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Alpha Elite #3
Romeo
Pilot.
Handler.
Marine.
My first memory was in the cockpit of a plane. My second was of a uniform. All I’d ever wanted was to be a pilot. The Marines gave me wings and I gave them my all.
Half a dozen deployments, countless flight hours—I knew the controls in the cockpit better than I knew my own name. I never made mistakes. But war didn’t care how good you were. One surface-to-air missile and my career was over.
Thinking I’d left dangerous missions and adrenaline rushes in my rearview, I was piloting a seaplane in the Florida Keys when a beat to hell, dark-eyed blonde washed ashore. In nothing but a bikini, she asked me for help. Help I couldn’t give without an assist from Alpha Elite Security. Except AES wanted a favor in return… one that would put me right back in the line of fire.
Code name: Romeo.
Mission: Rescue.
ROMEO is a standalone book in the exciting new Alpha Elite Series by USA Today Bestselling author, Sybil Bartel. Come meet Roark "Romeo" MacElheran and the dominant, alpha heroes who work for AES!
Handler.
Marine.
My first memory was in the cockpit of a plane. My second was of a uniform. All I’d ever wanted was to be a pilot. The Marines gave me wings and I gave them my all.
Half a dozen deployments, countless flight hours—I knew the controls in the cockpit better than I knew my own name. I never made mistakes. But war didn’t care how good you were. One surface-to-air missile and my career was over.
Thinking I’d left dangerous missions and adrenaline rushes in my rearview, I was piloting a seaplane in the Florida Keys when a beat to hell, dark-eyed blonde washed ashore. In nothing but a bikini, she asked me for help. Help I couldn’t give without an assist from Alpha Elite Security. Except AES wanted a favor in return… one that would put me right back in the line of fire.
Code name: Romeo.
Mission: Rescue.
ROMEO is a standalone book in the exciting new Alpha Elite Series by USA Today Bestselling author, Sybil Bartel. Come meet Roark "Romeo" MacElheran and the dominant, alpha heroes who work for AES!
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2022
About the author
Sybil Bartel
48 books1,170 followersSybil Bartel is a USA Today Bestselling author of unapologetic Alpha heroes. Whether you're reading her dominant Alpha Elite mercenaries, her protective Alpha Bodyguards, or her page-turning romantic suspense, all of her heroes are sexy-as-sin and unwaveringly Alpha!
Sybil lives in South Florida, and she is forever Oliver's mom.
Sybil lives in South Florida, and she is forever Oliver's mom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 17, 2022
I did not know that Roark's book would be so emotional. I have cried at the raw emotion that has translated from a mother losing her son to the words she has skillfully put on paper. Loss of any loved one is heart shattering but I can't even begin to imagine what losing a child feels like.
The piano scene was heartbreaking. What do you do when grief and guilt take hold of you and rob you of breath and the will to live? Sailor and Roark both know how it feels when you're drowning in the grief of losing a loved one, especially when you think you're responsible for their demise and feel like you should've been a better sister or son.
Roark getting pissed at Missy for choosing Sailor over him, Talon acting like a jealous friend with Roark, Echo being a psycho in every scene were some scenes that made the book for me.
I see so much emotion in Sybil's latest releases and knowing the reason behind it gives me immense pain. If you're reading this, Sybil, just know that your sweet boy is proud of you.
"The most difficult mountain to cross is the threshold "
The piano scene was heartbreaking. What do you do when grief and guilt take hold of you and rob you of breath and the will to live? Sailor and Roark both know how it feels when you're drowning in the grief of losing a loved one, especially when you think you're responsible for their demise and feel like you should've been a better sister or son.
Roark getting pissed at Missy for choosing Sailor over him, Talon acting like a jealous friend with Roark, Echo being a psycho in every scene were some scenes that made the book for me.
I see so much emotion in Sybil's latest releases and knowing the reason behind it gives me immense pain. If you're reading this, Sybil, just know that your sweet boy is proud of you.
"The most difficult mountain to cross is the threshold "
April 6, 2022
I wasn't expecting this but I ended up DISLIKING this book SO DAMN MUCH. I loved quite a few books by this author in the past. I don't know what went so wrong with this one but I just could barely stand it.
The hero also rubbed me the wrong way. I disliked how he loved to refer to his beautiful golden retriever as "my bitch" (yes I know a female dog is called a bitch, still doesn't sit right with me) and how he mostly referred to the heroine as "woman". They both have names and he should use them sheesh. The way Missy the golden retriever had a mind of her own even though she's supposed to be "well trained" was funny until the end.
One last question: The hero is initially named Roark but throughout the story, it ends up changing to Romeo. Is this the same Roark that was supposed to get a book in this authors Uncompromising Series?
P.S. This book is getting 2 stars solely because of Missy ♡
The hero also rubbed me the wrong way. I disliked how he loved to refer to his beautiful golden retriever as "my bitch" (yes I know a female dog is called a bitch, still doesn't sit right with me) and how he mostly referred to the heroine as "woman". They both have names and he should use them sheesh. The way Missy the golden retriever had a mind of her own even though she's supposed to be "well trained" was funny until the end.
One last question: The hero is initially named Roark but throughout the story, it ends up changing to Romeo. Is this the same Roark that was supposed to get a book in this authors Uncompromising Series?
P.S. This book is getting 2 stars solely because of Missy ♡
June 8, 2023
3.5⭐
“You crossed the threshold.”
I glanced through the front windows. My woman was standing at the piano. “I crossed the fucking threshold.”
“Good."
September 28, 2022
hmmm...as much as I like pure dominance in a man, that much I dislike a brute or plainly put, a hillbilly-ish caveman masked under the said dominance...hence I disliked Romeo, a Scottish ex-military pilot...
enough said, he just didn't sit right with me...*shrugs*
And another thing, I also didn't quite like the heroine...*sigh* what can I say, the idea was good, the storytelling was the same equation as the previous books I have read from this author and about these type of men, I'm not entering nothing I didn't know before and yet, this MAN, Roark MacElhran DID NOT work for me...
with all due respect towards the subject matter addressed in the story, you don't really deal with the deep grief and pain from loss of somebody you loved in just a matter of a few days...
I mean, not even in fiction that does not sound plausible.
Anyway, I will continue with follow up on these men in the Alpha Elite Security, they are an interesting bunch of hardcore alphas to say at least...
enough said, he just didn't sit right with me...*shrugs*
And another thing, I also didn't quite like the heroine...*sigh* what can I say, the idea was good, the storytelling was the same equation as the previous books I have read from this author and about these type of men, I'm not entering nothing I didn't know before and yet, this MAN, Roark MacElhran DID NOT work for me...
with all due respect towards the subject matter addressed in the story, you don't really deal with the deep grief and pain from loss of somebody you loved in just a matter of a few days...
I mean, not even in fiction that does not sound plausible.
Anyway, I will continue with follow up on these men in the Alpha Elite Security, they are an interesting bunch of hardcore alphas to say at least...
March 29, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: protector
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Romeo is a fantastic read! Sybil Bartel is a master storyteller and her characters always pull you in from page one. A truly heart wrenching story about two people finding each other after being consumed by the guilt of survival. Despite this, the story has laugh out loud moments and smexy times that will melt your panties. Loved seeing cameos of all our favorite Bartel alphas ❤️ .
Trope: protector
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Romeo is a fantastic read! Sybil Bartel is a master storyteller and her characters always pull you in from page one. A truly heart wrenching story about two people finding each other after being consumed by the guilt of survival. Despite this, the story has laugh out loud moments and smexy times that will melt your panties. Loved seeing cameos of all our favorite Bartel alphas ❤️ .
March 20, 2022
Sailor is lost in grief and guilt. She finds herself in an unimaginable situation. Roark helps her find her way out of the situation, out of her guilt, away from her grief.
Sailor and Roark are very similar people. I loved to read how they came together, honestly, for the other's sake, and found themselves in the process. 4½ stars
Sailor and Roark are very similar people. I loved to read how they came together, honestly, for the other's sake, and found themselves in the process. 4½ stars
December 20, 2022
Woman.
I always enjoy Sybil Bartel’s books. They’re formulaic, as there’s always a damsel in distress and a sexy alpha badass
who swoops in and saves her from an impossible situation.
I’ve been waiting for Roark’s story for a long time. Neil is my forever favorite and it was nice to see him again in this book. Bartel is excellent at describing action sequences and her MMC’s are especially realistic. You can tell she’s done her research.
I thought the FMC, Sailor, was a little bit bratty and annoying, but she eventually *sorta* came around. I was never a huge fan of her, sadly. Loved the way Bartel described how music related to everything. That was some beautiful prose! You can tell the author has suffered a tremendous loss through her voice in this book. So many beautifully-moving passages. Wow. 💔
I always enjoy Sybil Bartel’s books. They’re formulaic, as there’s always a damsel in distress and a sexy alpha badass
who swoops in and saves her from an impossible situation.
I’ve been waiting for Roark’s story for a long time. Neil is my forever favorite and it was nice to see him again in this book. Bartel is excellent at describing action sequences and her MMC’s are especially realistic. You can tell she’s done her research.
I thought the FMC, Sailor, was a little bit bratty and annoying, but she eventually *sorta* came around. I was never a huge fan of her, sadly. Loved the way Bartel described how music related to everything. That was some beautiful prose! You can tell the author has suffered a tremendous loss through her voice in this book. So many beautifully-moving passages. Wow. 💔
March 17, 2022
You know every time I sit down with one of Mrs. Bartel's books I think, there is no way this one can top the utter magnificence that was the last one, and each time I am proved wrong.
Mrs. Bartel pours her heart, her soul, her pain, her grief, her life into these stories and you can feel it dance off each page.
This story was so different from all the others because of the subject matter. It was hauntingly beautiful and paralleled a personal journey in ways that makes me admire her so so deeply for each and every word. Her strength and grace abounds with love and heartache all wrapped up in one woman who is her own heroine in her own rights. And I think, now she is who people should be writing books about.
Romeo was about learning to live with grief and guilt. Learning to step outside of your comfort zone and keep going despite wanting to quit. Learning to accept the people who choose you as family and letting them in to the parts of you that you keep hidden.
Grief is so so powerful and it hits each person so so different. Some people hide it away into a box and pretend it doesn’t exist. Some people walk through it. Some people escape it.
Sailor, the heroine of our story, is all of these things. She’s desperate for escape from all of the feelings that haunt her each and every moment.
Roark, Romeo, is an injured military pilot who stays to himself because loss is too great of a thing to survive. All he needs is himself and his dog, Missy.
A run one morning throws a wrench in his plans when his beloved Missy finds Sailor washed ashore, badly injured. Roark wants nothing of it, but Missy refuses to leave despite his commands.
Realizing things are more dire than he realized, life becomes one twist after another for both of them as they try to navigate PTSD, grief, guilt, and a looming threat to their lives.
Suspenseful. Mysterious. Heartbreak. Romance. Grief. Pain. Family. Pacts. These are just some of the words that describe this beautiful journey this book will take you on.
In it you will learn that family isn’t just blood. It’s who you choose. Who chooses you and stands by you no matter how much you don’t want them to. People who know what you need before even you do.
The end is hard earned, but so worth it in every word written. It’s long, but it’s beautiful. Each and every note and melody a symphony of pain and love wrapped together into a beautiful package.
And at the very end, in the acknowledgment, a beautiful symphony that will leave you breathless.
To the author: You are incredible. Please never stop sharing your talent and your beauty and your light with this world because you make this world a better place with each story. With each word. With your pain and your strength.
Mrs. Bartel pours her heart, her soul, her pain, her grief, her life into these stories and you can feel it dance off each page.
This story was so different from all the others because of the subject matter. It was hauntingly beautiful and paralleled a personal journey in ways that makes me admire her so so deeply for each and every word. Her strength and grace abounds with love and heartache all wrapped up in one woman who is her own heroine in her own rights. And I think, now she is who people should be writing books about.
Romeo was about learning to live with grief and guilt. Learning to step outside of your comfort zone and keep going despite wanting to quit. Learning to accept the people who choose you as family and letting them in to the parts of you that you keep hidden.
Grief is so so powerful and it hits each person so so different. Some people hide it away into a box and pretend it doesn’t exist. Some people walk through it. Some people escape it.
Sailor, the heroine of our story, is all of these things. She’s desperate for escape from all of the feelings that haunt her each and every moment.
Roark, Romeo, is an injured military pilot who stays to himself because loss is too great of a thing to survive. All he needs is himself and his dog, Missy.
A run one morning throws a wrench in his plans when his beloved Missy finds Sailor washed ashore, badly injured. Roark wants nothing of it, but Missy refuses to leave despite his commands.
Realizing things are more dire than he realized, life becomes one twist after another for both of them as they try to navigate PTSD, grief, guilt, and a looming threat to their lives.
Suspenseful. Mysterious. Heartbreak. Romance. Grief. Pain. Family. Pacts. These are just some of the words that describe this beautiful journey this book will take you on.
In it you will learn that family isn’t just blood. It’s who you choose. Who chooses you and stands by you no matter how much you don’t want them to. People who know what you need before even you do.
The end is hard earned, but so worth it in every word written. It’s long, but it’s beautiful. Each and every note and melody a symphony of pain and love wrapped together into a beautiful package.
And at the very end, in the acknowledgment, a beautiful symphony that will leave you breathless.
To the author: You are incredible. Please never stop sharing your talent and your beauty and your light with this world because you make this world a better place with each story. With each word. With your pain and your strength.
October 2, 2023
DNF AT 60%. I couldn’t take any more. Why would we read a whole story about rescuing someone from a horrible, abusive relationship with an evil man if she doesn’t want to leave him? I get it, Sailor is trying to escape the grief of her brothers passing. But enjoying physical and sexual abuse, so much so that she’s addicted to it, is beyond my understanding. She wasn’t a victim. She was a prostitute. She exchanged her body for the chance to be numb and not feel sad. She needed it so bad that a handful of hours after leaving her abuser she’s begging a new man to have her. If Roark would have left her alone I guess she could have made her way to the corner and lived a happy life there. There is nothing romantic or redeeming about this story.
March 15, 2022
[̲̅G][̲̅e][̲̅n][̲̅r][̲̅e] 📚
Contemporary Romance
[̲̅R][̲̅e][̲̅v][̲̅i][̲̅e][̲̅w] 📖
What a phenomenal addition to Bartel’s Alpha Elite series, which has so far proven to be a huge hit amongst readers, but take it from me when I say Bartel has upped the ante with Romeo, setting the bar higher than it’s ever been before when it comes to what lies ahead, however bringing it back to Romeo, readers are in for an emotional rollercoaster of a ride as main protagonists Roark and Sailor’s story unfolds under the blue skies of the Florida Keys, it may be a place of sunshine and beauty but danger lurks where you least expect it. Roark finds himself running head first into danger when he stumbles across a blonde haired beauty washed ashore, battered and bruised wearing nothing but a bikini and in desperate need of help. What follows is the action packed journey Roark and Sailor find themselves on in order to get her to safety whilst eliminating the threats that now surround them both as well as the few familiar faces they’ve teamed up with along the way. As I already stated this book is an amazing addition to the Alpha Elite series, very well written with fantastic descriptions of the surroundings as well as other aspects such as the various methods of transportation used and also the multitude of weapons being used. Of course I’ve got to mention the camaraderie between these former military men with a special shout out to Talon, if you know, you know, if you don’t… Well, where have you been? You need to catch up with the previous books from Sybil’s Uncompromising and Alpha Bodyguard series as well as the other Alpha Elite books and introduce yourself to the many characters you’ll come to know and love.
I honestly can't recommend Romeo enough, now the wait begins until it is time for the next adventure. Zulu, I’m ready for you.
[̲̅R][̲̅a][̲̅t][̲̅i][̲̅n][̲̅g]
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
Contemporary Romance
[̲̅R][̲̅e][̲̅v][̲̅i][̲̅e][̲̅w] 📖
What a phenomenal addition to Bartel’s Alpha Elite series, which has so far proven to be a huge hit amongst readers, but take it from me when I say Bartel has upped the ante with Romeo, setting the bar higher than it’s ever been before when it comes to what lies ahead, however bringing it back to Romeo, readers are in for an emotional rollercoaster of a ride as main protagonists Roark and Sailor’s story unfolds under the blue skies of the Florida Keys, it may be a place of sunshine and beauty but danger lurks where you least expect it. Roark finds himself running head first into danger when he stumbles across a blonde haired beauty washed ashore, battered and bruised wearing nothing but a bikini and in desperate need of help. What follows is the action packed journey Roark and Sailor find themselves on in order to get her to safety whilst eliminating the threats that now surround them both as well as the few familiar faces they’ve teamed up with along the way. As I already stated this book is an amazing addition to the Alpha Elite series, very well written with fantastic descriptions of the surroundings as well as other aspects such as the various methods of transportation used and also the multitude of weapons being used. Of course I’ve got to mention the camaraderie between these former military men with a special shout out to Talon, if you know, you know, if you don’t… Well, where have you been? You need to catch up with the previous books from Sybil’s Uncompromising and Alpha Bodyguard series as well as the other Alpha Elite books and introduce yourself to the many characters you’ll come to know and love.
I honestly can't recommend Romeo enough, now the wait begins until it is time for the next adventure. Zulu, I’m ready for you.
[̲̅R][̲̅a][̲̅t][̲̅i][̲̅n][̲̅g]
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
March 26, 2022
Romeo (or Roark) is a standoffish Alpha who has had to compartmentalize his life to make it work for him. Sailor hits him like a brick he didn't see coming. I was just happy to be along for the ride. I loved this book, not only for the storyline, characters, and steam, but also because I know how hard it was to write for the author. I'm so glad she was able to put it out in the world and I love all of Romeo's strength and fortitude. And Missy is the icing on the cake. If you enjoy ex-military, security, or a bit of dark romance, OTT Alphas, evolving characters, and an hea, this book should be the next one you read. 5 Stars! - Reyne
March 21, 2022
I’ve read all the authors’ books in the last few years and I loved every single one of them.
Sybil never failed with over the top alphas, fierce female characters and a lighting arrows that will strike both of them.
Roark is one of the most expected hero in there are quite a few presences in his own story from other acquaintances like Talon and even my favourite, Neil.
Angsty, poignant and splendid romance novel.
4.5 stars
Arc review
Sybil never failed with over the top alphas, fierce female characters and a lighting arrows that will strike both of them.
Roark is one of the most expected hero in there are quite a few presences in his own story from other acquaintances like Talon and even my favourite, Neil.
Angsty, poignant and splendid romance novel.
4.5 stars
Arc review
February 17, 2023
Emotional and exciting, I really loved Roark and Sailor's story. And the scenes with Sailor and Talon were really moving.
April 18, 2022
All the feels!
Roark 'Romeo' MaElheran is the former marine featuring in e third installment in the Alpha Elite Series that can be read as a standalone.
Roark is one of the characters that has been with us since the very beginning. Reserved, mysterious and not much talkative with a somewhat rude demeanor, he keeps people at bay and lives by a solid regimen only accompanied by his faithful golden retriever, Missy, the only female of his very own eyes.
Sailor finds herself in a hard predicament, a hell she entered on her own volition, initially, a place she desperately wants to escape even if it costs her life.
Sailor and Roark' story is an emotional ride, a trip to the deepest downs of life, a lesson in self forgiveness and aknowledgement. Struggling existences, hards hands in life, loss, grief, survivor's guilt and impotency are put together as a letter to the conscience, as a calling to the soul, a healing process, to let go and remember the best memories, making it last for as long as we live.
Our protagonists are more alike than we could initially guess, both struggling with a hauting past, slaying a present demon, for Sailor, a demon Roark will insust in slaying as well in Sailor's name and all that came before her. A job needs to be done, help needs to be sumonned and Alpha Elite Security comes to the rescue with a huge opportunity to recruit another heavy weight and expertee. We get Adam 'Alpha' Trefor, November, Echo, Victor, Zulu, we even get Shade, Talon for the medical aid, emotional support, good advice and well meaning lightness with a touch of fanfare and last, but not the least, Neil Christensen. The guys will play like the old times and come out triumphant.
This narrative is an affective outpouring, a note to self and to everyone who feel to aknowledge, a balm to the soul and, most of all, a great tribute showing that those who are loved will always be remembered!❤
Roark 'Romeo' MaElheran is the former marine featuring in e third installment in the Alpha Elite Series that can be read as a standalone.
Roark is one of the characters that has been with us since the very beginning. Reserved, mysterious and not much talkative with a somewhat rude demeanor, he keeps people at bay and lives by a solid regimen only accompanied by his faithful golden retriever, Missy, the only female of his very own eyes.
Sailor finds herself in a hard predicament, a hell she entered on her own volition, initially, a place she desperately wants to escape even if it costs her life.
Sailor and Roark' story is an emotional ride, a trip to the deepest downs of life, a lesson in self forgiveness and aknowledgement. Struggling existences, hards hands in life, loss, grief, survivor's guilt and impotency are put together as a letter to the conscience, as a calling to the soul, a healing process, to let go and remember the best memories, making it last for as long as we live.
Our protagonists are more alike than we could initially guess, both struggling with a hauting past, slaying a present demon, for Sailor, a demon Roark will insust in slaying as well in Sailor's name and all that came before her. A job needs to be done, help needs to be sumonned and Alpha Elite Security comes to the rescue with a huge opportunity to recruit another heavy weight and expertee. We get Adam 'Alpha' Trefor, November, Echo, Victor, Zulu, we even get Shade, Talon for the medical aid, emotional support, good advice and well meaning lightness with a touch of fanfare and last, but not the least, Neil Christensen. The guys will play like the old times and come out triumphant.
This narrative is an affective outpouring, a note to self and to everyone who feel to aknowledge, a balm to the soul and, most of all, a great tribute showing that those who are loved will always be remembered!❤
March 16, 2022
This is really 2 stories in one.
Firstly this is an example of when a true life experience results in an amazing story , it’s exceptional emotional and I truely felt every ounce of Sybil’s pain she poured out of her soul for the loss of her beloved son. I had to stop when Sailor played the piano up at the cabin , it was so raw as a mother of an only son it cut me to the core. I’m not crying you’re crying …
Then there is Roark/ Romeo and Evelynn/Sailors story, both so very broken from their own significant losses in life. Roark is probably the most gruff of our Alphas , he’s a man of few words and they are delivered with a growl always. I loved their story as it unfolded and they healed each other and provided a future they both never thought they would have.
Two other critical things that must get a mention , Missy , Roarks dog who is the glue that binds Roark & Sailor together. She plays a critical role in this story and I loved her for it. Then of course there is Talon , nothin doin nothin doin , ok darlin. Oh that man it’s like you can smell the beach when he speaks , sand , sun & a light breeze , all the teams contributed to this story , it was great to catch up with them all.
I’ve always struggled with Echo he grinds my gears , but in this book I finally realised he’s all heart , when he speaks you listen as what he has to say is so important , cannot wait for his story , especially after he promises a favor, that will prove to be significant I’m sure.
I have to thank Sybil, she has opened up to her readers her true personal pain and laid it out in words for us in a book. Many would shut themselves away and struggle to write a word , this was a honor to read and I hope Mr Bartel is your Talon and he wraps you in his arms and reminds you always that your son would be so very proud of you and always with you in your heart and memories. Rest in love O
Firstly this is an example of when a true life experience results in an amazing story , it’s exceptional emotional and I truely felt every ounce of Sybil’s pain she poured out of her soul for the loss of her beloved son. I had to stop when Sailor played the piano up at the cabin , it was so raw as a mother of an only son it cut me to the core. I’m not crying you’re crying …
Then there is Roark/ Romeo and Evelynn/Sailors story, both so very broken from their own significant losses in life. Roark is probably the most gruff of our Alphas , he’s a man of few words and they are delivered with a growl always. I loved their story as it unfolded and they healed each other and provided a future they both never thought they would have.
Two other critical things that must get a mention , Missy , Roarks dog who is the glue that binds Roark & Sailor together. She plays a critical role in this story and I loved her for it. Then of course there is Talon , nothin doin nothin doin , ok darlin. Oh that man it’s like you can smell the beach when he speaks , sand , sun & a light breeze , all the teams contributed to this story , it was great to catch up with them all.
I’ve always struggled with Echo he grinds my gears , but in this book I finally realised he’s all heart , when he speaks you listen as what he has to say is so important , cannot wait for his story , especially after he promises a favor, that will prove to be significant I’m sure.
I have to thank Sybil, she has opened up to her readers her true personal pain and laid it out in words for us in a book. Many would shut themselves away and struggle to write a word , this was a honor to read and I hope Mr Bartel is your Talon and he wraps you in his arms and reminds you always that your son would be so very proud of you and always with you in your heart and memories. Rest in love O
March 15, 2022
Action packed, explosive chemistry and more...
Romeo by Sybil Bartel is book 3 Alpha Elite Series.. Roark and Sailor's story is told in dual POVs.
I love to savor Sybil's books..however when I starting reading Roark's story, I devoured it. Such a page turner. Two damaged souls thinking they couldnt be loved....
Roark and Sailor meet in an unconventional way, his military instincts kick in and he jumps in head first to help Sailor the damsel in distress...what he doesn't know is the grave danger she's in and with whom.... and let the hurricane begin; and omg what storm it is. It's action packed, explosive chemistry and the feeling the characters are going through, you feel them as your own. I felt the happiness, sadness, grief, angst and more.... highly recommend this series, heck all of Sybil Bartel's books.
This story has an abundance of emotions from high to low. The storyline is fantastic (as I love military romances) it is well written, the secondary characters we meet are a developed just enough to know them and get to know their personality... let me say I can't wait for more of this series.
"I have never yelled at a woman before this morning, and I will never yell at you again.” Her eyes welled. I gave her what no one else had ever gotten out of me. “I apologize.” “You don’t have to,” she whispered in her throaty rasp that I was now wondering what the hell sounded like when she sang. “Yes, I do.” Staring at me for a beat, she slowly nodded like she understood the shit in my head. “Then I forgive you.”
Romeo by Sybil Bartel is book 3 Alpha Elite Series.. Roark and Sailor's story is told in dual POVs.
I love to savor Sybil's books..however when I starting reading Roark's story, I devoured it. Such a page turner. Two damaged souls thinking they couldnt be loved....
Roark and Sailor meet in an unconventional way, his military instincts kick in and he jumps in head first to help Sailor the damsel in distress...what he doesn't know is the grave danger she's in and with whom.... and let the hurricane begin; and omg what storm it is. It's action packed, explosive chemistry and the feeling the characters are going through, you feel them as your own. I felt the happiness, sadness, grief, angst and more.... highly recommend this series, heck all of Sybil Bartel's books.
This story has an abundance of emotions from high to low. The storyline is fantastic (as I love military romances) it is well written, the secondary characters we meet are a developed just enough to know them and get to know their personality... let me say I can't wait for more of this series.
"I have never yelled at a woman before this morning, and I will never yell at you again.” Her eyes welled. I gave her what no one else had ever gotten out of me. “I apologize.” “You don’t have to,” she whispered in her throaty rasp that I was now wondering what the hell sounded like when she sang. “Yes, I do.” Staring at me for a beat, she slowly nodded like she understood the shit in my head. “Then I forgive you.”
March 16, 2022
Everytime I read one of Sybils books I say this is the one, the Alpha that stole my heart... and then she writes another and I've fallen all over again. This time it's with Ocean blue eyes, a growly demeanor and a furry companion. Roark is everything and more when it comes to being an Alpha, he's big, strong and skilled in all areas. The heroine is damaged, grief stricken and alone...until she's not. She's determined to fight, love and to live!
From the very first chapter, I knew my heart was in for a wild ride! The raw emotion in this book is unlike any other. Sybil has always been amazing at bringing so much life and emotion to her characters, but this one hit close to home for so many of her readers. It took us on a journey of ALL the different feelings... pure heartache, fear, anger, grief...I felt it all so strongly because she is such a talented author who can put her pain into words like no other.Just as well as she can put pain on the page, she puts happiness, protection, lust and love so much louder on the pages. The heartache you felt was just a stepping stone to the immensely full heart you will be left with. Opening one of her books is like coming home from a long time away, and when it's done you are homesick until the next release.
If you haven't already purchased this book, go now! You won't want to miss this story or some of our most loved familiar faces that made appearances in this book.
Olivers music played loudly on these pages, and it was the best sound! 💛
From the very first chapter, I knew my heart was in for a wild ride! The raw emotion in this book is unlike any other. Sybil has always been amazing at bringing so much life and emotion to her characters, but this one hit close to home for so many of her readers. It took us on a journey of ALL the different feelings... pure heartache, fear, anger, grief...I felt it all so strongly because she is such a talented author who can put her pain into words like no other.Just as well as she can put pain on the page, she puts happiness, protection, lust and love so much louder on the pages. The heartache you felt was just a stepping stone to the immensely full heart you will be left with. Opening one of her books is like coming home from a long time away, and when it's done you are homesick until the next release.
If you haven't already purchased this book, go now! You won't want to miss this story or some of our most loved familiar faces that made appearances in this book.
Olivers music played loudly on these pages, and it was the best sound! 💛
March 19, 2022
Romeo is a delight, filled with explosive action alongside moments that are incredibly emotional. Sailor, lost in a well of grief, has gotten herself into a situation with no easy way out. Roark, after surviving a crash in the Marines, has tried to keep himself away from dangerous missions ever since, but when he comes upon Sailor he finds himself swept right into everything he had been avoiding for years.
Sailor and Romeo, very different in many ways, were both dealing with the outcome of what happens when someone you love dies and you are left reeling in grief and guilt. This was definitely a case of Insta-Lust and the chemistry and heat between them was apparent from the very beginning. Romeo is suspenseful, the action is non-stop, and although it is a slow burn romance, there is definitely a lot of heat along the way. I'm not one that usually cries when reading books, no matter what I'm reading on the page, or in the stories, but with this one there were definitely points where I felt on the verge. The Acknowledgement at the end is so moving and touching that I did find myself crying. There are definitely moments in this story that are relatable for anyone who has experienced this kind of loss and grief. Sybil Bartel did a phenomenal job of writing a character lost in grief, but managing to keep it from being depressing or a struggle to read. This was so well done and enjoyable.
Sailor and Romeo, very different in many ways, were both dealing with the outcome of what happens when someone you love dies and you are left reeling in grief and guilt. This was definitely a case of Insta-Lust and the chemistry and heat between them was apparent from the very beginning. Romeo is suspenseful, the action is non-stop, and although it is a slow burn romance, there is definitely a lot of heat along the way. I'm not one that usually cries when reading books, no matter what I'm reading on the page, or in the stories, but with this one there were definitely points where I felt on the verge. The Acknowledgement at the end is so moving and touching that I did find myself crying. There are definitely moments in this story that are relatable for anyone who has experienced this kind of loss and grief. Sybil Bartel did a phenomenal job of writing a character lost in grief, but managing to keep it from being depressing or a struggle to read. This was so well done and enjoyable.
July 29, 2023
There might have been a time or two where I paused in my reading and thought to myself -
' I am going to hate trying to explain why this book was so good'
and I'm still there
On one hand you have this very sexy story between two very damaged souls, kind of thrusted together in that way that only fate can dictate - its time to heal
Then on the other, the coexisting story which is resolved 2/3rds of the way in is a very polarizing situation (took a long time to figure out how to say that) I don't want people to think when I say this is a good book - that I am referring to this, because I am not. I think if you are going to introduce this kind of subject matter you have to spend way more time on it. I personally felt it was rushed, and fantastical
Subspace, the Industry, and how fast an empire can crumble
BUT
I think one of the best things about Sybil Bartel is her character design and I just loved
Roarkeo (not his name but what I started calling him)
and congratulations on making me feel dirty half way thru a book when I start wondering about another TWO characters that are introduced
So I guess we know which two books I am reading next
' I am going to hate trying to explain why this book was so good'
and I'm still there
On one hand you have this very sexy story between two very damaged souls, kind of thrusted together in that way that only fate can dictate - its time to heal
Then on the other, the coexisting story which is resolved 2/3rds of the way in is a very polarizing situation (took a long time to figure out how to say that) I don't want people to think when I say this is a good book - that I am referring to this, because I am not. I think if you are going to introduce this kind of subject matter you have to spend way more time on it. I personally felt it was rushed, and fantastical
Subspace, the Industry, and how fast an empire can crumble
BUT
I think one of the best things about Sybil Bartel is her character design and I just loved
Roarkeo (not his name but what I started calling him)
and congratulations on making me feel dirty half way thru a book when I start wondering about another TWO characters that are introduced
So I guess we know which two books I am reading next
August 6, 2022
Being Generous
This book baffled me. Hard to enjoy a book when you dislike the hero and his woman! Romeo calls her Woman throughout the book, calls his dog his bitch. Not one smile or laugh throughout the entire book. And Sailor is traumatized by the death of her younger brother and allows herself to get into an abusive relationship with a human sex trafficker! Feels she deserves all the pain.
The only likeable character is Missy the sensitive dog. She finds Sailor and leads Romeo to rescue her after she escaped the boat where she was being abused.
The way they all spoke with each other was painful — Romeo was supposed to have a brotherhood with the guys he worked with, but the relationships are anything but.
And within a couple of days of rescuing Sailor from a sex trafficker, Romeo is having unprotected sex with her?! And it’s not sweet or gentle — he’s rough and then walks away from her. There is absolutely nothing to show these 2 falling in love — she idolized the man who rescued her.
Definitely not reading any more in this series.
This book baffled me. Hard to enjoy a book when you dislike the hero and his woman! Romeo calls her Woman throughout the book, calls his dog his bitch. Not one smile or laugh throughout the entire book. And Sailor is traumatized by the death of her younger brother and allows herself to get into an abusive relationship with a human sex trafficker! Feels she deserves all the pain.
The only likeable character is Missy the sensitive dog. She finds Sailor and leads Romeo to rescue her after she escaped the boat where she was being abused.
The way they all spoke with each other was painful — Romeo was supposed to have a brotherhood with the guys he worked with, but the relationships are anything but.
And within a couple of days of rescuing Sailor from a sex trafficker, Romeo is having unprotected sex with her?! And it’s not sweet or gentle — he’s rough and then walks away from her. There is absolutely nothing to show these 2 falling in love — she idolized the man who rescued her.
Definitely not reading any more in this series.
June 27, 2023
ROMEO: (The Alpha Elite #3)
Once again, Sybil Bartel writes a story that had me hooked right from the start! She has poured her own recent experience into both Roark 'Romeo' MacElheran & Evelynn Grace "Sailor' Tory. Grief, loss & pain resonate with them both. One is an ex-Marine pilot, suffering from PTSD, & emotional & physical scars - he keeps the wall around him solid. The other is a woman running from living. She is herself haunted by the loss of her brother; guilt, shame & thoughts of suicide plague her.
When she & Roark meet unexpectedly, both are faced with trust issues, yet share the same debilitating effects of their past. This book teems with the pain of loss, of sadness, and also of hope! Sybil Bartel has injected her own personal experience into both Roark & Sailor.
Acknowledging the need to let their guard down & finally trust that life isn't about guilt or fear. It's a process that brings out a positive outcome; that "the only way out is through".
A full 5 ⭐ for this beautifully written, special gift of a story! I definitely got my hot, sexy Alpha fix, as well as a beautiful heroine that was rescued before she knew it! I loved 'Romeo' in more ways than one - on a personal level, it touched my soul deeply & I thank you for that, Sybil Bartel. 🙏❤
Once again, Sybil Bartel writes a story that had me hooked right from the start! She has poured her own recent experience into both Roark 'Romeo' MacElheran & Evelynn Grace "Sailor' Tory. Grief, loss & pain resonate with them both. One is an ex-Marine pilot, suffering from PTSD, & emotional & physical scars - he keeps the wall around him solid. The other is a woman running from living. She is herself haunted by the loss of her brother; guilt, shame & thoughts of suicide plague her.
When she & Roark meet unexpectedly, both are faced with trust issues, yet share the same debilitating effects of their past. This book teems with the pain of loss, of sadness, and also of hope! Sybil Bartel has injected her own personal experience into both Roark & Sailor.
Acknowledging the need to let their guard down & finally trust that life isn't about guilt or fear. It's a process that brings out a positive outcome; that "the only way out is through".
A full 5 ⭐ for this beautifully written, special gift of a story! I definitely got my hot, sexy Alpha fix, as well as a beautiful heroine that was rescued before she knew it! I loved 'Romeo' in more ways than one - on a personal level, it touched my soul deeply & I thank you for that, Sybil Bartel. 🙏❤
July 25, 2024
So very deep. Excellent story
***Do not read if you have ptsd symptoms.****
Grab the giant size tissues. You will need them!
Sailors story is so sad, dramatic, exciting, and gripping. It is a "don't put it down" novel. The stress and guilt trip that she goes through are so very real. They way that she deals with her brother's death is gutwrenching. For the entire story is the reader feels it all, and he prays that Sailor can get her stuff together and come out on top. Roark has his own demons and knows how Sailor feels and deals with all the trauma and emotion. He, for the first time in a very long time, allows himself to feel emotion that isn't warped . In the end the two somehow allow themselves an HEA. This is a well written and very indepeth book on love,loss, and the ability to get around it. It was a terrific book, I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
***Do not read if you have ptsd symptoms.****
Grab the giant size tissues. You will need them!
Sailors story is so sad, dramatic, exciting, and gripping. It is a "don't put it down" novel. The stress and guilt trip that she goes through are so very real. They way that she deals with her brother's death is gutwrenching. For the entire story is the reader feels it all, and he prays that Sailor can get her stuff together and come out on top. Roark has his own demons and knows how Sailor feels and deals with all the trauma and emotion. He, for the first time in a very long time, allows himself to feel emotion that isn't warped . In the end the two somehow allow themselves an HEA. This is a well written and very indepeth book on love,loss, and the ability to get around it. It was a terrific book, I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
March 18, 2022
Holy cow! This is a very emotional book with two very different, but somehow very similar characters. Two broken souls with different reasons for existing, but two souls that are actually one complete one. There are parts that completely gutted me and then I turned the page and was brought back to a sense of understanding and compassion for these tormented people. It still has all the snark I have come to love from Sybil Bartel’s characters, but then there is so much more. I also loved seeing more of the characters in the upcoming novels and I cannot wait for those to be published. This is one I would highly recommend to anyone. Just make sure to have your tissues and for me, wine, handy and get ready for the ride. It’s a good one!!
April 14, 2022
Hang on to your seat because the first quarter of this book is tense, intense, fast moving, hard hitting non-stop action and incredibly dramatic. Actually most of Romeo fits those descriptors at one time or another. Ms Bartel really pulled out all the stops emotionally too. Roark, "Romeo," MacElheran and Evelynn, "Sailor," Tory have both suffered devastating losses in their lives that color everything they do and how they exist in their grief. You will be hard pressed to not be affected by all the feelings and emotions explored in Romeo. The big plus is that Sailor and Romeo find happiness with each other but not before perilous, life threatening events happen. AES team members and Roark's military brothers rise to the occasion in eliminating the threats.
November 23, 2022
DNF. Not sure why I went into this one after reading the first two in this series. Again, there is absolutely no romance, no one laughs or smiles or has fun. I understand there is tragedy, but Sailor's constant crying and Rourke constantly 'barking' at her got a bit too much. I got the feeling that Rourke referring to Sailor as 'woman' all the time was supposed to have the cave man/alpha effect. Hint: it came across as barbaric. I gave up when Sailor willingly flew off into the sunset with her trafficking captor and Echo and Romeo stood by and allowed it. Granted, I have no idea what comes after that, but it seemed idiotic to not fight for her.
Missy was the only positive in the story, although a very confused, well trained attack dog.
Missy was the only positive in the story, although a very confused, well trained attack dog.
June 11, 2023
This book is part of a series, and this is the first book that I’ve read in the series. I loved the characters, it’s a quick read, and they give enough backstory to follow it without getting lost. The main male character, Roark, is a Marine that carries scars from his time in service, and the main female character, Sailor, is a survivor that has been so buried in grief and trauma that she cannot see her worth. Both Roark and Sailor help each other to heal and begin to live again. Other than Roark being naturally dominant and Sailor being naturally submissive, this book is not typical of a lot of other books in the genre. There is some spice, but nothing hardcore. I highly recommend it. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
November 16, 2024
Oh Sybil... BRAVA, my dear, BRA...VA!!!
I started reading this last year and then put it down about halfway through. I came back to it last week after learning about your beautiful boy. I listened to his piece (Oliverian Fantasy) and read about his story. And my heart was broken for you. I started the book over and can't even begin to describe how quickly it hit different this time around. Your grief is palpable through the words and his music, audible. Combined with a story full of despair and romance, life and tragedy, hope and love... it's literary magic. This one will stay with me for life. Your sweet boy lives on in your stories and in our hearts, Sybil. Fly high, sweet, Oliver.
I started reading this last year and then put it down about halfway through. I came back to it last week after learning about your beautiful boy. I listened to his piece (Oliverian Fantasy) and read about his story. And my heart was broken for you. I started the book over and can't even begin to describe how quickly it hit different this time around. Your grief is palpable through the words and his music, audible. Combined with a story full of despair and romance, life and tragedy, hope and love... it's literary magic. This one will stay with me for life. Your sweet boy lives on in your stories and in our hearts, Sybil. Fly high, sweet, Oliver.
March 15, 2022
Sybil has nailed it yet again with a roller coaster of feelings and an epic storyline. What’s that they say about you having to watch the quiet ones. Grizzly, moody, solitary, damaged mentally and physically but holy hotness alpha with a capital A. It doesn’t take much to tip this ex Marine, especially when Talon switches his nickname and everyone else jumps on the bandwagon at every available opportunity. A naturally submissive heroine in complete despair , riddled with guilt wanting to feel the punishment for her crime. Two lost souls, In tune with one another, made for each other and finally fulfilling each others needs and upmost desires
March 16, 2022
One of the things about following authors is sometimes you get a glimpse into what they put of themselves into a book. So first off, a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Sybil for the deeply personal pieces of yourself that you share. It certainly impacted how I saw and connected with Sailor.
Roark was so easy to fall for, how he saw Sailor, how he demanded her honesty, to speak when she held back. 🥰
I hope Sailor, or at least her music, make appearances in the future. You know it’s a good book when you become invested in a fictional character’s success. 🤪
And quick shoutout to Talerco who, gosh dang it, puts a huge smile on my face at every appearance. I love your alphas Sybil!
Roark was so easy to fall for, how he saw Sailor, how he demanded her honesty, to speak when she held back. 🥰
I hope Sailor, or at least her music, make appearances in the future. You know it’s a good book when you become invested in a fictional character’s success. 🤪
And quick shoutout to Talerco who, gosh dang it, puts a huge smile on my face at every appearance. I love your alphas Sybil!
April 11, 2022
How is this my favorite?!
There is so much of this book that is heartbreaking.
Sailor is a woman dealing with horrific grief who is taken advantage of by a truly terrible man. She needs to escape from that and her own mind, and Roark (who becomes Romeo) is the one that helps even when he has his own nightmares to deal with. Missy is the happy bonus!
I have never experienced the loss of a child, sibling, or parent, but, as I am all 3 - a child, a mother and a sister, even the idea of that kind of loss, well, real empathy hurts. But, the ending of this book is really more of a new beginning, and I really love that.
There is so much of this book that is heartbreaking.
Sailor is a woman dealing with horrific grief who is taken advantage of by a truly terrible man. She needs to escape from that and her own mind, and Roark (who becomes Romeo) is the one that helps even when he has his own nightmares to deal with. Missy is the happy bonus!
I have never experienced the loss of a child, sibling, or parent, but, as I am all 3 - a child, a mother and a sister, even the idea of that kind of loss, well, real empathy hurts. But, the ending of this book is really more of a new beginning, and I really love that.
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