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Apocalyptic Women, Snug Haven #1 #1
All Bets Are Off (Apocalyptic Women): A woman-centered survival story, with none of the usual damsel-in-distress marmalade.
A woman-centered survival story at the start of an apocalypse, with none of the usual damsel-in-distress marmalade.
"Envisioning the demise of America, whatever the reason, builds a certain tension, that when done right, unleashes a character’s genuine self. All Bets Are Off absolutely nails that and what’s even better is that this motley crew of survivors is quarterbacked by strong, competent, yet fallible and lovable women." ~Amazon Review
November, 2022. The U.S. power grid is taken down.
Franny Sullivan-Sky is on the road, trying to find the daughter lost to her for sixteen years. She and her partner Jack are following the best lead they've had, when the grid goes down. But no matter how dangerous it is, Franny cannot turn back until she finds Juvie and brings her safely home.
Franny's eldest, Dakota, is still with the young woman she enjoyed from the night before, when she sees the ominous news broadcast, just before the power goes out. Recognizing the implications, she feels compelled to protect Hannah as they set out to save their families.
In Kudzu, Tennessee, Juvie, the runaway foster kid, believes the old lady who saved her is the only person worth loving, and she's happy for the first time in her life. But Juvie is in for a rude awakening when the ham radio reports permanent power failure and her idyllic life with Burlie quickly becomes another fight for survival.
Three women must journey through a dark landscape filled with desperate people doing desperate things. Can they survive long enough to reach the safety of Snug Haven, or will they fall victim to the evils of men?
"Envisioning the demise of America, whatever the reason, builds a certain tension, that when done right, unleashes a character’s genuine self. All Bets Are Off absolutely nails that and what’s even better is that this motley crew of survivors is quarterbacked by strong, competent, yet fallible and lovable women." ~Amazon Review
November, 2022. The U.S. power grid is taken down.
Franny Sullivan-Sky is on the road, trying to find the daughter lost to her for sixteen years. She and her partner Jack are following the best lead they've had, when the grid goes down. But no matter how dangerous it is, Franny cannot turn back until she finds Juvie and brings her safely home.
Franny's eldest, Dakota, is still with the young woman she enjoyed from the night before, when she sees the ominous news broadcast, just before the power goes out. Recognizing the implications, she feels compelled to protect Hannah as they set out to save their families.
In Kudzu, Tennessee, Juvie, the runaway foster kid, believes the old lady who saved her is the only person worth loving, and she's happy for the first time in her life. But Juvie is in for a rude awakening when the ham radio reports permanent power failure and her idyllic life with Burlie quickly becomes another fight for survival.
Three women must journey through a dark landscape filled with desperate people doing desperate things. Can they survive long enough to reach the safety of Snug Haven, or will they fall victim to the evils of men?
385 pages, ebook
First published May 16, 2019
40 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Kelli Jae Baeli
123 books146 followers"To me, failing to learn to use the tools one’s craft shows laziness and disrespect for the reader. There are, however, no issues of that sort where Baeli’s writing is concerned. It’s rare to these days to find a writer whose style is technically so nearly perfect, but who’s also a damned good storyteller. I doubt if she is even capable of writing poorly." ~W. Spice
Even after 36 novels, I always try to write the sort of book I would want to read. My favorite thing to do is take a common trope and turn it on its ear. Where you expect a zig, I give you a zag. In my pages, you will find strong female characters, ethical dilemmas, and realistic storylines often filled with adventure and intense pacing, tempered by witty dialog, and happy endings. All are hallmarks of my work.
As a Bestselling Genre-Hopping Indie Author, I’ve enjoyed a sales position in the top 5% of lesbian writers, but I write crossover and mainstream fiction and have authored 26 nonfiction books, as well. All 36 of my FemFic novels have been bestsellers in the genres of domestic suspense, domestic thriller, women's adventure, romantic suspense, apocalyptic, speculative, lesfic, lesbian romance, and science fiction. I’m also a mixed-media artist (mostly clay and abstract painting) and former performing singer-songwriter with over 200 songs.
My wife, Melissa Walker-Baeli, is a budding author in her own right, and we have several co-writing projects coming soon. We live with two dogs, (Noodle and Whatnot) and two cats, (Poppet and Chicklet) on ten acres in the gorgeous Northwoods of Michigan.
Even after 36 novels, I always try to write the sort of book I would want to read. My favorite thing to do is take a common trope and turn it on its ear. Where you expect a zig, I give you a zag. In my pages, you will find strong female characters, ethical dilemmas, and realistic storylines often filled with adventure and intense pacing, tempered by witty dialog, and happy endings. All are hallmarks of my work.
As a Bestselling Genre-Hopping Indie Author, I’ve enjoyed a sales position in the top 5% of lesbian writers, but I write crossover and mainstream fiction and have authored 26 nonfiction books, as well. All 36 of my FemFic novels have been bestsellers in the genres of domestic suspense, domestic thriller, women's adventure, romantic suspense, apocalyptic, speculative, lesfic, lesbian romance, and science fiction. I’m also a mixed-media artist (mostly clay and abstract painting) and former performing singer-songwriter with over 200 songs.
My wife, Melissa Walker-Baeli, is a budding author in her own right, and we have several co-writing projects coming soon. We live with two dogs, (Noodle and Whatnot) and two cats, (Poppet and Chicklet) on ten acres in the gorgeous Northwoods of Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 10, 2021
Kindle Unlimited. I personally found it to be very ham fisted, and there were far too many characters which spread thin the interpersonal connections between them. A lot of action, but I didn't really feel any of it was different from any other US based dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction and media. It just felt like; same old, same old really. Nothing unique here.
May 28, 2021
I've had this book for a while now, no idea why it took me so long to get to it. But once I started reading, it was hard to stop. Honestly, while I couldn't wait to see them all back at the island, I also didn't want to miss a minute of the journey. I was not disappointed.
There were a couple of stumbles along the way, but the story's uniqueness made up for them. I loved that my two favourite genres were blended together, shaken into a badass adventure and poured out bravery and determination. I also appreciated that not all the men were idiots and rapists.
I read Juvie first and I'm glad I did.
I came for the kick-ass characters. I came for the post-apocalyptic content. I came for the kicking of ass and saving of animals. I get a charming, inspiring, entertaining novel that will stay with me for a long, long time.
There were a couple of stumbles along the way, but the story's uniqueness made up for them. I loved that my two favourite genres were blended together, shaken into a badass adventure and poured out bravery and determination. I also appreciated that not all the men were idiots and rapists.
I read Juvie first and I'm glad I did.
I came for the kick-ass characters. I came for the post-apocalyptic content. I came for the kicking of ass and saving of animals. I get a charming, inspiring, entertaining novel that will stay with me for a long, long time.
August 16, 2020
This is the female-centric lesbian apocalyptic book I have been looking for! Strong female characters, a good plot and lesbian characters where their sex lives and relationship isn't the main focus of the book. So, not a romance haha. While I love my lesbian romance books I've been wanting something that doesn't make that the main focus of the book, or even a main sub-plot. The fact I've found it in my favourite genre is fantastic. I can't wait for the sequel!
December 18, 2019
I really love apocalypse books and this one is pretty effing cool! A family of badasses rescuing each other and many others too. I hope the second book comes out very soon!
June 2, 2019
Oh good grief, if you love stories with strong women in them, you’ve found a home. Baeli creates characters who find their inner strength as they encounter personal and societal struggles. I may not necessarily be drawn to apocalyptic genre stories, but Baeli has become one of my favorite story tellers. As an author, she creates a story that I can imagine; locations I can visualize, people I can see in my mind’s eye and dialogue that I feel I could be a part of. This is a book you can expect to keep you glued to it until the end. It is a story of possibilites…of evil, of good, and of individual growth. I never include spoilers but be prepared for some tough situations. However, I will say, you will want to include this in your ‘next to read’ pile. Be sure you read the prequel, Juvie: True North, first. It will make this so much richer as you delve deep within. I loved this from beginning to end!
May 18, 2019
No spoilers and no synopsis. I don’t want to give away this marvelous story. One of my favorite genres is dystopian speculative fiction. Envisioning the demise of America, whatever the reason, builds a certain tension, that when done right, unleashes a character’s genuine self. All Bets Are Off absolutely nails that and what’s even better is that this motley crew of survivors is quarterbacked by strong, competent, yet fallible and lovable women. Throughout their adventure, that tension is built masterfully while also establishing a community of people based on trust and faith as they face danger in pursuit of their goal of safety. What better way of making a lifelong friend than facing harrowing peril. An amazing story of family, friendship, and survival that you won’t soon forget.
May 19, 2019
WOW! I am so glad I got to read this book. Fantastic storyline and great characters. It is my opinion that this book /series would be a great movie. A must read.
May 30, 2019
Omg....no I finished it.
If I could give this book a 100 out of 100 stars I would. I have read many many apocalyptic books and thought I knew what I was in for. But WRONG. I loved the two storylines of each main characters on their on quest. And then trying to get back together. This book was brilliantly written...but then that is what Kelli Jae Baeli does. Thank you for another great adventure. I 100% definitely recommend this book.
If I could give this book a 100 out of 100 stars I would. I have read many many apocalyptic books and thought I knew what I was in for. But WRONG. I loved the two storylines of each main characters on their on quest. And then trying to get back together. This book was brilliantly written...but then that is what Kelli Jae Baeli does. Thank you for another great adventure. I 100% definitely recommend this book.
July 16, 2020
I liked the story, but the constant political preachiness made it so hard to get through.
October 6, 2023
Read Juvie before this one
Luckily, I caught the note at the beginning of the book informing readers to start the series with Juvie because it made it a more engaging read. Despite some factual errors that some readers won't know, it was a good novel. According to the note at the end of the book, there was an intention for a sequel which hasn't become available yet.
Luckily, I caught the note at the beginning of the book informing readers to start the series with Juvie because it made it a more engaging read. Despite some factual errors that some readers won't know, it was a good novel. According to the note at the end of the book, there was an intention for a sequel which hasn't become available yet.
June 18, 2019
Incredible Story of Strong Women
I couldn't put this book down. It kept you looking forward to what would this group would do next. The book starts with a mother, (Franny), on a 16 year journey to find her daughter (Juvie), who was stolen from the hospital nursery. With a strong lead as to where her daughter is, Franny and her partner Jack, begin the journey to bring Juvie home. Home is a 2000 mile island they own with the Ojibwe Indians, who are their relatives.The island is self sufficient. They use solar power and have their ow fresh water supply. During the journey the power grids in the US are destroyed and there is no longer any power. Mayhem breaks out across America and their trip becomes extremely dangerous. People are out of control. Dakota, Franny's eldest daughter, worries about her mom and takes off to find her with a few passengers she picks up along the way. They get in some dangerous positions. Both Granny and Dakota pick up others who they find in danger along the way. Never a dull moment! Captivating from the start! I can't wait for the next book!! Kelli hit the sweet spot with this new genre for her!!!
I couldn't put this book down. It kept you looking forward to what would this group would do next. The book starts with a mother, (Franny), on a 16 year journey to find her daughter (Juvie), who was stolen from the hospital nursery. With a strong lead as to where her daughter is, Franny and her partner Jack, begin the journey to bring Juvie home. Home is a 2000 mile island they own with the Ojibwe Indians, who are their relatives.The island is self sufficient. They use solar power and have their ow fresh water supply. During the journey the power grids in the US are destroyed and there is no longer any power. Mayhem breaks out across America and their trip becomes extremely dangerous. People are out of control. Dakota, Franny's eldest daughter, worries about her mom and takes off to find her with a few passengers she picks up along the way. They get in some dangerous positions. Both Granny and Dakota pick up others who they find in danger along the way. Never a dull moment! Captivating from the start! I can't wait for the next book!! Kelli hit the sweet spot with this new genre for her!!!
April 10, 2020
This is my 1st apocalyptic book and this one has given me genre bug!
A family of badasses rescue each other and many others along the way to safety could not be a better introduction to this genre.
This will be one of my favorite genres of fiction. “All Bets Are Off” absolutely hooked me in and what’s even better is that the family of survivors is spearheaded by strong, competent, resourceful and lovable women.
The story-line leads us through the breakdown of social norms and the rate at which anarchy raises its ugly head. The group travels across a number states facing many obstacles. The ultimate goal is the safety of all while establishing a community - blending a number disparate individuals and families together - trusting that their goals align as they travel to their island of safety.
I cant wait for the second book to become available!
A family of badasses rescue each other and many others along the way to safety could not be a better introduction to this genre.
This will be one of my favorite genres of fiction. “All Bets Are Off” absolutely hooked me in and what’s even better is that the family of survivors is spearheaded by strong, competent, resourceful and lovable women.
The story-line leads us through the breakdown of social norms and the rate at which anarchy raises its ugly head. The group travels across a number states facing many obstacles. The ultimate goal is the safety of all while establishing a community - blending a number disparate individuals and families together - trusting that their goals align as they travel to their island of safety.
I cant wait for the second book to become available!
May 29, 2019
Well, my goodness! It was exciting to read a character that wasn't blonde, thin, gorgeous and young. Franny, 16 years looking for the daughter stolen from her at birth, crosses the country when SHTF and she won't be stopped. Dakota, Franny's eldest daughter, doesn't take prisoners either. And then there's Juvie, youngest daughter, found. People 'living off the grid' are showcased as aware, alert, and protective. I enjoyed not having to read all the gore that comes with the fall of a people group (American citizens gone wild) but reading about the life of a 'preppier'. Quick dialogue and effective description of a possible future.
May 5, 2020
All Bets are Off : ( Apocalyptic Women)'
Having read a few books by KellibJae Baell . This one for me was goes to the number 1spot. What a brilliant job of writing this, showed how quickly people can change following the loss of electricity following a terrorist attacks. Hatred ,prejudice, robbery, murder etc. Then we have people who show compassion, survival techniques, and more. This story was based in the USA where people are allowed to carry guns and learn to shoot.
The story was excellent from start to finish.
Kudos to Kelly Jae Baell. Highly recommend this one cannot wait to read the next book she writes. 5*****STARS.
Having read a few books by KellibJae Baell . This one for me was goes to the number 1spot. What a brilliant job of writing this, showed how quickly people can change following the loss of electricity following a terrorist attacks. Hatred ,prejudice, robbery, murder etc. Then we have people who show compassion, survival techniques, and more. This story was based in the USA where people are allowed to carry guns and learn to shoot.
The story was excellent from start to finish.
Kudos to Kelly Jae Baell. Highly recommend this one cannot wait to read the next book she writes. 5*****STARS.
May 18, 2021
Another good story from Baeli
Good story. Some major typos that were kind of funny. The narrative was repetitive in parts like I would expect if this were more than one book. But its not so it was a little annoying. I did read Juvie first and love that character the most of all of them.
Good story. Some major typos that were kind of funny. The narrative was repetitive in parts like I would expect if this were more than one book. But its not so it was a little annoying. I did read Juvie first and love that character the most of all of them.
March 20, 2020
So, So Good!
I love SYFY, throw in an Apocalypse, a survival story, a play on our current political situation and destruction of our democracy, add a little lesbian romance and you have my perfect story.
I can't wait for book 2!!!!!
I do recommend reading "Juvie True North" 1st,.
I love SYFY, throw in an Apocalypse, a survival story, a play on our current political situation and destruction of our democracy, add a little lesbian romance and you have my perfect story.
I can't wait for book 2!!!!!
I do recommend reading "Juvie True North" 1st,.
July 9, 2019
Fantastic with wonderfully zero g women.
This was a wonderful book with a lot of lessons to be learned. I love to read books with strong females as lead characters and this did not disappoint. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
This was a wonderful book with a lot of lessons to be learned. I love to read books with strong females as lead characters and this did not disappoint. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
August 16, 2019
Glad I read Juvie
The book is well written and story is intense. It feels too real what could happen. Franny and the ladies are a force to be reckoned with, especially her girls! I could not put the book down and ready to start prepping!
The book is well written and story is intense. It feels too real what could happen. Franny and the ladies are a force to be reckoned with, especially her girls! I could not put the book down and ready to start prepping!
June 30, 2019
Thought provoking
I enjoyed the characters, especially so many strong independent women. The story was thought provoking and a testament to “no matter what doing the right thing”.
I enjoyed the characters, especially so many strong independent women. The story was thought provoking and a testament to “no matter what doing the right thing”.
August 26, 2019
Woman Strong
I really enjoyed this strong woman apocalyptic tale. Hope the author has more to come. Really, an amazing journey of toughness and family.
I really enjoyed this strong woman apocalyptic tale. Hope the author has more to come. Really, an amazing journey of toughness and family.
March 1, 2020
Great book that gets your head spinning in theories and makes you like at the world differently.
July 7, 2022
Kudos to Kelli Jae Baeli
This is my first book by Kelli and I am hooked. I have been an avid apocalyptic reader and this is the First book with such a realistic storyline with Lesbian characters I could not put this book down. Thank you Kelli for making the decision to write about this genre and in my opinion succeeding immensely. I especially appreciated the opportunity to read about Juvie first. So many apocalyptic books and 80% military focused. This was a breath of fresh air. I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Consider me a new fan!
This is my first book by Kelli and I am hooked. I have been an avid apocalyptic reader and this is the First book with such a realistic storyline with Lesbian characters I could not put this book down. Thank you Kelli for making the decision to write about this genre and in my opinion succeeding immensely. I especially appreciated the opportunity to read about Juvie first. So many apocalyptic books and 80% military focused. This was a breath of fresh air. I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Consider me a new fan!
August 18, 2023
This book scared me. I love apocalyptic stories but this one is WAY TOO CLOSE for comfort. I can see the threads between Rump and the one in the story. I can imagine all too well our world falling apart if the electricity goes down for good. Humans are not good with each other even when they should be. We can learn alot from the animal world but I fear that will not be the case.
I would highly recommend this book. As uncomfortable as it is reading, I could not stop. Well done, Author!
I would highly recommend this book. As uncomfortable as it is reading, I could not stop. Well done, Author!
July 24, 2021
Better than the movies!
Great story with amazing characters! Saw several movies apocalyptic and this book is 10 times better than the movies on tv. I can't wait for the next book from an amazing author!
Great story with amazing characters! Saw several movies apocalyptic and this book is 10 times better than the movies on tv. I can't wait for the next book from an amazing author!
July 20, 2024
This is starting to happen around the country now. (I have to not start Kelli's books until I can read it all the way through) Started this book at 1pm read until 2am! Perfectly describes the way the country is heading in the upcoming election!
June 1, 2021
Brilliant
Absolutely loved this post apocalyptic book. The story seemed sadly, far too plausible and the characters were great. Would love to know more about them.
Absolutely loved this post apocalyptic book. The story seemed sadly, far too plausible and the characters were great. Would love to know more about them.
December 30, 2021
Absolutely brilliant! Strong woman, realistic action. Simply great.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews