Sybil by Ella Grey

Heat Level 3
$3.99
SKU 978-0-3695-0677-1
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Gambled Away, 2

They’re two broken people who don’t believe they deserve a happy ending...

An abusive relationship and a downward spiral into addiction was something Sybil never thought she’d escape. A second chance comes when the most feared man in Dublin wins Carey in a game of chance and take them into his home. Who would have thought he’d fall in love with her daughter?

The death of his mother led O’Grady’s right-hand man and enforcer, Baxter O’Daly down a dark path. Now he helps keep the streets of Dublin safe by killing the worst of the worst. He knows he’s rushing towards an early death but that’s never mattered, until now. Until Sybil.

 

Excerpt:

Life used to be simple. Baxter would wake up with a simple goal in mind: keep John O’Grady alive for another day. It had gotten a little more complicated when his boss won Carey Murphy, after her father used her as collateral in a poker game. His boss had seen the bruise on Carey’s cheek, and instead of refusing the offer, had married and spirited her away to his mansion. He hadn’t just taken her, though. He took her mother, as well. John had suspected both Murphy women would have been killed by the alcoholic ex-policeman. He had every intention of divorcing Carey and giving her a hefty settlement. The older Murphy woman had been completely broken down by her husband. There had been dark circles under her blue eyes, and whatever she wore hung on her underweight form. At the time, Baxter hadn’t even spared her a glance. Until the day she did something unbelievably dangerous.

Sybil had ended up returning to her husband. O’Grady decided to bring her back to the mansion before her daughter figured out what happened. Baxter went with him because it was his job. Sybil hadn’t meant anything to him. They found her bruised and bloodied in her old home. His first thought was she’d returned to her abuser. He knew it happened. Thankfully, her deciding to return to Murphy had nothing to do with feelings. She’d wanted the collection of files he hid in the air vent—it documented all of his dealings. The proof she needed to blackmail him into leaving her and their daughter alone.

There was no way she could have known someone was waiting in the shadows, biding their time.

Trent McNamara had tricked his way into John’s home and attacked Carey.

Baxter didn’t know why Trent returned to Dublin. Even with the threat of a brutal death if he ever dared to show his face. If John’s enemies found out he hadn’t followed through on a threat, it would put the entire family into the crosshairs.

Trent wasn’t worth the risk.

Thanks to the downpour, nobody who glanced into the car would see the gun in his hand. He checked the magazine out of habit, knowing he always kept it loaded. Then he slipped the silencer into the inside pocket of his custom-made leather jacket. His baseball cap would shield his eyes from the worst of the rain. He slipped his gun into the holster, zipped up his jacket, and stepped out into the downpour.

Baxter never lost any sleep over the people he had killed. Trent was the latest on a substantial list. All of them deserved what happened to them. None of them had been innocent.

Series:
/series-gambled-away/

Product Reviews

Score: 4 out of 5 (based on 14 ratings)
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4/5
Sybil & Baxter!!
Written by Wendy L on 24th Nov 2022

This is the 2nd book in this series, and this is Sybil and Baxter’s story. Sybil is in danger, and Baxter, who works for her daughter’s husband is sent to protect her from her abusive ex. These is an intense attraction between these two, and the chemistry is undeniable. This is a short and steamy read, with 2nd chances, intrigue, emotions, close proximity, and age gap, and love, which leads to a compelling page turner. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

4/5
Wow
Written by Lizette Reyes on 11th Oct 2022

I misread the blurb on This book and thought it was about the daughter and realized it was about Sybil. I am not usually one for reverse age gaps but I am glad that after everything she went through she gets her hea.

4/5
Sybil's second chance
Written by A. Adams on 11th Oct 2022

This is the 2nd book in the series. Sybil is still struggling to get away from her husband Murphy. Murphy was a abusive man to Sybil and her daughter Carey. Murphy broke Sybil. Sybil has to find a way to move forward. Sybil has to find a way to be happy. Sybil moves out of her daughter's home and decides she needs to start dating. When Murphy decides he's not ready to let Sybil go yet Sybil spends a week being protected by Baxter. Baxter is the bodyguard for Sybil's son in law. Sybil and Baxter begin to grow feelings for one another. They soon realize one week together will never be enough. Even though Baxter is younger than Sybil, this is her second chance at the love she deserves.

4/5
Sybil and Baxter
Written by Marisa S on 11th Oct 2022

Book 2 in the Gambled Away series. A short and steamy read, following Sybil and Baxter. A short read, but follows a beautiful love story and second chance. It's a well written and intriguing storyline, with strong characters. I liked the interactions between the MCs and how their relationship develops. I enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more from Ella Grey.

4/5
Sybil!
Written by mary_s88 on 11th Oct 2022

This is a touching story and a fairly quick read. I enjoyed every bit. This is also the second story in the "Gambled Away" series. It can be enjoyed as a stand alone read; I missed the first one. The story is about Sybil who has been through hell and back. She is seeking counseling who has pushed her the "live". She has decided to try speed dating. That is interrupted by Baxter, he works for her daughters husband. Baxter has been sent to protect her from her ex husband. The attraction and pull been them has been building for sometime but neither has acted. Then when they are forced in close proximity the electric charge between them finally explodes. I enjoyed this story. I loved the fact he made her feel strong, cherished her and centered her. She finally found unconditional love and closer. Such a good read. I love the main characters.

4/5
Straight to the point
Written by Ade K on 11th Oct 2022

The book explores the vulnerability of both the hero and the heroine. There should have been a trigger warning on domestic violence/abuse. It was not too long but straight to the point. It can be read in a sitting as it is well-written enough to catch the reader’s attention. Although it is the second in a series, you don’t need to read the first to understand it.

5/5
A refreshing change
Written by Jay63 on 11th Oct 2022

Sybil was such a good read that I will now have to go and read the book that came before this one. It's a refreshing change, this older woman, younger man romance and quite suspenseful. Sybil is trying to piece her life back together after the suffering at the hands of her abusive husband and battling alcoholism. Her daughter is now safe from all that disfunction even if she is married to the most feared man in Dublin. So what's next for Sybil but to try therapist, speed dating and try to live again. Baxter is the enforcer for Sybil's son in law and wants Sybil with all his being. He is a man with a deadly and colourful past and the future wasn't looking too bright either. That is until he sees Sybil. Now all he can think about is her but he also knows that with the life he's living he has nothing to offer her but more pain and regret or does he? This was a short but well written piece and I found myself wanting more after the last page was read. It is sensual in places, dramatic in others and well worth reading. I loved it.

5/5
Very good!
Written by Flavia Karina on 11th Oct 2022

This is a new author for me, and she really surprised me. This Age gap where a young killer, right-hand man of a mobster falls in love with a mature woman, who was a victim of abuse. It is a short story, but well developed, easy to read, with interesting and lovable characters, hot scenes and lots of lust. I loved it!

5/5
Short Story
Written by Jeanne Richardson on 11th Oct 2022

This is the first book I've read written by Ella Gray; I can’t wait to read more of her books. This is the first book in the Gambled Away Series; it is a stand-alone short story. The story is about Sybil & Baxter; she’s escaped an abusive relationship; he’s become a vigilante killing the bad people of Dublin. I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

4/5
Bodyguard Romance
Written by Red18 on 13th Sep 2022

The book started a little confusing for me but that is because I didn’t read the first book. It didn’t take long however to get into the story. It can still be read as a stand alone. I liked the romance between Baxter and Sybil. Baxter was your growly possessive alpha male who frequently tells Sybil he can never love her because he is such a bad man. Sybil is a victim of domestic abuse who believes she is undeserving of love. They end up with their HEA. I wished there was an epilogue to see how their lives worked out together. It just ended too abruptly.

5/5
Great story
Written by PHOENIX96 on 13th Sep 2022

Sybil never could have know how her and her daughter careys life would change after Carey was given to mob boss John but Baxter wasn't what she could have imagined for herself either! Well written steamy short, second chances at new love , older romance

5/5
Loved it
Written by Advocate nasrah on 6th Sep 2022

At first I thought it a story of the daughter. But it is involved a single mom. A love story simple and beautiful second chance for her. I like the leading male he was strong caring and protective towards her. And she was adorable. And the fact that she is older than him and still left her breathless it a beautiful bonus for me. Good job

4/5
Brave lady
Written by Envy on 6th Sep 2022

Beaten physically and emotionally by her scumbag husband, alcohol to dull the anguish and guilt. She just wants Murphy to leave her alone to finally live in peace and quiet, she wants to feel again, to want to be loved and cherished. Baxter can’t admit his feelings for Sybil, she sees through the tough exterior but also embraces it, thawing his cold heart. Murphy gets everything he deserves.

4/5
finding peace
Written by Di Ketchup on 6th Sep 2022

I loved this story. I think all women want someone to show them love. It is especially important to those who have had hard times. Lovely story.