiveness to come.
I absolutely loved every single second of this story, this alpha stole my heart and attention from the first page, and he held it intently until the last. Every time his feelings wavered or his distrust reared it's ugly head I felt it, and every time a piece of that wall he built around his heart started to crack I felt that too. It was hard not to be completely enraptured by him, he wore his hurt like a shield, deflecting every passing glance from Sanaa, but she too was powerful. She may not have had his size or commanding presence, but when she spoke you could feel the power she held in her words. The push and pull was torturous, the words downright absorbing, and the connection they had was undeniable... they were pure magic on the page! I loved them so much! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
But when he learns that her safety has been compromised he knows he can't put her life in someone else's hands, it must be him that keeps her safe. No matter how hard it is to see her again...
Between the pages of this expertly crafted novel readers will meet a stoic man that has the capabilities to disarm bombs, protect a nation, and take down the enemy... well except for one very beautiful enemy with the voice of an angel. At one point in his life Ronan saw himself settling down with Sanaa and having a life he thought they both dreamed of, but that all ended in disaster. Mistakes were made, feelings were hurt, bonds were broken, and the only thing left to do was walk away. These two once had something most aren't lucky enough to find, but their hurt and distrust for one another has smothered those feelings and that connection. Now it is going to take a miracle for them to find their way back to one another, there is so much baggage to sort and forgiveness to come.
I absolutely loved every single second of this story, this alpha stole my heart and attention from the first page, and he held it intently until the last. Every time his feelings wavered or his distrust reared it's ugly head I felt it, and every time a piece of that wall he built around his heart started to crack I felt that too. It was hard not to be completely enraptured by him, he wore his hurt like a shield, deflecting every passing glance from Sanaa, but she too was powerful. She may not have had his size or commanding presence, but when she spoke you could feel the power she held in her words. The push and pull was torturous, the words downright absorbing, and the connection they had was undeniable... they were pure magic on the page! I loved them so much! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 26, 2020
An absolutely achingly, beautifully written second chance romance.
In 'Heartless', Ms. Bartel AGAIN demonstrates her superior writing craftsmanship in penning a tale for her readers.
Every word she puts on the page builds on the others, deftly creating not only images in the readers minds, but fills them with emotions, people, events, scents & sounds until the magic occurs & the reader is no longer HERE, but is now THERE, in the world Ms. Bartel lays out for us. In my mind, her writing is like a rare & treasured rug slowly unrolled before us. Exposing it in teasing bits, keeping us on tenterhooks until the entire masterpiece is displayed.
The story itself is wonderfully romantic: A quiet lethal dominant Alpha male who outwardly appears calm, cool & collected yet inside is a mass of roiling rage & pitch-dark secrets. A beautiful woman who is a world-famous singer, who has been controlled her entire life one way or another & to this day doesn't know if a decision made a decade earlier was the best or worst one of her life. A decade ago, Ronan & Sanaa's lives were joined & then torn apart & now Fate has reconnected them. But any potential for a possible second chance must navigate through explosive & deadly danger, betrayals, misconceptions, misunderstandings & realization of true feelings & needs.
Read it & be marvelously, seamlessly drawn into Ronan & Sanaa's journey . . . .
But the magic of this story is the flawless ability of Ms. Bartel to deftly enfold readers into her 'world', to cause the reader to disappear into the story & be utterly invested in & CARE about the characters who intrigue & fascinate us & their journey, make us NEED to keep reading & not put the book down until the last word. And even then, the characters & their journey continue resonate with us long after, ensuring we will want to revisit & reread their story again. And again.
Most books are good.
Many books are excellent.
A very, very special few books are that rare 'Magic Unicorn' that lifelong lovers of the written word truly live for: Superbly written wonders that magically swirl you away from reality into another world.
Ms. Bartel is most definitely one of those beautifully adept writers & this is one of those 'Magic Unicorns' for readers.
In 'Heartless', Ms. Bartel AGAIN demonstrates her superior writing craftsmanship in penning a tale for her readers.
Every word she puts on the page builds on the others, deftly creating not only images in the readers minds, but fills them with emotions, people, events, scents & sounds until the magic occurs & the reader is no longer HERE, but is now THERE, in the world Ms. Bartel lays out for us. In my mind, her writing is like a rare & treasured rug slowly unrolled before us. Exposing it in teasing bits, keeping us on tenterhooks until the entire masterpiece is displayed.
The story itself is wonderfully romantic: A quiet lethal dominant Alpha male who outwardly appears calm, cool & collected yet inside is a mass of roiling rage & pitch-dark secrets. A beautiful woman who is a world-famous singer, who has been controlled her entire life one way or another & to this day doesn't know if a decision made a decade earlier was the best or worst one of her life. A decade ago, Ronan & Sanaa's lives were joined & then torn apart & now Fate has reconnected them. But any potential for a possible second chance must navigate through explosive & deadly danger, betrayals, misconceptions, misunderstandings & realization of true feelings & needs.
Read it & be marvelously, seamlessly drawn into Ronan & Sanaa's journey . . . .
But the magic of this story is the flawless ability of Ms. Bartel to deftly enfold readers into her 'world', to cause the reader to disappear into the story & be utterly invested in & CARE about the characters who intrigue & fascinate us & their journey, make us NEED to keep reading & not put the book down until the last word. And even then, the characters & their journey continue resonate with us long after, ensuring we will want to revisit & reread their story again. And again.
Most books are good.
Many books are excellent.
A very, very special few books are that rare 'Magic Unicorn' that lifelong lovers of the written word truly live for: Superbly written wonders that magically swirl you away from reality into another world.
Ms. Bartel is most definitely one of those beautifully adept writers & this is one of those 'Magic Unicorns' for readers.
August 30, 2021
After a lacklustre experience with books 6 & 8, book 9 was slightly better in that nothing in it got on my nerves like some things in those previous books did. The heroine was kind of bland, but she wasn't annoying & full of entitlement like other Bartel heroines. She actually owned her mistakes & took responsibility for them instead of making excuses and casting blame.
It's ironic that what she did wasn't even half as bad as what Mercy did in Book 6, but she had the grace and humility to sincerely apologize whilst Mercy acted like Preston was the one who did her wrong. I seriously can't stand heroines like that. Mercy completely ruined Book 6 for me. I can't get over the fact that she ended up with such a great hero like Preston. He really deserved better.
Thankfully, Sanaa was nothing like her. I liked that she was on the sweeter side because I can't stand bitchy for no damn reason heroines (of which there are no shortage in romance). She had a soft spirit & Ronan was just as you'd expect a badass alpha to be - dominant, protective, sexual & sweet when he wants to be. I liked them both. Their relationship worked for them & I couldn't see either of them with anyone else.
I wouldn't have minded if Sanaa had just a bit of sass like Audrina in Book 1, Brook in Book 2 or heck ... even spoiled, junkie Summer in the beginning of Book 8. Sybil Bartel does sweet, sassy heroines really well (except for those times she adds a side of 'entitled and annoying' to some of her heroines). But, that said, she was still likeable. And I get it, it wasn't that kind of story. Given the relationship dynamic between Ronan & Sanaa, it makes sense that she wasn't too rebellious, but rather a true submissive.
It's more important to me that she wasn't annoying rather than her being sassy.
Heartless also had a different vibe. There was a strong D/s relationship between Ronan & Sanaa. All of Bartel's heroes are alpha to the max and dominant so there's always some D/s shenanigans going on in the bedroom, but the D/s undertone was even more prominent here. I didn't mind it. Like I said it worked for the type of relationship they had.
The thriller/suspense part of the book was alright, intriguing even, but I prefer when the story is more focused on the relationship since that gives us a bigger chance to get invested in the characters.
I sometimes wish Bartel's books were longer so the characters and their relationship have more room to develop, esp when everything is always insta. It's not all the time I'm convinced these couples will actually make it pass the honeymoon stage of their relationship, but that's because we never get to see them dealing with real life problems. We only see them falling in love and that's great, I love that but I also actually want to see them making it.
Anyway, I got tired of Ronan fantasizing about decking his brother. At some point, if you keep saying you're going to do something, just fucking do it, man, instead of all the useless grandstanding.
Last but not least, I have to comment more on Sanaa, the heroine, but not her personality this time, but her looks. We never really got a real description of her, apparently because she's black, mixed race or non-white (it was never specified) and the author didn't want to alienate her core reading audience, who apparently only want to read about white women, by mentioning her race.
Look, I get it. In real life I'm a business owner & marketer. You gotta appeal to your core audience and yada yada. Fine. But I'd rather white authors just not write black characters in their stories if they aren't brave enough to fully embrace them and do them justice OR resort to stereotypes. With every other heroine, we knew exactly how they looked, but with Sanaa, all we got was 'dark hair and dark eyes'. If I remember correctly, there was one throw away comment about 'honeyed skin'. :/
Another thing that irritated my soul was that Sanaa was this dirt poor girl from the Caribbean whose mother was a prostitute, she (Sanaa) lived on the streets and didn't have food to eat. Smfh. The Caribbean may be poor but 99% of the population - yes, including the homeless population - will always have something to eat. And most people will have somewhere to live, even if it's just a shack on captured land.
You know why? Because the culture in most of the Caribbean is one where people will always feed you if you tell them you're hungry or they see/know you're hungry. Your neighbours will give you food. Many people in the Caribbean have farms or relatives who have farms. It's not uncommon for people to share their produce with the community. And if you ask for food somebody will give it to you, esp when kids are involved. That's just the culture.
Furthermore, the Caribbean may be poor, but 70% or more is NOT dirt, dirt poor as most North Americans seem to think. There are probably more dirt poor Americans than they are people in the islands.
I don't have a problem with Sanaa growing up poor, that's not my issue because there's no shame in being poor. I'm just saying Sanaa's upbringing is not a part of the main statistic so why even go there? Why make her this completely bottom rung character with a prostitute mother, living on the street & starving? Where did Sybil Bartel get that from?
Many people in the Caribbean may be poor but they still lead dignified lives. They go to work (acceptable work, not sex work!), they have a home, even if it's a shack. They look after their kids, their relatives, most kids go to school (all the way up to high school, imagine that) ... they aren't starving! Even if all they eat for dinner is a boiled dumpling with butter. They may not have a lot of what they want, but they do tend to have what they need.
Anyway, whatever. It is what it is.
I thought this was the end of the Alpha Bodyguard series, but apparently there's more books to come. Next up is Roark, apparently. He's only been mentioned a few times, but I'll read his story. Curious to see what Bartel comes up with for him. In the interim, time for a well-needed palate cleanse. I've been reading these books back to back for the past several weeks. They're that addictive, but time for a break!
December 23, 2020
I was gifted Heartless by Sybil Bartel as an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a review for this fantastic read! Ronan and Sanaa's story is an intriguing and enticing story. It's very hot, angsty, action packed with twists and turns I didn't see coming. This is also a second chance romance.
Sanaa Narine and Ronan Conlan met when they were young. He fell in love with her voice before he met her. He claimed he'd marry her one day. Until one night when she was 17, he was 20 an incident happened the started a chain of events that tore them apart and shaped the course of their lives.
10 years later they reconnect when Sanaa shows up in his neck of the woods...
I was sucked into they're story from the very first line... "My front door wide opened, a tumblr in hand, I watched...."
You have to read this book...highly recommend!
Synopsis:
Bodyguard.
Sentry.
Explosives expert.
There was a reason I was the only Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician in the Marines who'd never sustained any injuries. I didn't take chances. Ever. My actions were precise. My thoughts were controlled, and I lived by one creed—no second chances.
Except serving my country as an EOD in the Marines had a shelf life. Promoted off the front lines, I didn't want to ride out my career behind a desk. A civilian job with the best security firm in the business seemed like a better solution… until a frightened client with haunted eyes lied to me about everything.
Now she was going to find out how heartless a bodyguard could be.
Sanaa Narine and Ronan Conlan met when they were young. He fell in love with her voice before he met her. He claimed he'd marry her one day. Until one night when she was 17, he was 20 an incident happened the started a chain of events that tore them apart and shaped the course of their lives.
10 years later they reconnect when Sanaa shows up in his neck of the woods...
I was sucked into they're story from the very first line... "My front door wide opened, a tumblr in hand, I watched...."
You have to read this book...highly recommend!
Synopsis:
Bodyguard.
Sentry.
Explosives expert.
There was a reason I was the only Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician in the Marines who'd never sustained any injuries. I didn't take chances. Ever. My actions were precise. My thoughts were controlled, and I lived by one creed—no second chances.
Except serving my country as an EOD in the Marines had a shelf life. Promoted off the front lines, I didn't want to ride out my career behind a desk. A civilian job with the best security firm in the business seemed like a better solution… until a frightened client with haunted eyes lied to me about everything.
Now she was going to find out how heartless a bodyguard could be.
dnf-nope
December 26, 2020i tried to like it but i couldn't..
DNF 44% there are just to many of my pet peeves in this one:
-10 years apart
-she thought the twin brother was the H, so she kissed him and she got naked with him, if the H wouldn't have entered the room , she without knowing would've have sex with the twin.
-she lose her V card to her record label boss for her singer career.
The things above happened 10 years prior.
The twins barely spoke in those 10 years, the H and h had no contact.
They meet again because her life is in danger and the twin called his brother for help...
otherwise they would've stay apart . Hate this, and also i hate that she connected with the twin by having him as a security and also as a partner to spare months before the H is contacted, after all that happened years ago i didn't like her choice. I didn't like this plot, this isn't working for me.
Even tho her and the twin never had sex i still didn't like anything about this plot. I felt sorry for this H, betrayed again by the twin and also girlfriend, he killed for her to prevent something bad,he left to war as a marine and never looked bad...and she? she freaking stayed in that contract opening her legs. (i think only once, but she was a virgin so nope, fuck this) if you don't have trouble with my pet peeves then you will probably like it.
DNF 44% there are just to many of my pet peeves in this one:
-10 years apart
-she thought the twin brother was the H, so she kissed him and she got naked with him, if the H wouldn't have entered the room , she without knowing would've have sex with the twin.
-she lose her V card to her record label boss for her singer career.
The things above happened 10 years prior.
The twins barely spoke in those 10 years, the H and h had no contact.
They meet again because her life is in danger and the twin called his brother for help...
otherwise they would've stay apart . Hate this, and also i hate that she connected with the twin by having him as a security and also as a partner to spare months before the H is contacted, after all that happened years ago i didn't like her choice. I didn't like this plot, this isn't working for me.
Even tho her and the twin never had sex i still didn't like anything about this plot. I felt sorry for this H, betrayed again by the twin and also girlfriend, he killed for her to prevent something bad,he left to war as a marine and never looked bad...and she? she freaking stayed in that contract opening her legs. (i think only once, but she was a virgin so nope, fuck this) if you don't have trouble with my pet peeves then you will probably like it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2021
The quiet ones.....🔥🔥🔥🔥
Heartless it's the 9th installment in the Alpha Bodyguard series by Sybil Bartel, can be read as a standalone and it's another addiction to the already supreme work of this author.
I really can't explain how Sybil does it, but every tale feels unique even though its setting in the not new world of Luna & Associates. Heartless is no different regarding accuracy, plot execution and distinctiveness. This is a story of to trust or not to, loyalty, deceit, a second chance at love that might not materialize. It's raw, angsty, edgy and so full of special moments! I loved the characters interactions, main and secondary, the sequence of events, the plot intricacies, its poignancy and finesse. And most of all, I loved witnessing these adults insecurities - even though hardened by life, they were humans in the first place and vulnerable as well - and their ability (with a great amount of effort) to work out their problems: it made them relatable and and their circumstances real. At last, the ever awaited appearence of our Fab Talon and his ever present wittiness! I really hope this series is not closed, because I want to know about Harm (another quiet one!)! Finally, I can't my excitement for the bone thrown (new series) and the world of AES! Biting my nails already!
Heartless it's the 9th installment in the Alpha Bodyguard series by Sybil Bartel, can be read as a standalone and it's another addiction to the already supreme work of this author.
I really can't explain how Sybil does it, but every tale feels unique even though its setting in the not new world of Luna & Associates. Heartless is no different regarding accuracy, plot execution and distinctiveness. This is a story of to trust or not to, loyalty, deceit, a second chance at love that might not materialize. It's raw, angsty, edgy and so full of special moments! I loved the characters interactions, main and secondary, the sequence of events, the plot intricacies, its poignancy and finesse. And most of all, I loved witnessing these adults insecurities - even though hardened by life, they were humans in the first place and vulnerable as well - and their ability (with a great amount of effort) to work out their problems: it made them relatable and and their circumstances real. At last, the ever awaited appearence of our Fab Talon and his ever present wittiness! I really hope this series is not closed, because I want to know about Harm (another quiet one!)! Finally, I can't my excitement for the bone thrown (new series) and the world of AES! Biting my nails already!
December 21, 2020
Holy Alpha Goodness, this book is action packed , loaded with all our favourite men and finishes with a beautiful HEA.
Ronan fell in love with the girl next door, Sanaa broke his heart, 10 years later he's asked to help protect her from someone who wants her dead. Things are never going to go well when Vincent , Ronan's identical twin brother also turns up with Sanaa, and he was involved in that heart break all those years ago.
I loved that the boys all had Ronan's back, both with taking a chance with Sanaa but also helping to protect her. Cant wait to learn more about Harm, he clearly has a very hard outer but soft insides, and some girl is going to get under his skin one day.
Sybil never fails to deliver, this book certainly will not disappoint, the tension thru the book is perfect to keep you from putting it down.
Kia Kaha Sybil at this very tough time for you, amazing woman and I send you all the strength in the universe to keep putting one foot in front of the other as your son would have wanted Im sure.
Ronan fell in love with the girl next door, Sanaa broke his heart, 10 years later he's asked to help protect her from someone who wants her dead. Things are never going to go well when Vincent , Ronan's identical twin brother also turns up with Sanaa, and he was involved in that heart break all those years ago.
I loved that the boys all had Ronan's back, both with taking a chance with Sanaa but also helping to protect her. Cant wait to learn more about Harm, he clearly has a very hard outer but soft insides, and some girl is going to get under his skin one day.
Sybil never fails to deliver, this book certainly will not disappoint, the tension thru the book is perfect to keep you from putting it down.
Kia Kaha Sybil at this very tough time for you, amazing woman and I send you all the strength in the universe to keep putting one foot in front of the other as your son would have wanted Im sure.
December 27, 2020
I LOVED RONAN AND SANAA!
I LOVED HEARTLESS!
There aren't many words to describe this book and I have no idea how she does it but every book comes out within the same guidelines but completely different altogether...
At some point within the first couple of chapters I was ready to throw my kindle to the wall (you'll know it and will have the same feeling but... it's pretty self-explanatory later ;) ....)
I have no idea why I doubted.
She's is the best. A story packed with action and leaving you hanging on the edge of your seat.... You definitely can't stop reading until you hit 'The End'.
Trust me on this, I won't spoil it for you.... This is all about "boy meets girl, a bunch of random and shitty things happens.... And just because this is romance, you'll guess the ending".
However, this is a journey I can't stop taking with her. She's a fantastic storyteller and a wonderful human being!
Anything written by her is my to-go one-click.... AND SHOULD ALSO BE YOURS!
Go ahead... You won't be disappointed! ;)
I LOVED HEARTLESS!
There aren't many words to describe this book and I have no idea how she does it but every book comes out within the same guidelines but completely different altogether...
At some point within the first couple of chapters I was ready to throw my kindle to the wall (you'll know it and will have the same feeling but... it's pretty self-explanatory later ;) ....)
I have no idea why I doubted.
She's is the best. A story packed with action and leaving you hanging on the edge of your seat.... You definitely can't stop reading until you hit 'The End'.
Trust me on this, I won't spoil it for you.... This is all about "boy meets girl, a bunch of random and shitty things happens.... And just because this is romance, you'll guess the ending".
However, this is a journey I can't stop taking with her. She's a fantastic storyteller and a wonderful human being!
Anything written by her is my to-go one-click.... AND SHOULD ALSO BE YOURS!
Go ahead... You won't be disappointed! ;)
January 6, 2021
⭐️⭐️
It was actually hard to give this such a low rating just because I’ve really enjoyed so much of this author’s work. Only thing making it somewhat better is the fact that I still like the writing and the fast paced stories, but this was still a big no for me.
I didn’t like her. I didn’t like him. I didn’t like their story except their very beginning. I did like them together, but that’s not enough to make up for everything else I really didn’t like.
Spoiler alert!
Plot:
They’ve known each other since teenagers and he quickly became her protector. They both fell hard for each other but were driven apart by a huge mistake on her part: mistaking him for his twin brother on their last night together before he was deployed. He understandably didn’t cope well and they ended up being apart for ten years. She then forced him back in her life as she, as a super famous singer, is threatened and needs his help. They end up back together just as the third bomb nearly kills them both. They manage to get out safely, she retires from being a superstar and they live happily ever after.
It was actually hard to give this such a low rating just because I’ve really enjoyed so much of this author’s work. Only thing making it somewhat better is the fact that I still like the writing and the fast paced stories, but this was still a big no for me.
I didn’t like her. I didn’t like him. I didn’t like their story except their very beginning. I did like them together, but that’s not enough to make up for everything else I really didn’t like.
Spoiler alert!
Plot:
They’ve known each other since teenagers and he quickly became her protector. They both fell hard for each other but were driven apart by a huge mistake on her part: mistaking him for his twin brother on their last night together before he was deployed. He understandably didn’t cope well and they ended up being apart for ten years. She then forced him back in her life as she, as a super famous singer, is threatened and needs his help. They end up back together just as the third bomb nearly kills them both. They manage to get out safely, she retires from being a superstar and they live happily ever after.
December 22, 2020
Sybil is the Queen of writing deliciously seductive Alphas that make your knees week and your lady parts come alive. Ronan is all that and more! He is dominating, ruthless and rough...but also loyal and loving. Sanaa is quick tempered, lovable and innocent. What started as a young and innocent love, quickly turned into betrayal and heartbreak, and 10 years later they are thrown together to figure out who was trying to blow their lives apart. This book is packed with intensity, excitement and of course our favourite group of L&A Alphas. There is history and raw passion between Ronan and Sanaa, the kind that draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Another fantastic story by Sybil, if you've read any of her work, you already know she was born to write. Her talent is beyond measure, her books have a way of burrowing in your soul and staying there forever. So do your soul a favour and read this book, and all of her others!
December 23, 2020
It's certainly a roller coaster!
There's a lot of angst and unresolved history in this story. It's emotional and was sometimes hard to read; sort of unsettling, I think, to imagine the heartache that these two faced.
Despite the fact that there's definitely a happy ending, it isn't unrealistic. There's still a lot of healing for the characters in this story, but you come away with the feeling that they will get through it.
My book review is done, but I read the acknowledgement at the end of this book and cried. Ms. Bartel's loss of her 15 yr old son is tragic. I sat here and thought of my own15 yr old son just down the hall and imagined her pain. I can't. The idea is, in itself, so devastating that I couldn't think of it any longer.
My heart is heavy for you, Sybil. I have no idea what your personal beliefs are, but I pray that you find comfort and are surrounded with love and support.
There's a lot of angst and unresolved history in this story. It's emotional and was sometimes hard to read; sort of unsettling, I think, to imagine the heartache that these two faced.
Despite the fact that there's definitely a happy ending, it isn't unrealistic. There's still a lot of healing for the characters in this story, but you come away with the feeling that they will get through it.
My book review is done, but I read the acknowledgement at the end of this book and cried. Ms. Bartel's loss of her 15 yr old son is tragic. I sat here and thought of my own15 yr old son just down the hall and imagined her pain. I can't. The idea is, in itself, so devastating that I couldn't think of it any longer.
My heart is heavy for you, Sybil. I have no idea what your personal beliefs are, but I pray that you find comfort and are surrounded with love and support.
December 23, 2020
One of my favourite reads by Sybil and I’ve read everyone and loved them. This is the final 😢book in the Alpha Bodyguard Series and I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter. This is Ronan and Sanaa’s story and this couple will captivate you. I rooted for this couple from the beginning. The story is compelling and you won’t want to put down. Once and a while, you find a book where you are taken out of your everyday life and immersed into the author’s world. A world filled with beautiful no nonsense, take no prisoners or crap feisty heroins and put them together with gorgeous but stubborn, domineering, hero alpha males and, if you are really lucky, you’ll realize after book 1 there are 8 more. This book is the kind of story you savour for a quiet or rainy weekend when you can curl up, undisturbed. I love that this story gives you not only suspense, but mysterious and dangerous characters that you have to read and can’t help but root for. Just exceptional!
October 10, 2023
One decision and one act 10 years ago changed the course of two lives forever. Now, Ronan and Sanaa are back in each other's lives because someone is trying to kill her. He's got the expertise to take that person down, once they figure out who it is. We are introduced to players of Sybil Bartel's Alpha Elite series in this book. Of of whom is Ronanxs identical twin brother, Vance. A man who betrayed him. Ronanxs anger toward Vance and Sanaa colors all his interactions. Regardless, he's never stopped loving her but he's a different man than he was a decade ago. Sanaa knows she made a mistake all those years ago but it was done for self preservation and to protect Ronan. How can she convince him of that. They finally have a breakthrough but it's short-lived because the situation turns deadly. Great action, suspense and danger are played out in the final chapters as well as a happy ending for these two.
December 21, 2020
I love it!!!!!!!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This book is a little different from most of Sybil books because of a couple of reasons. First is it focused a lot more on the couple’s past and how they both had to grow to be together again. Second is there was not much action, but that’s just me.
The book is a little too short for me to fall in love with Ronan, but nonetheless, I still like him.
For Sybil to make this book after everything that had happened, I am in awe of your strength. I won’t pretend to know what you’re feeling, and I certainly won’t tell you what to do.
I just want you to know, that even if I don’t know you personally, Thank you for giving us you and sharing with us your love for Oliver.
And it was great to know about Alpha and Vance. I can’t freaking wait for their stories!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This book is a little different from most of Sybil books because of a couple of reasons. First is it focused a lot more on the couple’s past and how they both had to grow to be together again. Second is there was not much action, but that’s just me.
The book is a little too short for me to fall in love with Ronan, but nonetheless, I still like him.
For Sybil to make this book after everything that had happened, I am in awe of your strength. I won’t pretend to know what you’re feeling, and I certainly won’t tell you what to do.
I just want you to know, that even if I don’t know you personally, Thank you for giving us you and sharing with us your love for Oliver.
And it was great to know about Alpha and Vance. I can’t freaking wait for their stories!
December 30, 2020
Another phenomenal addition to The Alpha Bodyguard Series with an introduction to Sybil’s up-and-coming new series included.
We’re back with our boys (men they’re men) and this time it’s Ronan in the forefront alongside Sanaa, the woman he’s loved for ten years despite them having been apart, she’s back in his life after hers is being threatened and it’s now Ronan’s main priority to keep her safe all whilst finding and eliminating the threat, however he’s not alone our other alpha favourites make an appearance, old and new even Talon. The pair also have a lot of other issues to work through from their past, which we learn more off as the story progresses.
This was another amazing stand-alone from our Queen of Alpha’s, and I cannot "not" mention the beautiful dedication to Oliver, it was such a lovely tribute that had me tearing up as well as smiling. Now the wait is on for AES.
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
We’re back with our boys (men they’re men) and this time it’s Ronan in the forefront alongside Sanaa, the woman he’s loved for ten years despite them having been apart, she’s back in his life after hers is being threatened and it’s now Ronan’s main priority to keep her safe all whilst finding and eliminating the threat, however he’s not alone our other alpha favourites make an appearance, old and new even Talon. The pair also have a lot of other issues to work through from their past, which we learn more off as the story progresses.
This was another amazing stand-alone from our Queen of Alpha’s, and I cannot "not" mention the beautiful dedication to Oliver, it was such a lovely tribute that had me tearing up as well as smiling. Now the wait is on for AES.
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
January 17, 2021
DNF. The premise and the little vignette's between Ronan's twin Vance, and the heroine Sanaa quickly made me a little bit disgusted with the idea of Vance doing what he did to his brother. I'm sure this was all going to work out and Sybil is great at making the plot come together but there's nothing that would have let me get past Sanaa letting Vance treat her like a submissive (erotic or not) that would make it acceptable for her to think Ronan should have to love her in the future. Just not my cup of tea so to speak. I'm a little saddened about this since I was looking forward to Ronan's book but after the Layna/Blaze debacle (at least for me) I didn't want to slog through to get to the ending. Sometimes actions speak too loudly to be ignored. Just saying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this series and Heartless was not exception. There was a lot of action and many obstacles to overcome some very steamy love scenes and the chemistry between our hero and heroine was sizzling.
It also introduced us to another Series by this talented Author. I already have the first book loaded and ready. I did hope that there will be more storylines in the Alpha Bodyguard Series since I Harm does deserve his own story.
I would recommend you read the books in order since a lot of the characters make appearances in more than one book and some storylines overlap, I certainly enjoyed it more while reading them in order, which was something I had not done before.
Steamy and entertaining read and it helped me recover from surgery!
It also introduced us to another Series by this talented Author. I already have the first book loaded and ready. I did hope that there will be more storylines in the Alpha Bodyguard Series since I Harm does deserve his own story.
I would recommend you read the books in order since a lot of the characters make appearances in more than one book and some storylines overlap, I certainly enjoyed it more while reading them in order, which was something I had not done before.
Steamy and entertaining read and it helped me recover from surgery!
December 24, 2020
Smitten - Devoured it
There really is something Extremely sexy and appealing about a broody alpha male whose been scorned and had his heart broken. A different take on the authors typical female but it works with this alpha. Alas true soulmates will be reunited above all costs. The descriptive words used to express the greatest depth of love between these two is perfection and completely captivates, transporting you to another world. Can’t wait to hear the rest of the AES Alphas love stories. Please don’t ever stop writing I love your men and their stories you are amazing
What a heart felt tribute showing the depths of a parents love And your strength to carry on
There really is something Extremely sexy and appealing about a broody alpha male whose been scorned and had his heart broken. A different take on the authors typical female but it works with this alpha. Alas true soulmates will be reunited above all costs. The descriptive words used to express the greatest depth of love between these two is perfection and completely captivates, transporting you to another world. Can’t wait to hear the rest of the AES Alphas love stories. Please don’t ever stop writing I love your men and their stories you are amazing
What a heart felt tribute showing the depths of a parents love And your strength to carry on
December 30, 2020
This one was tough for me. Sometimes reading it was like crossing my eyes and hoping understanding would come. One minute they were thinking sweet thoughts about each other, the next moment they were being assholes to each other. I did not like Sanaa. Not even a little bit. She was supremely selfish and unrepentant and ignorant. She brought all this trouble down on herself and she just kept being a secretive bitch about everything. The hero should have just left her alone and let his twin brother have her.
I know Ms. Bartel struggled to finish this book because of personal tragedy, so I really wanted to like it. But I cannot. I am hoping the first book in the upcoming Alpha series is kick-ass, since the last two Alpha Bodyguards books have been my least favorite Sybil Bartel reads.
I know Ms. Bartel struggled to finish this book because of personal tragedy, so I really wanted to like it. But I cannot. I am hoping the first book in the upcoming Alpha series is kick-ass, since the last two Alpha Bodyguards books have been my least favorite Sybil Bartel reads.
December 22, 2020
4.75 Stars
It feels like it's been a long time since I've read an Alpha Bodyguard book, but this world...I love it. This was a bit of twist on the "norm" for this series, because this was a second chance/reconnection story between Sanaa and her first love, the stoic Marine Ronan. He. Was. DREAMY. Every interaction between them was so charged with need and want and tension and I was living. This had so much tension of every single kind and I CANNOT wait for Alpha. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this. All opinions are my own.
It feels like it's been a long time since I've read an Alpha Bodyguard book, but this world...I love it. This was a bit of twist on the "norm" for this series, because this was a second chance/reconnection story between Sanaa and her first love, the stoic Marine Ronan. He. Was. DREAMY. Every interaction between them was so charged with need and want and tension and I was living. This had so much tension of every single kind and I CANNOT wait for Alpha. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this. All opinions are my own.
December 22, 2020
Heartless is an amazing book. Ronan and Sanaa's past was beautifully heartbreaking, and the story of them picking up the pieces 10 years later in the middle of an emotional rollercoaster of events might be my favorite of all the Alpha Bodyguards. Sybil Bartel is an amazingly talented writer whose passion and talent shines through with every story she weaves. The overlapping characters in this standalone story from the Alpha Bodyguard series add a level of depth not often found in other series, and make you feel like part of the crazy family. I'm adding Heartless to my re-read list!
December 23, 2020
Phenomenal story! Ronan and Sanaa had me gasping, chest hurting for them right from the get go. Ronan is so closed off and yet the minute he gets within eye sight of his brother and Sanaa, that wall starts to crack no matter what he does to stop it. Sanaa is so lost, she is a shell until Ronan is near her. Then the pain floods in and she choking on regret. Sybil Bartel has a stunning talent, her stories flow, her characters will take over your heart and soul. This is, hands down, the best book I have read this year, it deserves all the stars, all the planets in the solar system!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews