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The Hunted
Revenge. Blood. Lies. Hate.
The good guy is the bad guy and the bad guy is the good guy.
Or is that what they want you to believe?
In a city where crime is at an all time high and new mutilated bodies are showing up every day, who do you trust?
He’s the silent neighbor who vanishes at night and reappears when the morning news is reporting on the latest victim.
How do you know this?
You watch him through the curtains as his silent stalker. Everything about him is twisted, but you can’t get past his stare. It’s hypnotizing and the hardest pull you’ve ever experienced...you know it’s all wrong.
Then he walks through your front door covered in blood.
Who will you trust?
The good guy is the bad guy and the bad guy is the good guy.
Or is that what they want you to believe?
In a city where crime is at an all time high and new mutilated bodies are showing up every day, who do you trust?
He’s the silent neighbor who vanishes at night and reappears when the morning news is reporting on the latest victim.
How do you know this?
You watch him through the curtains as his silent stalker. Everything about him is twisted, but you can’t get past his stare. It’s hypnotizing and the hardest pull you’ve ever experienced...you know it’s all wrong.
Then he walks through your front door covered in blood.
Who will you trust?
Unknown Binding
First published February 22, 2016
48 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
H.J. Bellus
98 books2,709 followersUSA Today Best Selling Author, HJ Bellus is a small town girl who loves the art of storytelling. When not making readers laugh or cry, she's a part-time livestock wrangler that can be found in the middle of Idaho, shot gunning a beer while listening to some Miranda Lambert on her Beats and rocking out in her boots.
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Website: http://authorhjb.com/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tjmFtN
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2vE5GXP
YouTube: http://bit.ly/2tQTY9q
Facebook: http://bit.ly/1nCFZeM
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HJBellus
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2t7ymsu
Reader Group: http://bit.ly/1HYQgsk
Email: hjbellus@gmail.com
GET FREE BOOKS FROM ME HERE!
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March 17, 2016Me as I read 11% of this hot mess...
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Prologue is an unknown dude getting out of jail saying he's seeking vengeance.
Chapter one starts with Basil, the FMC, complaining about how poor she is, how shitty her apartment is, and how hungry she is.
She immediately strikes me as the kind of cagey, oddball chick that you see on the news after she calmly leaves a bloody mess at McDonald's because they put five, not six, nuggets in her happy meal.
Let me explain...
My reaction is, huh? And, she says "bitch" and "shit" on the same page. Fridge freaking her out? Wtf? Never says FUCK aloud , but curses like a sailor on crack in her mind and says every curse combo aside from FUCK aloud. Again, WTF?
Shit is just weird - weird like what you'd get if you tried to glue together junkyard Lincoln, Hummer, Maxima, mini van, and Porsche parts to make one car.
Anyway, Shy....
Basil says she's "SHY," so much so that her BFF Ivy always compensates for her (ie talks for her.)
Shy, huh? Don't sound so shy to me as she meets Ivy's hot friend for the first time....
To add to this weird, perplexing personality vibe, her internal thoughts are spastic as HELL...
1) I thought you never said fuck lol;)
2) how the hell would I know how your mama lives since I haven't been intro'd to her or heard a damn thing about her yet?
3) I can't keep up with going from your hair, your mom, student loans, your friend, back to your hair ON THE SAME FUCKING page, and none of it is a complete FUCKING thought.
Moving on along...
Chick is jumpy like she is actually wanted for a McDonalds blood bath.
I'll let her friend, Ivy, explain it...
Damn straight, Ivy!
Awkward continues....
Omg, Awkward doesn't even cover this chick ( and the author's sentence structure)....
Yeah, awkward~ Good news? This is said to a dude that calls Ivy ...
I'm at 7% and the FMC says....
Yeppers, no one should say that stupid shit.
Still at 7% when I find out this shy, "yeppers" chick just got herself a brand new job at a strip club as a waitress. It'll be a few months before she is allowed to hit the pole.
Finally, the MMC, Van, makes an appearance at 9%. His first line to the FMC...
Suddenly....
Van, who I'm assuming is the fucker from the prologue, starts talking about some other f'r Argo and how "we all know what he did to me last time." Uhm, no, no, I don't know. . Did I just run into a damn oven in the middle of the road or what?
Van announces to all that "I'm going to kill him." <<< This as he has a strip'ho hanging off his back and the FMC is just standing there gawking at him...
And then....
I'm Out @11%
Prologue is an unknown dude getting out of jail saying he's seeking vengeance.
Chapter one starts with Basil, the FMC, complaining about how poor she is, how shitty her apartment is, and how hungry she is.
She immediately strikes me as the kind of cagey, oddball chick that you see on the news after she calmly leaves a bloody mess at McDonald's because they put five, not six, nuggets in her happy meal.
Let me explain...
I'd really be a mother fucking hermit. I never say the F bomb. I guess it only appears in my head when my fridge creeps me the F-bomb out.
My reaction is, huh? And, she says "bitch" and "shit" on the same page. Fridge freaking her out? Wtf? Never says FUCK aloud , but curses like a sailor on crack in her mind and says every curse combo aside from FUCK aloud. Again, WTF?
Shit is just weird - weird like what you'd get if you tried to glue together junkyard Lincoln, Hummer, Maxima, mini van, and Porsche parts to make one car.
Anyway, Shy....
Basil says she's "SHY," so much so that her BFF Ivy always compensates for her (ie talks for her.)
Shy, huh? Don't sound so shy to me as she meets Ivy's hot friend for the first time....
Twisting in my seat, I glare at her and would smack her across the face if she didn't have all our lives in her hands.
"Damn you, I'm going to have a bruise. I realize he asked a question. I'm not brain dead."
To add to this weird, perplexing personality vibe, her internal thoughts are spastic as HELL...
I've never wanted a handout and by God, we all know my own mother has her own way of living, but student loans right about now sound perfect. I'd never let Ivy know this. She would sing her version of the told you so game all the way to my grave.
The city air definitely doesn't play nice with my curls. The humidity loves fucking them up....
1) I thought you never said fuck lol;)
2) how the hell would I know how your mama lives since I haven't been intro'd to her or heard a damn thing about her yet?
3) I can't keep up with going from your hair, your mom, student loans, your friend, back to your hair ON THE SAME FUCKING page, and none of it is a complete FUCKING thought.
Moving on along...
Chick is jumpy like she is actually wanted for a McDonalds blood bath.
I'll let her friend, Ivy, explain it...
"This is my very rude friend Basil Harper. She hasn't been around many people. She's more like a caged animal than a human."
Damn straight, Ivy!
Awkward continues....
Omg, Awkward doesn't even cover this chick ( and the author's sentence structure)....
Even the man's veins are drop dead sexy. I wonder if he (ivy's friend she just met who IS NOT THE MMC) knows I'm staring at his hands. I slowly drag my vision up to his face and yep, he knows I was staring as my eyes meet his, and then he shoots me a dazzling grin.
"You're pretty." I slap my hand across my mouth and feel the blush creep up my toes.
Yeah, awkward~ Good news? This is said to a dude that calls Ivy ...
sassy pain in the ass pants
I'm at 7% and the FMC says....
" Yeppers, so next time..."
Yeppers, no one should say that stupid shit.
Still at 7% when I find out this shy, "yeppers" chick just got herself a brand new job at a strip club as a waitress. It'll be a few months before she is allowed to hit the pole.
Finally, the MMC, Van, makes an appearance at 9%. His first line to the FMC...
"Pretty, but damn, you must be fucking dumb."
Suddenly....
Van, who I'm assuming is the fucker from the prologue, starts talking about some other f'r Argo and how "we all know what he did to me last time." Uhm, no, no, I don't know. . Did I just run into a damn oven in the middle of the road or what?
Van announces to all that "I'm going to kill him." <<< This as he has a strip'ho hanging off his back and the FMC is just standing there gawking at him...
And then....
The deep baritone edge of his voice rips me from my staring. "I fucking said it would be a bit."
I peer up to see the commotion as the blonde stomps off with both of her ass cheeks hanging out of her barely there skirt. With each stomp, I can practically feel her anger radiating for her hooker heels.
"Fucking whore," Van mutters.
I giggle out loud, thinking the exact same thing. Night after night, I've seen women throw, jump, and leap their ways into Van's lap. I mean I get the attraction thing, but clearly he must have a reputation on the streets for being wickedly delicious in the sheets.
"What's funny, rookie?"
Peeking up through my lashes, he's staring right at me, and I want to die. I've never held more than a five-word conversation with the man, let alone him directing a question at me....
"Answer me." ....
"I was just thinking the same thing." ...
"Oh." He grumbles and turns back to Stew. "But no shit, Argo is already on the hunt for me."
I'm Out @11%
February 17, 2016
☆ I received an ARC via The Hype PR in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
3.75 stars!!
Going into this, I can honestly say that by reading the plot synopsis alone that I had no idea of what I was getting myself into. It had a mysterious and dangerous aura, that was just waiting to be unveiled. One, that was so compelling that I could not refuse to jump right in.
While I did end up finding that the book lived up to the heightened and suspenseful feel~~ with unforeseen twists and turns, and not knowing what was about to come next or who to expect as the serial killer…my only pet peeve, and this Is a very small one, was the nicknames they two main leads gave each other nickames~ Big Bad Wolf and Junior. I don’t know, I’m sure I’m the one in minority, but it came off too cheesy for my personal tastes.
Other than that, a dark and thrilling read that I’ll admit had me a little heartbroken by the turn of events at the end. I did not expect that!!
3.75 stars!!
Going into this, I can honestly say that by reading the plot synopsis alone that I had no idea of what I was getting myself into. It had a mysterious and dangerous aura, that was just waiting to be unveiled. One, that was so compelling that I could not refuse to jump right in.
While I did end up finding that the book lived up to the heightened and suspenseful feel~~ with unforeseen twists and turns, and not knowing what was about to come next or who to expect as the serial killer…my only pet peeve, and this Is a very small one, was the nicknames they two main leads gave each other nickames~ Big Bad Wolf and Junior. I don’t know, I’m sure I’m the one in minority, but it came off too cheesy for my personal tastes.
Other than that, a dark and thrilling read that I’ll admit had me a little heartbroken by the turn of events at the end. I did not expect that!!
February 29, 2016
DNF DNF DNF!!!!!! I wave the white flag and limp away feeling dirty and despondent.
A heroine with no loyalty and the morals of a 15 year old boy is not what I want. The hero is better, but not much.
There are many lust scenes, but it is NOT a romance, at least not by the 52% mark, and anyone who goes in expecting it to be will be severely let down.
I love gritty and dark reads. I can enjoy a sociopath who has little goodness except an extreme possessiveness for his one. I can handle a lot! But this, this went way over my line. :((
A heroine with no loyalty and the morals of a 15 year old boy is not what I want. The hero is better, but not much.
There are many lust scenes, but it is NOT a romance, at least not by the 52% mark, and anyone who goes in expecting it to be will be severely let down.
I love gritty and dark reads. I can enjoy a sociopath who has little goodness except an extreme possessiveness for his one. I can handle a lot! But this, this went way over my line. :((
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February 24, 2016 DNF @ 43%
Sorry but I had to DNF this one because I'm almost halfway through the book and it still hasn't picked up. It's just boring. Also, the heroine was also acting very out of character.
I mean, she's girl being raised by a total hippie mom. Has never been kissed, so painfully shy towards the opposite sex, and very socially awkward. And you're telling me that she would be cool getting fingered in the backseat of a car, with a guy she barely knows, after their first kiss?
You're telling me that she would want to finger herself in public, while watching a guy screws a stripper? Seriously?
Sorry but I had to DNF this one because I'm almost halfway through the book and it still hasn't picked up. It's just boring. Also, the heroine was also acting very out of character.
I mean, she's girl being raised by a total hippie mom. Has never been kissed, so painfully shy towards the opposite sex, and very socially awkward. And you're telling me that she would be cool getting fingered in the backseat of a car, with a guy she barely knows, after their first kiss?
You're telling me that she would want to finger herself in public, while watching a guy screws a stripper? Seriously?
February 13, 2016
HJ Bellus shocked and freaked the hell out of me with this book.
It's so much darker, dirtier, grittier and sexier compared to all the other books I've read from her
. The more I read, the more the anticipation of what would happen next grew inside of me, coupled with feelings of fear and anxiousness. It all felt like diving blind into dark waters, with no light to guide you through. It'll lead you and stir you to believe one thing and the next, you're just at a loss and not so sure anymore. You wouldn't have a clue on what to believe. All the twists and revelations literally blew my mind. And I couldn't help but squirm and stew, waiting for the other shoe to drop. And next thing I know? Holy mother of all things holy, it wasn't just a shoe that dropped—it was an entire rack full of them. I was crushed under waves and waves of so much emotion that it landed my heart and mind in a whirlwind, to the point where I found my palms sweating buckets, my heart beating wildly like it couldn't get out of my chest any faster.
I couldn't get enough of the Big Bad Wolf. He's the perfect image of dark, broody, mysterious and all alpha man oozing sex. Yet his story, his brokenness and his heart captured me and never let me go. No matter what went on since he started protecting Bay, I was all for him. No matter how bad he looked to the world, no matter how hard and brutal he was, I was a goner for Van freaking Hollis. There's something so compelling about him that it's just impossible for you not to get hooked.
Basil Harper is a simple girl who wanted to find her way independently through life. Her childhood wasn't perfect, but she had a family, a best friend—all supporting her with this choice of living alone, working and saving up to achieve her ultimate dream. Although what she didn't expect was a very haunted man barreling and storming his way through her life and heart. It tilts her entire world, yet she never felt more alive than ever. Bay is just such a piece of work. I loved her spunk and feistiness. She was able to hold up her own and I love how she was with Van the whole time. I felt deep in my bones the intensity of her emotions for him. And what could I say, I really couldn't blame her. Because when you meet Van? All the more when he starts letting you in and see the real him? Yeah, good luck with that. He'll suck you in and never let you out.
This is by far the darkest, most gruesome and extremely heart pounding I've seen from HJ Bellus. I don't think I ever expected something like this from her, but let me tell you—she definitely killed it. And I loved every single moment of the ride. Honestly, I wanted so much more from Van and Bay that I never wanted it to end—I needed to know more. But you know what they say, stories always have come to an end. And what an extremely heart stopping, body melting ending that was.
I couldn't get enough of the Big Bad Wolf. He's the perfect image of dark, broody, mysterious and all alpha man oozing sex. Yet his story, his brokenness and his heart captured me and never let me go. No matter what went on since he started protecting Bay, I was all for him. No matter how bad he looked to the world, no matter how hard and brutal he was, I was a goner for Van freaking Hollis. There's something so compelling about him that it's just impossible for you not to get hooked.
Basil Harper is a simple girl who wanted to find her way independently through life. Her childhood wasn't perfect, but she had a family, a best friend—all supporting her with this choice of living alone, working and saving up to achieve her ultimate dream. Although what she didn't expect was a very haunted man barreling and storming his way through her life and heart. It tilts her entire world, yet she never felt more alive than ever. Bay is just such a piece of work. I loved her spunk and feistiness. She was able to hold up her own and I love how she was with Van the whole time. I felt deep in my bones the intensity of her emotions for him. And what could I say, I really couldn't blame her. Because when you meet Van? All the more when he starts letting you in and see the real him? Yeah, good luck with that. He'll suck you in and never let you out.
This is by far the darkest, most gruesome and extremely heart pounding I've seen from HJ Bellus. I don't think I ever expected something like this from her, but let me tell you—she definitely killed it. And I loved every single moment of the ride. Honestly, I wanted so much more from Van and Bay that I never wanted it to end—I needed to know more. But you know what they say, stories always have come to an end. And what an extremely heart stopping, body melting ending that was.
February 22, 2016
3.5 stars
Basil Harper is a girl who wanted to try make an independent life for herself away from her hippy, pot smoking mum. Don't get me wrong she loves her mum dearly but craves a life for herself so she packs up and moves to the city. This is where she first spots her new neighbour Van in the run down neighbourhood they live in, he disappears at night and doesn't come home until dawn.
Bas is a virgin and her best friend Ivy has been trying to coax her into dating so she introduces her to Gannon. Bas is initially attracted to Gannon but can only picture Van when she's with him. Bas has been lying to Ivy and Gannon about where she works, she pretends she works in a late night cafe when she actually waitresses in a strip club and this is where she learns who Van is and this is where the magnetism starts between them when Ivy spots him screwing a stripper against the wall. He then walks in her front door covered in blood but why is the question? Is he really the serial killer behind the murders in the city?
Van is not long out of prison for being framed for a crime he didn't commit. His family hate him which has made him the dark broody man that he is. Van hides a few secrets from Bas and is initially determined not to give in to her although it doesn't last long and secrets are spilled.
Okay for me the storyline was good and it flowed well enough and there's just enough twist and turns to draw you in. However a couple of scenes were a little to fast paced for me and a bit unrealistic. The instalove was just a little to quick for me between Van and Bas and to be honest he didn't seem like the alpha big bad wolf I wanted him to be. Overall it was an enjoyable enough read that I am sure many others will love.
Basil Harper is a girl who wanted to try make an independent life for herself away from her hippy, pot smoking mum. Don't get me wrong she loves her mum dearly but craves a life for herself so she packs up and moves to the city. This is where she first spots her new neighbour Van in the run down neighbourhood they live in, he disappears at night and doesn't come home until dawn.
Bas is a virgin and her best friend Ivy has been trying to coax her into dating so she introduces her to Gannon. Bas is initially attracted to Gannon but can only picture Van when she's with him. Bas has been lying to Ivy and Gannon about where she works, she pretends she works in a late night cafe when she actually waitresses in a strip club and this is where she learns who Van is and this is where the magnetism starts between them when Ivy spots him screwing a stripper against the wall. He then walks in her front door covered in blood but why is the question? Is he really the serial killer behind the murders in the city?
Van is not long out of prison for being framed for a crime he didn't commit. His family hate him which has made him the dark broody man that he is. Van hides a few secrets from Bas and is initially determined not to give in to her although it doesn't last long and secrets are spilled.
Okay for me the storyline was good and it flowed well enough and there's just enough twist and turns to draw you in. However a couple of scenes were a little to fast paced for me and a bit unrealistic. The instalove was just a little to quick for me between Van and Bas and to be honest he didn't seem like the alpha big bad wolf I wanted him to be. Overall it was an enjoyable enough read that I am sure many others will love.
February 23, 2016
I have honestly been thinking about what I was going to put in my review for the last 2 days. I still don't feel I can adequately describe how this book made me feel. But here it goes... I feel like I've been rear ended in a car crash. Its a weird analogy I know but let me explain. If you have been in that situation then maybe you will get my analogy a little more. First everything is okay just puttin along just moving ahead and watching what is going on around you. Then boom there is the unexpected impact. Next is the thought of "what the hell just happened?" Because one minute you are sitting there and everything is all good (maybe sitting there looking at someone cute) and the next thing you know your heart is racing and you are wondering.. am I okay? is there any damage? You work your way through it even though its hard and then everything seems okay again. But then you may find and ache that wasn't there before. Sometimes it takes a day or two. Also you tend to replay it over and over in your head right? I did.
Sooo that's where I'm at now. I read it and enjoyed the scenery (Van is HOT) and then boom I got wrecked when HJ Bellus decided to rip my heart out and stomp on it. I was not expecting that from her because normally her characters are a little messed up but not this much. I'm not going to quote you the blurb or spoil it and tell you what happens but just know if you like your guy dark and brooding then Van is your man. And lets not forget Bay... Basil is unique just like her name.
It is a dark read and is 18+ so take that into consideration before you buy.
Sooo that's where I'm at now. I read it and enjoyed the scenery (Van is HOT) and then boom I got wrecked when HJ Bellus decided to rip my heart out and stomp on it. I was not expecting that from her because normally her characters are a little messed up but not this much. I'm not going to quote you the blurb or spoil it and tell you what happens but just know if you like your guy dark and brooding then Van is your man. And lets not forget Bay... Basil is unique just like her name.
It is a dark read and is 18+ so take that into consideration before you buy.
February 22, 2016
This book takes place on the darker side of life but in the middle of that all that darkness is the heroine who has no darkness in her but yet to achieve her goal in life is willing to live in the middle of said darkness.
The blurb of this book mentions - The good guy is the bad guy and the bad guy is the good guy. It was fairly obvious to me who the bad guy was – just because someone is a cop or presents themselves in a upstanding profession does mean they are a good guy. Van Hollis comes across as a bad guy because of his past and current dealings but it was obvious from the start this man was a protector.
I love dark and gritty books with anti heroes and this was a decent read. My only complaint is after all the suspense and build up of the serial killer and Bay being targeted I felt the conclusion to that was wrapped up way too fast and a pivotal scene with two secondary characters really glossed over.
Overall an enjoyable read.
The blurb of this book mentions - The good guy is the bad guy and the bad guy is the good guy. It was fairly obvious to me who the bad guy was – just because someone is a cop or presents themselves in a upstanding profession does mean they are a good guy. Van Hollis comes across as a bad guy because of his past and current dealings but it was obvious from the start this man was a protector.
I love dark and gritty books with anti heroes and this was a decent read. My only complaint is after all the suspense and build up of the serial killer and Bay being targeted I felt the conclusion to that was wrapped up way too fast and a pivotal scene with two secondary characters really glossed over.
Overall an enjoyable read.
February 11, 2016
The Hunted by HJ Bellus
This is not your typical romance. HJ was not afraid to take risks with the story, and it totally paid off.
While it does everything that a romance should do, like get you hot and bothered (and I mean REALLY hot and bothered—if you read this in public, do so at your own risk) the ending had me absolutely shocked. I found myself re-reading because I couldn’t believe it!
I loved it. Every single second.
Basil & Van’s chemistry was off the charts, panty melting, and core clenching. So much so, that when I first started reading The Hunted, I literally had to force myself to put it down so I could get some sleep. This is a book you could easily read in one sitting. Twists, turns, and epic sex will have you gripping your book until the story finishes with fireworks.
The Hunted, like its sexy hero Van Hollis, is dangerous, provocative, and addicting. You do not want to miss this!
This is not your typical romance. HJ was not afraid to take risks with the story, and it totally paid off.
While it does everything that a romance should do, like get you hot and bothered (and I mean REALLY hot and bothered—if you read this in public, do so at your own risk) the ending had me absolutely shocked. I found myself re-reading because I couldn’t believe it!
I loved it. Every single second.
Basil & Van’s chemistry was off the charts, panty melting, and core clenching. So much so, that when I first started reading The Hunted, I literally had to force myself to put it down so I could get some sleep. This is a book you could easily read in one sitting. Twists, turns, and epic sex will have you gripping your book until the story finishes with fireworks.
The Hunted, like its sexy hero Van Hollis, is dangerous, provocative, and addicting. You do not want to miss this!
February 11, 2016
So Miss Bellus does it again..
With each one of her books I think she can't top the last but she has definetly topped and over achieved all expectations I had of this book..
So Bay (Basil) is absolutely lovable how could you not she is a sheltered awkward nerdy girl spreading her wings and learning to fly who falls for the BIG BAD WOLF...sigh
Van van is literally swx on a stick...he's the not really bad guy but circumstances forces him to be bad...but his love his love is like WHOAAA
This book has it all love (unconventional but awesome sauce), suspense (who done it style), mystery, sex lots of hot steamy out of control sex.
But seriously if your a reader of HJ Bellus you are in for one hell of an emotional ride. You may think your prepared but seriously you aren't...
With each one of her books I think she can't top the last but she has definetly topped and over achieved all expectations I had of this book..
So Bay (Basil) is absolutely lovable how could you not she is a sheltered awkward nerdy girl spreading her wings and learning to fly who falls for the BIG BAD WOLF...sigh
Van van is literally swx on a stick...he's the not really bad guy but circumstances forces him to be bad...but his love his love is like WHOAAA
This book has it all love (unconventional but awesome sauce), suspense (who done it style), mystery, sex lots of hot steamy out of control sex.
But seriously if your a reader of HJ Bellus you are in for one hell of an emotional ride. You may think your prepared but seriously you aren't...
February 21, 2016
Manda's 3.5 Star Review
I am a huge fan of H.J. Bellus. I was excited to read this one because it sounded so different from her previous books. Just reading the blurb you know you are in for one mysterious story. That is exactly what you get with this book. Lots of mystery and twists and turns. Its very easy to get into this book and the characters. There were a few things that were a bit over the top but it is definitely a hard book to put down. I think the author does a great job at keeping you on your toes and keeping you guessing about what is going to happen next. If you are looking for something different and exciting then this is the book to read.
I am a huge fan of H.J. Bellus. I was excited to read this one because it sounded so different from her previous books. Just reading the blurb you know you are in for one mysterious story. That is exactly what you get with this book. Lots of mystery and twists and turns. Its very easy to get into this book and the characters. There were a few things that were a bit over the top but it is definitely a hard book to put down. I think the author does a great job at keeping you on your toes and keeping you guessing about what is going to happen next. If you are looking for something different and exciting then this is the book to read.
August 22, 2016
I didn't know what to expect with my first HJ Bellus book... But the synopsis had me hooked. I was glued to my Kindle from page one. I could not get enough of Van and Bay and their crazy, messed up story. It was packed full of sexy broken bad boy, an insane serial killer, and more twists and turns that you can wrap your head around. I was on the edge of my seat and could not turn the pages quick enough.
February 14, 2016
Holy Sh*t! I didn't know what to expect or where this story would lead me. I just went along for the ride and what a ride it was! So many twists and turns that were not expected. So totally different than what we're used to reading from HJ Bellus. Loved the characters, my heart hurt for them. Wow, just wow. You HAVE to read this book for the complete experience!!!
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February 20, 2016
The Hunted
H J Bellus
4 stars
Sooo …. Wow. H J Bellus is one heck of a plot twister and throwing a wrench in what you think you know. I had my brain completely blown to bits on this one.
Basil Harper is a free spirit. Her mother was a hippy and loved her to her very soul calling Bay her sun. I absolutely LOVED this character along with her quirky Momma. I also loved the fact that we had a Momma who loved her child as much and more as a mother should and vice versa. Bay has taken to the city to find her way. Stew hired her to work in the strip club waiting tables; something she can never tell her friend Ivy. Ivy has tried to convince Bay to go into student hell debt and come to college with her but Bay knows that isn’t what she wants. She wants to save for Art school and make her own way.
Bay is drawn to her mysterious neighbor. He comes home in the early hours and leaves late at night. She doesn’t know if she should feel safe or threatened when hes around. The murders in the city are getting closer and closer to her rundown apartment. Being the strong woman she is, Bay is bound and determined to make her job work, save for school and keep herself safe until she finds herself plastered against the back of the sexy ass man who is Van Hollis; her neighbor. Argo will never have her, no man will ever touch her again because she belongs to Van.
Van Hollis knows he is no good for the pure beauty standing hes holding on to but he wont let anyone touch her. When Argo approached her he lost it … when the bachelor party asshats grabbed her he would have killed them if it wasn’t for her stepping in. Hes is Big Bad Wolf .. he shouldn’t be involving her in his life.
Get ready for some sexy times laced with brutal murder. LOVE IT! There are also some fantastic secondary characters in this read. Stew, and the President of the Sons of Iron Satan motorcycle club, his old lady Brenda whom I loved of course … then there is Ivy and Gannon .. those two got on my nerves as they were constantly it seemed judging Basil in some underhanded way. Maybe not but it was weird to me. What I need to know is are the Sons of Iron Satan in another series because I need them in my life HJ!
Van is a beast. This character is more than you think as you continue to read. Hes a good man .. that’s all Im saying. I said before that I also adored Basil’s mom and how she was written. I did get irritate a few times with Bay but nothing that made me put the book down. It was more so about some of her choices – again you will have to flip the pages to find out. Argo .. not going there either. Get ready for a big loopdie loop though .. you think you know .. oh but trust me .. you don’t.
Thank you for the ARC HJ! LOVED this book and hope to hear more from these two down the road.
Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
H J Bellus
4 stars
Sooo …. Wow. H J Bellus is one heck of a plot twister and throwing a wrench in what you think you know. I had my brain completely blown to bits on this one.
Basil Harper is a free spirit. Her mother was a hippy and loved her to her very soul calling Bay her sun. I absolutely LOVED this character along with her quirky Momma. I also loved the fact that we had a Momma who loved her child as much and more as a mother should and vice versa. Bay has taken to the city to find her way. Stew hired her to work in the strip club waiting tables; something she can never tell her friend Ivy. Ivy has tried to convince Bay to go into student hell debt and come to college with her but Bay knows that isn’t what she wants. She wants to save for Art school and make her own way.
Bay is drawn to her mysterious neighbor. He comes home in the early hours and leaves late at night. She doesn’t know if she should feel safe or threatened when hes around. The murders in the city are getting closer and closer to her rundown apartment. Being the strong woman she is, Bay is bound and determined to make her job work, save for school and keep herself safe until she finds herself plastered against the back of the sexy ass man who is Van Hollis; her neighbor. Argo will never have her, no man will ever touch her again because she belongs to Van.
Van Hollis knows he is no good for the pure beauty standing hes holding on to but he wont let anyone touch her. When Argo approached her he lost it … when the bachelor party asshats grabbed her he would have killed them if it wasn’t for her stepping in. Hes is Big Bad Wolf .. he shouldn’t be involving her in his life.
Get ready for some sexy times laced with brutal murder. LOVE IT! There are also some fantastic secondary characters in this read. Stew, and the President of the Sons of Iron Satan motorcycle club, his old lady Brenda whom I loved of course … then there is Ivy and Gannon .. those two got on my nerves as they were constantly it seemed judging Basil in some underhanded way. Maybe not but it was weird to me. What I need to know is are the Sons of Iron Satan in another series because I need them in my life HJ!
Van is a beast. This character is more than you think as you continue to read. Hes a good man .. that’s all Im saying. I said before that I also adored Basil’s mom and how she was written. I did get irritate a few times with Bay but nothing that made me put the book down. It was more so about some of her choices – again you will have to flip the pages to find out. Argo .. not going there either. Get ready for a big loopdie loop though .. you think you know .. oh but trust me .. you don’t.
Thank you for the ARC HJ! LOVED this book and hope to hear more from these two down the road.
Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
February 25, 2016
4.5 Stars
Suspenseful, Sexy, and one heck of a ride!
The Hunted is a fast paced romantic suspense novel that had me from the very first words and didn’t let go till the end. I loved Bay’s character and how strong she was.
Bay is on her own, living in the bad part of town, working towards finding herself and saving up money to live her dream of going to art school. She’s working nights as a waitress at a strip club, making good money and hoping that it helps get her to where she wants. She never expected Van to enter her life, and for her to be so intrigued by him.
When we first met Bay she was shy and socially awkward, but as the book goes on we get to really see her and watch her grow. She has a fling with Gannon, who I wasn’t very fond of, but her mind is always on her sexy neighbor Van. Van is just out of prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and is working on trying to figure out who set him up. He’s a mysterious character and states over and over again that he’s not a good guy, but Bay can’t stay away from him.
There is a series of murders happening around town, and everything points to it being Van being responsible, but as we get to know him through Bay’s eyes, you can see he couldn’t be responsible for these bad things. Sure he’s done some bad things, but you can see deep down he is a good guy, he just doesn’t know how to see himself differently. I was going back and forth throughout this entire book trying to figure out who was behind the murders, and I had a part of it right, but was NOT expecting the twist we got when we finally found out who was responsible.
Not only is this book a edge of your seat murder mystery, but also a beautifully written love story. Bay accepts Van for who he is, and loves him unconditionally, and Van is the same way with her. The way he protects her and takes care of her, had me swooning. Over and over again he would say he was the big bad wolf, but he really and truly wasn’t. Sure he can be a bad guy, and he has some major anger issues, but after hearing his back story, I really did understand what made Van, Van. He’s not your typical book boyfriend, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t end up falling for him right along with Bay.
This book is a dark and suspenseful read that had me guessing over and over again. There is heartbreak, love, and times where I was yelling “NO!! WHY DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?!”. This was one beautifully written story that had me finishing this book in one sitting. I will admit, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into while picking this book up, but I am sure glad I did, because it was AMAZING!
Suspenseful, Sexy, and one heck of a ride!
The Hunted is a fast paced romantic suspense novel that had me from the very first words and didn’t let go till the end. I loved Bay’s character and how strong she was.
Bay is on her own, living in the bad part of town, working towards finding herself and saving up money to live her dream of going to art school. She’s working nights as a waitress at a strip club, making good money and hoping that it helps get her to where she wants. She never expected Van to enter her life, and for her to be so intrigued by him.
When we first met Bay she was shy and socially awkward, but as the book goes on we get to really see her and watch her grow. She has a fling with Gannon, who I wasn’t very fond of, but her mind is always on her sexy neighbor Van. Van is just out of prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and is working on trying to figure out who set him up. He’s a mysterious character and states over and over again that he’s not a good guy, but Bay can’t stay away from him.
There is a series of murders happening around town, and everything points to it being Van being responsible, but as we get to know him through Bay’s eyes, you can see he couldn’t be responsible for these bad things. Sure he’s done some bad things, but you can see deep down he is a good guy, he just doesn’t know how to see himself differently. I was going back and forth throughout this entire book trying to figure out who was behind the murders, and I had a part of it right, but was NOT expecting the twist we got when we finally found out who was responsible.
Not only is this book a edge of your seat murder mystery, but also a beautifully written love story. Bay accepts Van for who he is, and loves him unconditionally, and Van is the same way with her. The way he protects her and takes care of her, had me swooning. Over and over again he would say he was the big bad wolf, but he really and truly wasn’t. Sure he can be a bad guy, and he has some major anger issues, but after hearing his back story, I really did understand what made Van, Van. He’s not your typical book boyfriend, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t end up falling for him right along with Bay.
This book is a dark and suspenseful read that had me guessing over and over again. There is heartbreak, love, and times where I was yelling “NO!! WHY DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?!”. This was one beautifully written story that had me finishing this book in one sitting. I will admit, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into while picking this book up, but I am sure glad I did, because it was AMAZING!
February 17, 2016
There are three things that you need to know about HJ Bellus’ newest book- The Hunted:
Who knew HJ Bellus could make powdered donuts the newest aphrodisiac?
She made Adam Spahn even hotter by creating the big bad wolf- Van Hollis- Cover alone captures you, but the story nailed it!
It is so damn good that you just can’t put it down!
HJ Bellus’ has absolutely astounded me with her newest release. It’s dark, gritty, intense and the heat coming off it will threaten to melt your ereader! It’s unlike anything else she’s written and known for and she’s pulled it off flawlessly.
The Hunted is a dark romantic read. It’s intense to say the least! Van Hollis is the epitome of the big bad wolf and Basil is his lamb to slaughter. Like a moth drawn to a flame, Basil can’t stay away from her bad boy neighbor. His mysterious draw is too intense. Bellus did an amazing job at writing a super dark alpha man that oozes a broody sex appeal like no other character out there. He is compelling not only to Basil but to the reader. I could not get enough of Van Hollis. His broken strength fascinated me in ways I did not expect.
Let’s get real- The sex scenes in this book… Lord have mercy on my soul. If Van Hollis were real every woman on the planet would be lined up outside his door just waiting on a turn. Be ready ladies, Bellus has written a book that is gonna leave you hot and bothered! If that doesn’t capture your attention, then her heart pounding murder plot will.
Not only did Bellus write an exceptionally hot brooding sex on a stick alpha, she wrote an amazing story filled with twists, turns, and jaw dropping moments. Some so surprising it’ll have you reading all over again! Bellus was strong in her writing, unafraid of taking risks, pushing boundaries and she killed it! I’ve been a big fan of her writing for sometime and by far, this is her best work to date. The story itself was intense leaving you checking over your shoulder as you read the characters uneasiness of the environment and situation around them. Are the good guys truly good or should you seek comfort in the bad?
I can’t begin to say enough wonderful things about this book. Bellus killed it on so many levels that if you weren’t a fan before reading this book, you will be after. I was completely overtaken by this story and did not want it to end. However, I am so excited to see what Bellus has in store for us in the future after reading this amazing book. Things are only going up for Bellus as she continues to give us her amazing stories! Can’t wait!
Who knew HJ Bellus could make powdered donuts the newest aphrodisiac?
She made Adam Spahn even hotter by creating the big bad wolf- Van Hollis- Cover alone captures you, but the story nailed it!
It is so damn good that you just can’t put it down!
HJ Bellus’ has absolutely astounded me with her newest release. It’s dark, gritty, intense and the heat coming off it will threaten to melt your ereader! It’s unlike anything else she’s written and known for and she’s pulled it off flawlessly.
The Hunted is a dark romantic read. It’s intense to say the least! Van Hollis is the epitome of the big bad wolf and Basil is his lamb to slaughter. Like a moth drawn to a flame, Basil can’t stay away from her bad boy neighbor. His mysterious draw is too intense. Bellus did an amazing job at writing a super dark alpha man that oozes a broody sex appeal like no other character out there. He is compelling not only to Basil but to the reader. I could not get enough of Van Hollis. His broken strength fascinated me in ways I did not expect.
Let’s get real- The sex scenes in this book… Lord have mercy on my soul. If Van Hollis were real every woman on the planet would be lined up outside his door just waiting on a turn. Be ready ladies, Bellus has written a book that is gonna leave you hot and bothered! If that doesn’t capture your attention, then her heart pounding murder plot will.
Not only did Bellus write an exceptionally hot brooding sex on a stick alpha, she wrote an amazing story filled with twists, turns, and jaw dropping moments. Some so surprising it’ll have you reading all over again! Bellus was strong in her writing, unafraid of taking risks, pushing boundaries and she killed it! I’ve been a big fan of her writing for sometime and by far, this is her best work to date. The story itself was intense leaving you checking over your shoulder as you read the characters uneasiness of the environment and situation around them. Are the good guys truly good or should you seek comfort in the bad?
I can’t begin to say enough wonderful things about this book. Bellus killed it on so many levels that if you weren’t a fan before reading this book, you will be after. I was completely overtaken by this story and did not want it to end. However, I am so excited to see what Bellus has in store for us in the future after reading this amazing book. Things are only going up for Bellus as she continues to give us her amazing stories! Can’t wait!
February 22, 2016
"Survival has become the game, and you're the victor."
One of my favorite things as a reader/blogger is to see an author take a risk--to showcase another side of themselves.
HJ Bellus did just that!!!
This was unlike any of her previous works, but it was just as amazing! It was full of suspense, danger, and second guessing your own outcome of the story!
"Even though everything about this man is dangerous, I crave him. Crave him more than anything else at this moment. He's lit a desire in me."
Bay was a very relatable character. She's independent and head-strong, but has hit some hard times. She refuses to back down from life as it threatens to pull her under, and you have to love her for that!
The job that she didn't want to take ended up being just what she needed. But not everything is rainbows and sunshine that you read in so many stories when you meet the guy that flips your world.
Van. Good LAWD. All I read was about those blue eyes under the black hoodie he was wearing, and suddenly, I was hooked already! He was so mysterious and you couldn't wait to learn more about him. I will admit, I stayed on the edge of my seat waiting to hear his story-why he was the way he was.
Trust me...You will not see it coming! HJ Bellus did such an awesome job weaving this story in and out of itself. One minute you think you know what the future holds, and the next, you were left speechless wondering how it was possible!!
"You don't see the differences, do you? You don't see the bad guy or the good guy."
"I see this. I see the person inside, not what the world sees."
"I'm the bad guy."
"You're my bad guy then."
I honestly want to write so much more inside this review to showcase the true talent in Ms. Bellus' work, but I won't. This story should not be told in a review, but read and imagined in an individual's mind.
I will say that this book is not to be missed! Make sure that you have enough time to read it in one sitting because, believe me, you won't want to put it down! You'll want answers faster than you can read, and you'll be amazed at what you thought was true...really wasn't.
Are you intrigued yet?!
Well done, HJ Bellus!!! You have once again proven why I love and respect your writing so much! *MWAH*
"My Big Bad Wolf has become my Prince Charming. His darkness-my light. His pain-my happiness. I crave all of him.
He's the end of my story."
One of my favorite things as a reader/blogger is to see an author take a risk--to showcase another side of themselves.
HJ Bellus did just that!!!
This was unlike any of her previous works, but it was just as amazing! It was full of suspense, danger, and second guessing your own outcome of the story!
"Even though everything about this man is dangerous, I crave him. Crave him more than anything else at this moment. He's lit a desire in me."
Bay was a very relatable character. She's independent and head-strong, but has hit some hard times. She refuses to back down from life as it threatens to pull her under, and you have to love her for that!
The job that she didn't want to take ended up being just what she needed. But not everything is rainbows and sunshine that you read in so many stories when you meet the guy that flips your world.
Van. Good LAWD. All I read was about those blue eyes under the black hoodie he was wearing, and suddenly, I was hooked already! He was so mysterious and you couldn't wait to learn more about him. I will admit, I stayed on the edge of my seat waiting to hear his story-why he was the way he was.
Trust me...You will not see it coming! HJ Bellus did such an awesome job weaving this story in and out of itself. One minute you think you know what the future holds, and the next, you were left speechless wondering how it was possible!!
"You don't see the differences, do you? You don't see the bad guy or the good guy."
"I see this. I see the person inside, not what the world sees."
"I'm the bad guy."
"You're my bad guy then."
I honestly want to write so much more inside this review to showcase the true talent in Ms. Bellus' work, but I won't. This story should not be told in a review, but read and imagined in an individual's mind.
I will say that this book is not to be missed! Make sure that you have enough time to read it in one sitting because, believe me, you won't want to put it down! You'll want answers faster than you can read, and you'll be amazed at what you thought was true...really wasn't.
Are you intrigued yet?!
Well done, HJ Bellus!!! You have once again proven why I love and respect your writing so much! *MWAH*
"My Big Bad Wolf has become my Prince Charming. His darkness-my light. His pain-my happiness. I crave all of him.
He's the end of my story."
February 22, 2016
This was such a powerful book that will make you think and be grateful for the small things because it’s the dark that can reach out and get you. This is a dark romantic read, so dark and its is a steamy romance. If this this something you like, keep going on this review, if not, do not read further.
Basil (Bay) grew up on the poor side of the tracks but she grew up with a pretty , sweet, and rich friend Ivy who was there for her. Van has moved away from home to attend college and its art school that she wants to attend. Only thing is, she doesn’t have money to pay for college so she has taken up stripping to pay and she lives hand to mouth –things her mother and best friend do not know and she plans on never telling them. Then she runs into tall, dark and handsome Van Hollis across the hall. He really gets her motor running. But he doesn’t speak to her.
Next time she sees him is at the club where she is stripping. He flips out because she is stripping and he takes her home. There is this immediate chemistry between them that is like sex on a stick and if a match was lit, they both would go up in flames. But Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome Van is very alpha in his behavior toward Bey and he is very protective of her. They start this dance that is taking on a roller coaster ride of passion.
Bey has these friends she cares about –Ivy and Gannon. They are there for her during her crazy ride with Van- Oh and the ride had its ups –and those times were fantastic and then they had their downs which were bad. There were coming times which were bad, very very bad. The story that the author writes which leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat.Its a dark, passionate, highly charged, very sexual book with moments of terror that leaves you needing more.
There is a huge twist and turn in this book which made me jump and go WOW. You cannot go wrong in the read for this book.
My Ratjng: 4.7 stars *****
*A gifted copy was provided by The Next Step PR for my honest review*
Basil (Bay) grew up on the poor side of the tracks but she grew up with a pretty , sweet, and rich friend Ivy who was there for her. Van has moved away from home to attend college and its art school that she wants to attend. Only thing is, she doesn’t have money to pay for college so she has taken up stripping to pay and she lives hand to mouth –things her mother and best friend do not know and she plans on never telling them. Then she runs into tall, dark and handsome Van Hollis across the hall. He really gets her motor running. But he doesn’t speak to her.
Next time she sees him is at the club where she is stripping. He flips out because she is stripping and he takes her home. There is this immediate chemistry between them that is like sex on a stick and if a match was lit, they both would go up in flames. But Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome Van is very alpha in his behavior toward Bey and he is very protective of her. They start this dance that is taking on a roller coaster ride of passion.
Bey has these friends she cares about –Ivy and Gannon. They are there for her during her crazy ride with Van- Oh and the ride had its ups –and those times were fantastic and then they had their downs which were bad. There were coming times which were bad, very very bad. The story that the author writes which leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat.Its a dark, passionate, highly charged, very sexual book with moments of terror that leaves you needing more.
There is a huge twist and turn in this book which made me jump and go WOW. You cannot go wrong in the read for this book.
My Ratjng: 4.7 stars *****
*A gifted copy was provided by The Next Step PR for my honest review*
February 15, 2016
When the good guy are bad and the bad guy is the good. How do you know who to trust?
He’s the silent hot neighbor who is never home at night. Where is he going? What is he up to?
She is his silent stalker. Everything about him is twisted, but she can’t get past pull, she is driven to him. Even though she knows it’s all wrong. He says he isn't good for her. But she doesn't care, she want what she is wants. But can she trust him?
Basil Harper or Bay is a girl who wants to explore the world and find her way. She has never been kissed or experienced much being homeschooled. She has a free spirit mom and a best friend who support her exploration and work towards her dream. But what happens when a dark and sexy Van Hollis enters her life?
She is drawn to him and wants whatever he'll give her. But he keeps her at arms length. He says he isn't good for her. But Bay doesn't care Van is her Big Bad Wolf and she wants to be eaten alive. He is dark, mysterious and he oozes sex appeal. Whats not to love!?!
Van may look bad to the outside world but he is more than just a hard ass bad guy. I understand how Bay was attracted to him because he is so compelling, that it's just impossible for you not to get hooked to him.
This is by far a different type of book from HJ Bellus. Its dark, dirty, sexy, with a hint of gruesome story. Its extremely heart pounding, that I was hooked. I read it, cover to cover in one sitting. Hooked. I want more of this dark and dirty Van and his girl Bay.
This is a must read! I loved it and want more of this darker HJ Bellus.
He’s the silent hot neighbor who is never home at night. Where is he going? What is he up to?
She is his silent stalker. Everything about him is twisted, but she can’t get past pull, she is driven to him. Even though she knows it’s all wrong. He says he isn't good for her. But she doesn't care, she want what she is wants. But can she trust him?
Basil Harper or Bay is a girl who wants to explore the world and find her way. She has never been kissed or experienced much being homeschooled. She has a free spirit mom and a best friend who support her exploration and work towards her dream. But what happens when a dark and sexy Van Hollis enters her life?
She is drawn to him and wants whatever he'll give her. But he keeps her at arms length. He says he isn't good for her. But Bay doesn't care Van is her Big Bad Wolf and she wants to be eaten alive. He is dark, mysterious and he oozes sex appeal. Whats not to love!?!
Van may look bad to the outside world but he is more than just a hard ass bad guy. I understand how Bay was attracted to him because he is so compelling, that it's just impossible for you not to get hooked to him.
This is by far a different type of book from HJ Bellus. Its dark, dirty, sexy, with a hint of gruesome story. Its extremely heart pounding, that I was hooked. I read it, cover to cover in one sitting. Hooked. I want more of this dark and dirty Van and his girl Bay.
This is a must read! I loved it and want more of this darker HJ Bellus.
February 22, 2016
I received an ARC via The Hype PR in exchange for an honest review. However I can honestly say I can't wait to purchase the book myself. Based on the synopsis I was not sure what to expect. I was drawn in instantly! I was surprised at Bay (Basil Harper) because in spite of her sheltered existence she bravely moves to the city and takes a job completely out of her comfort zone. Bay is such a kind and caring soul that I kept hoping she wouldn't be hurt. I loved the balance of her choice in work and her future career as an artist. She seemed to have her future planned out....until Van Hollis.
Van was a mystery wrapped in caution tape and barbed wire....everything about him screamed that Bay should stay away but she couldn't. Bay was the right one for Van even if he didn't know it. She was the light in the darkness of his neighborhood and his life. Not saying it was all smooth sailing or that there wasn't some major challenges in their path but they did click as the perfect other half of each other.
The story kept me eager to see where things were headed and how it could ever possibly work out. It was great to see how Bay was able to get Van to share more with her the longer they were together.
The over all story was a balance in the grey areas of life...there was good and bad in a lot of the characters and it was interesting to see. I wasn't always sure which way some of them might be. I enjoyed the book and will recommend it to my reading friends, especially those that love suspense.
March 11, 2016
HJ Bellus has delivered a book full of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages non-stop! The Hunted is the book for you if you're a fan of gritty suspense novels with a passionate romance intertwined.
“You don’t leave the people you love and more importantly you never leave the one who loves you the most.”
Van is one of the most mysterious characters I've ever read. I knew he was hiding things and yet, I couldn't help but root for him. He spoke his mind, had quite the foul mouth and attitude, but he sure was one sexy alpha! The odds were stacked against him in every, single way, shape and form possible, but he never gave up. He wasn't an angel by any means, but let's just say, life had kicked him down more than once....or a hundred times.
“I’ll love you until the day I die and remind you each of those days that you’re not a bad guy.”
Basil was what Van least expected but everything he needed. She was his missing piece in life. He LOVED her and he wasn’t about to let anything or anyone come in between them.
“I never wanted to fall in love or even remotely feel that feeling again, but you made me. Forced my fucking hand and now nothing will touch it or you.”
HJ Bellus took me for one heck of ride with this book. There were scenes that I read while holding my breath, anxious to see what would come next! Seriously, another great novel by Ms. Bellus! Go one-click!!
PURCHASE: http://amzn.to/1XIq0fT
“You don’t leave the people you love and more importantly you never leave the one who loves you the most.”
Van is one of the most mysterious characters I've ever read. I knew he was hiding things and yet, I couldn't help but root for him. He spoke his mind, had quite the foul mouth and attitude, but he sure was one sexy alpha! The odds were stacked against him in every, single way, shape and form possible, but he never gave up. He wasn't an angel by any means, but let's just say, life had kicked him down more than once....or a hundred times.
“I’ll love you until the day I die and remind you each of those days that you’re not a bad guy.”
Basil was what Van least expected but everything he needed. She was his missing piece in life. He LOVED her and he wasn’t about to let anything or anyone come in between them.
“I never wanted to fall in love or even remotely feel that feeling again, but you made me. Forced my fucking hand and now nothing will touch it or you.”
HJ Bellus took me for one heck of ride with this book. There were scenes that I read while holding my breath, anxious to see what would come next! Seriously, another great novel by Ms. Bellus! Go one-click!!
PURCHASE: http://amzn.to/1XIq0fT
February 21, 2016
5 shining, sparkling, & exploding stars!!!
Basil Harper has been raised by a free spirit & taught to do things her own way, even if it's not always what society calls the right path. So when her best friend goes off to college while Bay decides to get her own place & save for art school, it's no surprise to her best friend Ivy. Even though Ivy may not understand Bay's decisions, she respects them since they have been so close for years. However Bay doesn't tell Ivy what she's doing for work to support herself.
Ivy tries to include Bay in her new life by introducing her to friend Gannon. Gannon is drop dead gorgeous & perfect in so many ways but Bay can't seem to get her next door neighbor & all around bad boy from work out of her head. Eventually Bay follows her heart even though there are so many warning signs against Van, the biggest one being his warning to her....he's the big bad wolf.
There are so many steamy scenes in this read, along with so many twists & turns....definitely not your regular fairy tale & I'm so thankful for that. You do not want to miss this read its such a different but phenomenal read!!! HJ Bellus never disappoints & just gets better & better. I seem to connect so much to these characters even though their lives are far from what I know. Enjoy!!!
Basil Harper has been raised by a free spirit & taught to do things her own way, even if it's not always what society calls the right path. So when her best friend goes off to college while Bay decides to get her own place & save for art school, it's no surprise to her best friend Ivy. Even though Ivy may not understand Bay's decisions, she respects them since they have been so close for years. However Bay doesn't tell Ivy what she's doing for work to support herself.
Ivy tries to include Bay in her new life by introducing her to friend Gannon. Gannon is drop dead gorgeous & perfect in so many ways but Bay can't seem to get her next door neighbor & all around bad boy from work out of her head. Eventually Bay follows her heart even though there are so many warning signs against Van, the biggest one being his warning to her....he's the big bad wolf.
There are so many steamy scenes in this read, along with so many twists & turns....definitely not your regular fairy tale & I'm so thankful for that. You do not want to miss this read its such a different but phenomenal read!!! HJ Bellus never disappoints & just gets better & better. I seem to connect so much to these characters even though their lives are far from what I know. Enjoy!!!
February 12, 2016
LOVED it! The Hunted exceeded my expectations, and now I'm dying to get my hands on more of HJ Bellus's books!
Basil (Bay) has to be one of my favorite heroines, and there are qualities in her that are easily relatable. She's just a girl looking to find her place in the world, and if that means living in a crappy apartment and working in a strip club to save money for art school, then so be it. She might come across as innocent, but she's a lot stronger than she lets on, and I think Van really brings that out in her. I love that she's not afraid to put him in his place and let him know when he's being an asshole, but honestly, his cocky demeanor just makes him that much more loveable. The banter between these two develops into something more, and holy hell are they hot together! I was fanning myself with my kindle throughout a good portion of this book! Then towards the end I was white-knuckled with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety, wondering how everything would plan out.
I don't want to give anything away, but I will say this...The Hunted is a MUST READ for 2016! Raw, sexy, suspenseful, and jam-packed with drama...you won't want to miss out on meeting your next book boyfriend!
Basil (Bay) has to be one of my favorite heroines, and there are qualities in her that are easily relatable. She's just a girl looking to find her place in the world, and if that means living in a crappy apartment and working in a strip club to save money for art school, then so be it. She might come across as innocent, but she's a lot stronger than she lets on, and I think Van really brings that out in her. I love that she's not afraid to put him in his place and let him know when he's being an asshole, but honestly, his cocky demeanor just makes him that much more loveable. The banter between these two develops into something more, and holy hell are they hot together! I was fanning myself with my kindle throughout a good portion of this book! Then towards the end I was white-knuckled with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety, wondering how everything would plan out.
I don't want to give anything away, but I will say this...The Hunted is a MUST READ for 2016! Raw, sexy, suspenseful, and jam-packed with drama...you won't want to miss out on meeting your next book boyfriend!
February 12, 2016
If you like suspense, drama, revenge, lots of hot sex and a little crazy thrown in at the same time then this book is for you. HJ does an amazing job with character development and making you root for Van and Basil in this book.
Van has been wrongly accused of a crime and is fresh out of prison set on revenge and finding out who framed him. Basil has been sheltered, homeschooled and raised by a hippy mother. She is on her own in the big city and is set to try to make it on her own and get into art school.
"I don't remember what it felt like to be loved." "I promise you'll never forget." I assure him.
There is a lot of humor that I have come to love in HJ's books along with a plot twist that you never see coming. When you're broken sometimes you find the right person to make you whole again.
He's supposed to be scary, wicked, venomous...The bad one. He has scars to prove it. Some search for a love like it, but he found me. Left scars on my heart that will forever taint my soul. He's my Big Bad Wolf and now The Hunted my heart will forever search.
"You're my story from beginning to end."
Van has been wrongly accused of a crime and is fresh out of prison set on revenge and finding out who framed him. Basil has been sheltered, homeschooled and raised by a hippy mother. She is on her own in the big city and is set to try to make it on her own and get into art school.
"I don't remember what it felt like to be loved." "I promise you'll never forget." I assure him.
There is a lot of humor that I have come to love in HJ's books along with a plot twist that you never see coming. When you're broken sometimes you find the right person to make you whole again.
He's supposed to be scary, wicked, venomous...The bad one. He has scars to prove it. Some search for a love like it, but he found me. Left scars on my heart that will forever taint my soul. He's my Big Bad Wolf and now The Hunted my heart will forever search.
"You're my story from beginning to end."
February 12, 2016
Oh my gosh! This has got to be one of my favourite reads of 2016! Besides Branding a Legacy of course & that says alot considering I have read 48 books this year.
I instantly fell in love with the shy girl Bay and her story was a hot, beautiful mess. So different from others raised by her hippy, free loving pot smoking mother, Bay is a girl on a path of discovering her true self and experiencing life. Then it happens.... Dark, broody, bright blue eyes. That's all it took for Bay to start falling for the hot and ripped Van Hollis.
Their story along with her best friend Ivy and Gannon kept me on edge the whole way through. I couldn't put this down as it was just too intense. One of my fave scenes is probably when Bay finds Van in the hallway with Honey! Wowsers! That was totally Hot!
A dark, erotic, highly sexual, suspense-filled, thriller this book will leave you feeling tingley all over...
I instantly fell in love with the shy girl Bay and her story was a hot, beautiful mess. So different from others raised by her hippy, free loving pot smoking mother, Bay is a girl on a path of discovering her true self and experiencing life. Then it happens.... Dark, broody, bright blue eyes. That's all it took for Bay to start falling for the hot and ripped Van Hollis.
Their story along with her best friend Ivy and Gannon kept me on edge the whole way through. I couldn't put this down as it was just too intense. One of my fave scenes is probably when Bay finds Van in the hallway with Honey! Wowsers! That was totally Hot!
A dark, erotic, highly sexual, suspense-filled, thriller this book will leave you feeling tingley all over...
February 21, 2016
Wow, this was a lot grittier story than what I have read from HJ Bellus in the past and HJ did a great job in setting a dark, edgy and mysterious atmosphere.
For me, at times, the story felt a little rushed and in particular, I would have liked the ending and conclusion dragged out a little more. At times, I also felt that some of the language that the characters used not really fitting with the customers persona.
That being said, I really liked that the story was fast paced and engrossing. It was hot as hell and I'm a real sucker for a brooding bad boy. I was glad that HJ didn't soften up our Hero in any way.
One of the stars of the show for me was Basil's mother; her scenes really cut through the edginess and provided that snippet of light relief throughout.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For me, at times, the story felt a little rushed and in particular, I would have liked the ending and conclusion dragged out a little more. At times, I also felt that some of the language that the characters used not really fitting with the customers persona.
That being said, I really liked that the story was fast paced and engrossing. It was hot as hell and I'm a real sucker for a brooding bad boy. I was glad that HJ didn't soften up our Hero in any way.
One of the stars of the show for me was Basil's mother; her scenes really cut through the edginess and provided that snippet of light relief throughout.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2016
I am blessed to have been on this journey with you since book one, watching you grow as an author. That growth has been phenomenol with each new book. And, I must say that this book is by far the best suspensful thrillers that I have ever read. So many twists and surprises. The characters are so real. I actually seen, smelled, heard, and felt everything that Bay did. It was like I WAS Bay. And, the love and compassion I felt for Van was just fierce and the sex scenes will leave you HOT and BOTHERED. As always you seem to make my heart stop, you're killing me woman. Lol. I'm glad to see you writing so many different genres. You definately nailed this one. Much love and congrats on a definate best seller. 5+stars for me.
February 22, 2016
After reading this book, I am left speechless. My emotions are all over the place from Van and Bay's story. I seriously had to put the book down several times because I became too overwhelmed and anxious! Thank you HJ Bellus for sharing your talent and f@$&ed sense of humor with readers!
Best line I have read in a book in a long time, "She gets a little dick in her and wine, then gets lippy.” That had me laughing so hard!
Bay and Van's story is a true rollercoaster. Their relationship isn't perfect but they are living their way. Bay is a shy anxious girl who does not do well in social settings since she was homeschooled by her hippie mother. Van is the Big Bad Wolf with a heart of gold. Their journey is dark at times but ends with the right shining through.
Best line I have read in a book in a long time, "She gets a little dick in her and wine, then gets lippy.” That had me laughing so hard!
Bay and Van's story is a true rollercoaster. Their relationship isn't perfect but they are living their way. Bay is a shy anxious girl who does not do well in social settings since she was homeschooled by her hippie mother. Van is the Big Bad Wolf with a heart of gold. Their journey is dark at times but ends with the right shining through.
February 19, 2016
HJ Bellus has given us a dark story with characters who are misunderstood and misjudged throughout their lives due to circumstances and stereotypes. What an amazing story of the big bad wolf who devours his little barmaid. I loved how devoted, loyal and steadfast Bay's love for Van was effortlessly portrayed.
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