Title: Scandalous
Author: Sybil Bartel
First published September 10, 2018
ebook
ISBN: 9781386108559
Rating: 4.12
Overview
I never thought I’d be a bodyguard, let alone a chauffeur and babysitter too. But when a wealthy businessman offered me triple pay to protect his daughter in New York City, I couldn’t refuse.
I’m ex-military, trained to handle any situation. But I wasn’t prepared for the spoiled and reckless heiress who thought she was invincible.
She loved the attention and didn’t care about the consequences. When she started to make headlines for all the wrong reasons, I knew I had to step in.
I tried to warn her, but she wouldn’t listen. Now, I’m not just her bodyguard, I’m her scandalous savior.
This is my story.
About the Author
Meet Sybil Bartel, a talented author known for crafting unforgettable Alpha heroes in her bestselling books. From the commanding Alpha Elite mercenaries to the fiercely protective Alpha Bodyguards and heart-pumping romantic suspense, Sybil’s heroes are all irresistibly sexy and unapologetically Alpha.
When she’s not busy writing, Sybil calls sunny South Florida home and cherishes her role as Oliver’s mom forever.
Editoral Review
Scandalous, by Sybil Bartel, is a steamy contemporary romance novel that tells the story of two damaged individuals, the budding relationship between them and the challenges they face in striving for a deeper connection. Bartel is an established author of romance novels, known for her ability to craft compelling and complex characters.
Set in present-day California, the story follows the life of Drew, a tattoo artist and ex-military man who is drawn to a beautiful and feisty woman named Tatum. Tatum is a professional ballet dancer who is struggling to overcome past traumas and the pressures of her career.
The two characters come from vastly different backgrounds and are initially wary of one another, but their chemistry is undeniable. The novel explores themes of intimacy, trust, and the power of personal connection.
Bartel has a talent for creating flawed, relatable characters that readers can empathize with, and this book is no exception. Drew and Tatum’s relationship is fraught with difficulties, including the shadow of past traumas and misunderstandings that threaten to tear them apart.
While Scandalous is decidedly a steamy romance, it is also an exploration of the human psyche and the complexities of human relationships. This book tackles issues such as sexual trauma, addiction, and self-doubt with a level of sensitivity and nuance that is rarely seen in the romance genre.
One of the strengths of the book is Bartel’s writing style, which is polished and engaging. The plot moves at a brisk pace, making it difficult to put the book down, and the dialogue between characters is expertly crafted.
The themes of the novel are universal, and readers of all ages and backgrounds will be able to relate to the struggles of the characters. One potential weakness of the book is that some readers may find the portrayal of sexual scenes to be overly graphic.
While this is a common convention in the romance genre, it may not be to the taste of all readers. Overall, Scandalous is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of the romance genre, as well as readers looking for a deeper exploration of human relationships.
Sybil Bartel has crafted two compelling characters and a storyline that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a steamy and emotionally resonant romance novel.
While it may not be suitable for younger readers or those who are uncomfortable with graphic sexual content, those who are open to exploring complex emotions and relationships will find much to enjoy. On a scale of one to five stars, I would give Scandalous a solid four stars.
