NEW RELEASE and GIVEAWAY
No Apologies
by Sybil Bartel
This book blitz and giveaway for No Apologies is brought to you by Xpresso Book Tours.
Description
Never apologize
Hard-edged rocker Graham Allen has it all. He’s flush with cash from playing bass in a band by night and restoring classic cars by day. And there are plenty of women willing to share his bed for a night, complication-free. Perfect, because if there’s anything he learned from his past, it was to never get attached - to anything. So when bartender Carly Sullivan flashes her innocent smile, Graham isn’t prepared for what happens next.
Never fall in love
Two rules, that’s all Graham has - never apologize and never fall in love. He knows Carly is everything he should avoid. Cheerful and sweet, she has “relationship” written all over her. But Graham can’t stay away from her probing questions and concerned blue eyes.
When Graham discovers Carly is hiding a crushing secret, he’s prepared to risk it all. Until in one single moment, everything changes and Graham’s past threatens to collide with his future. His life is crumbling down around him, and soon no apology in the world can save him.
He should’ve known to walk away.
Excerpt
I trailed my fingers down her cheek. “I wanted to kiss you this morning.”
She didn’t flinch. “I know.”
I threaded my hand up the back of her neck. “You pulled away from me.”
“I know.”
I twisted my fingers into her hair. “I still want to kiss you.”
Turning her face, she exposed the smooth skin of her neck. “Please, don’t.”
“Why?” Jesus, she was beautiful.
“You scare me.”
Inhaling, I stilled. “Maybe you scare me, Carly Sullivan.” I wanted to take the words back as soon as I said them.
Featured Review
By Beth
Hardened rocker, biker, classic car renovator and part club owner were all apt descriptions of Graham Allen, he never thought he'd add boyfriend to anyone to that list.
Author/Bartender, Carly Sullivan, is about to rock Graham's world. But under that cheerful demeanor is a secret that might be the most horrifying of all.
No Apologies is a story about a lot of broken people. People who have faced horrible circumstances and who they've become because of what they faced. All victimized in some way or another, our main characters are struggling to find their way, even if they don't know it.
Graham tries really hard to make himself very unlikable...to push people away. Carly is the extreme opposite, always looking for the positive, she pretty much steam rolls Graham with her infectious smile.
No Apologies was a slow build up but about ½ through I realized I was hooked. I can't go into what causes this change because it would be a huge spoiler, but let's just say I ended up reading into the wee-hours of the morning to finish this story and it was so worth it.
This debut story by Sybil Bartel is raw and emotionally jarring. We are thrust into difficult and even a heart breaking story by Bartel's vivid, in your face, writing style. The characters popped of the page and screamed realism. I was utterly memorized by this story and couldn't put it down. Wonderfully Dark and deeply passionate read!
No Apologies Playlist
Character Interview With Graham Allen
“Hi! So excited, I’m here today with Graham Allen, the bass player for the band you all are waiting patiently for to go on, so I’ll be quick! Say Hi, Graham.” OMG, he’s so hot in person!
“Hey.”
“Yep, you heard it, that sexy-awesome voice. Not that we don’t love Myles’ voice, but we looove when you sing as well. Will there be more songs you do lead locals on?”
“Possibly.”
“Okay, you heard it here first! So, tell me Graham, what’s your favorite song right now?”
“Humming Bird by Alex Clare.”
“Awww, that’s so sweet! I love that song. Does it remind you of someone?”
“Yes.”
“Care to elaborate?”
“No.”
Okay, he’s a little intimidating. I smile but he doesn’t smile back. “So, tell us something we don’t know about you.”
“I hate interviews.”
I laugh nervously. “I think I could’ve guessed that. I heard you’re a car fanatic. If you could drive any car, what would it be?”
“A Smart car,” he deadpans.
I blink. “Really?”
“No.”
I burst out laughing. “Good one. But seriously, what car would be your ideal ride?”
“The one I drive.”
“Which is?”
“71 ‘Cuda 440 6-pack.”
“You have a six pack?” I had to ask! He’s so muscular.
He crosses his arms and stares at me.
“Um, sorry. Okay, so what color is your car?”
“Black.”
Sexy. “What’s it like working with Myles?” That’s the lead singer and guitarist for all you newbies out there.
“Humbling.”
“Wow, that’s heavy.” Inspiration strikes. “What would Myles say it’s like working with you?”
“Irritating.” A ghost of a smile touches the corner of his mouth.
I think I might faint. He’s that hot. If, you know, you go for that whole tattooed, rocker, bad boy, thing—just saying. I smile because it’s impossible not to. “I’ll have to ask him about that.” With a surge of confidence, I wink.
“You do that.” The smile, lazy, practiced, kicks up a notch and now I know I’m going to faint.
“Oh, that’s just not fair.”
His only answer is to hold the half smile of amusement and incline his head once like he knows exactly the effect he has on women.
“Okay, one more question, because I know you all are about to go on. Who’s been your single greatest influence, musically, or otherwise?” I hold my breath, because for some reason, I think he’s about to surprise the crap out of me.
“That’s a personal question.”
“It is.” I don’t blink.
He maintains eye contact.
I wait.
“I don’t answer personal questions. I protect the people who are close to me.”
Wow. So sweet. “I think I just fell in love.”
This time, the smile hits both sides of his face. “You’re too late, sweetheart.” Then he strides out of the room like he owns the place.
About the Author
Sybil grew up in Northern California with her head in a book and her feet in the sand. She used to dream of becoming a painter but the heady scent of libraries with their shelves full of books about wistful summer days and first loves drew her into the world of storytelling. Her true literary love is the New Adult genre but really, any story about a love so desperately wrong and impossibly beautiful, makes her swoon.
Sybil now resides in Southern Florida and while she doesn't get to read as much as she likes, she still buries her toes in the sand. If she's not writing or fighting to contain the banana plantation in her backyard, you can find her spending time with her handsomely tattooed husband, her brilliantly practical son and a mischievous miniature boxer who stole her heart.
Giveaway
Enter the blitz-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.
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