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Rumors

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The devil snatched me from the light and forced me into a dark hole where my dreams turned into nightmares. He took everything from me. My voice. My identity. My soul. My future held nothing but fiery flames and endless torture. There was no escaping his hell. He was always there, taunting me, hurting me…slowly killing me. Then one day I snapped. The scared little girl was gone. But no matter how deep I buried my past, its shadow remained. Dalton Cray came into my life knowing I wasn’t whole. He wanted to save me and repair the cracks—be the one who pulled me from the darkness. I pushed and he pulled. He refused to give up…until hope blossomed within me. It was a promise I hadn’t felt in a long time. I just hoped it would be enough.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2020

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About the author

H.J. Bellus

98 books2,714 followers
USA 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.

Website: http://authorhjb.com/
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Email: hjbellus@gmail.com

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5 stars
273 (43%)
4 stars
185 (29%)
3 stars
119 (19%)
2 stars
35 (5%)
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10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
Profile Image for Lydia's Bookshelf.
981 reviews190 followers
January 27, 2020
Raw and honest, Rumors by HJ Bellus packed one hell of a punch.

If you’ve ever lived in a small town, you know how damaging rumors can be and how fast gossip spreads. The author, being a small town resident herself, portrayed this beautifully throughout the book.

What happened to Frankie made my heart hurt, but the fact that everyone around her turned a blind eye enraged me. Saddest part? Things like that happen in real life, not just books.

Dalton was definitely a man I rooted for. He didn’t play into anyone’s petty games and stood up for what was right. The moment he saw Frankie he knew in his soul that something was wrong, and it was in that moment that everything changed not just for him, but Frankie too. He had me swooning from the very beginning with the way he became Frankie’s rock.

Dalton along with his brother, Truckee, and Opal, Truckee’s girl, were the only ones that truly helped Frankie live. They gave her a chance at not just a normal life, but a beautiful one.

I really hope the author writes Opal and Truckee’s story too because I absolutely LOVED them. Truckee wasn’t just super sexy, but funny too.

Rumors was an emotional read that I highly recommend you devour.
Profile Image for Jillian_J.
213 reviews8 followers
January 18, 2020
rumor
[ˈro͞omər]
NOUN
rumors (plural noun)
a currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.
Synonyms:
gossip · hearsay ·


This story is a perfect example of “Judge not, that ye be not judged (Matthew 7:1)”

I am truly blown away by the first release of 2020 by HJ.

This story is full of so much pain, heartache, and despair. Frankie was hurt at such a young age in her life. Hiding behind the four corners of her home, one place where she can feel safe under the watch and comfort of her Grandma.

Dalton is the new sheriff in town and immediately see’s something is amiss in Frankie’s life. Knowing from experience, he tries to keep a watchful eye on her.

Through this story you learn of things that no child should ever experience, and yet your truly captivated by the depth of this book. You will not want to put this book down, although at times your truly feeling the pain of the characters.

This is a beautifully written story that needs to be read by all. It will remind you that not everything is as it seems, and to never assume you know someone’s story. This story has dark moments, and even through the darkness you begin to see the light.
Profile Image for Mick C.
1,547 reviews
January 11, 2020
This book is everything!
We've missed you HJ Bellus, and what a way to come back!...
The feels and emotion in this book. It's definitely a MUST read of 2020!
The message in this book is something every woman and young girl should read and take to heart. And it tells us all to stay strong and never give up.

My favorite words are:

“All the beautiful things”

The moral of it all is, family is family, and no matter what paths our lives take us, we are still connected. It doesn't matter how ugly our past is or how dismal our future appears. We are tied together forever.

Always forward and never back . We have all of our beautiful days and trust me, not one will be wasted.
Profile Image for Leaona Luxx.
Author 39 books1,048 followers
January 29, 2020
Never in my life have I been struck as speechless as I am now.

This book.

Is unexpected. Raw. Honest. Unforgettable.

Once in a while, a book comes along to not only entertain but to heal, to help others understand, to show someone how to move forward and to look beyond what you thought someone was or who they are. This book does all of that and more!!

It’s full of reflection and wisdom. Facing down demons and growth. One that will help those that have lived a life such as this know there is hope.

Yes... this book is HOPE!!

Hope for those that feel as though there is no way out, nothing to help move you forward. It teaches us that we all have faced the same things even though we may not know it and no one can tell you how to live through it.

But this book, truly one that all women, no matter the age, can identify with in some way. Helping to heal and teaching us to grow.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,197 reviews41 followers
January 27, 2020
5 RAW AND BEAUTIFUL STARS!! This story is Raw and beautiful....it reached in grab my heart and squeezed it all the way through. Frankie and Dalton have one heck of a story to tell you, so grab some tissues and listen. The feels in their story are jumping of the pages. H.J. Bellus is a phenomenal storyteller that grabs you in the heart with her words. This is one book you need to read, but know it is a hard to hear.
Profile Image for Stacy Jo.
794 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2020
This book was amazing. 5 million stars! This book gives voice to abused/molested/raped children everywhere!
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,641 reviews205 followers
March 11, 2020


Frankie's been through so much and when Dalton steps in and stands up for her, it changes her life irrevocably. But she's not ready to be with him completely. Not until she heals more, has time for herself. But if it's meant to be, it will be. For Dalton (and Frankie's) sake, I was hoping she'd meet him again.



Damn! This one was rough. Not bad, just hard to read because Frankie went through something no one should ever have to go through. But at least she met the loveliest, most beautiful savior in Dalton. They deserved each other and I fell hard for them. Rumors is the kind of story you don't forget even long after you're done reading. It's a tale of heartbreak and healing. Pain and love. It's quite simply perfect.



ARC via HEA PR for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Kelly  Walker.
3 reviews
January 26, 2020
Every time. You rip me apart every time I open one of your books. The ability to weave a story that can gut you one second and have you crying tears of joy the next is something only HJ Bellus can do. Rumors did not disappoint. Frankie’s story was hard to read. It was sad, brutal, tragic, but so beautiful and uplifting. Add in a sexy Dalton, Opal and Truckee and it just gets better. This story just proves again why I will always be a fan of HJB.
Profile Image for Tricia Bartley.  #AuthorStalker.
1,289 reviews100 followers
February 1, 2020
"So, you're telling me this girl quit going to school, holed up in her house for years, and it didn't raise an ounce of fucking suspicion in this small town?"

H.J. Bellus, girlll what have you done to my heart?? You brought all the feels and GIRL, I loved every minute of it!!!!

Y'all, you are about to hop on the "Feels Train" for sure. My heart got stepped on, kicked around and even thrown across the room, right along with my Kindle...lol And then in pure Bellus fashion, she starts piecing it back together, piece by piece, but ever soooo S L O W L E Y!!! But of course the end result always has me loving Bellus's books even that much more and always leaves me waiting patiently for her next release!!!

Thank you for another 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Book girlie!!!! I finished this one several days ago and I am still thinking about it!!! Loved Rumors sooo much!!!
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,085 reviews48 followers
January 26, 2020
Disclaimer: This book may cause triggers.

Welcome back HJ Bellus. I can't put into words what this book was or the emotions that is elicited out of me. I can't relate to anyone who experienced what Frankie had but I can damn sure relate the protectiveness of Dalton, Truckee, and Opal. I feel so much angry for a fictional character because I know this is some person reality.

Know that you have a knack for dark romances. This story has the feel of That Girl and I never in my life thought I could be taken back to that place but my dear you have succeeded.

I need time. So much time.
Profile Image for Ana Rita.
1,748 reviews40 followers
March 16, 2020
Every single book written by this author I know without reading the blurb that I'll be in love with it.
Each book is even more perfect than the latest and I always want more.
HJ Bellus does this to me, each and every time, page after page.
Her writing is so Rae, addictive and intense that I'm always amazed.
Rumors is her latest release and explores Frankie and Dalton's lives.
Life is filled of evil, of nightmares and disdainful people. We can look them in the eyes and won't be able to see them like they really are.
Rumors tend to hide or expose everyone and everything. Unfortunately, not everything is done in the light of the truth...
I'm stunned. I'm speechless. I'm amazed...
This book stole my soul along with my heart.
Superb plot, very well written, super engaging and intense.
It was a dark reading with a few bits and pieces of light along the way.
There were parts of the book that I saw myself crying so hard. It gutted me in a way that I can't describe.
Sadness, abuse, betrayal, pain, punishment is very present in this book as well as love, trust, and some funny things.
This book was written in a way that will make you think about everything. It will make you see things how they really are. It will make us see that rumors can't bring good things, just the opposite.
Fight for what you believe. Fight for you. Fight to find your true self.
This is the quote that I think will describe this book perfectly:
"There's always a hidden truth under layers of deceit and pain. "
HJ... Oh boy... You nailed it. This book just stole my heart and soul.  I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for confessions of a book addict .
272 reviews14 followers
March 13, 2020
“Because I could fucking lose myself in you and there’s not much of me left.”

Can demons from your past destroy your future? If you ignore your past and leave it all behind can you build a new future? Jonathan & Caris have to decide what is worth fighting for in this small town, friends to lovers romance with a twist.

This book grabbed me in the first chapter and I wasn’t able to put it down until I read The End. In typical Cora Brent fashion, I was 100% invested in these characters from the first chapter of this book. I loved Jay & Caris and their BFF’s Shane & Lana were fantastic supporting characters. This book had it all. It pulled at my heartstrings & made me smile. There was plenty of drama but plenty of steamy scenes too. I loved the flashbacks and the epilogue was exactly what I wanted to read!
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,114 reviews39 followers
February 12, 2020
I absolutely love HJ and her books. It has been a little bit since she has released one. But she came back swinging with this one. WOW. This one is off the charts amazing from beginning to end. Have tissues because you will need them. Frankie has been through so very much. More than any one person should have to go through. Then she loses the one person that she could trust and was there for her. Now she is on her own dealing with everything from her past. Except for her past is coming back to get her. But she takes matters into her own hands. Dalton sees her and knows that she is hiding something and that there is something going on with her. He wants so badly to help her but Frankie has to let him in first which is not easy for her. This was quite the storyline from the beginning to the end. I wanted to cry when Frankie leaves. I understood why she did it but it was still heartbreaking. But HJ in her wonderful way put you back together. It is impossible to clearly describe this book it is one that you just have to read for yourself. I highly recommend one clicking this one and reading about Frankie and Dalton.
Profile Image for Adriana.
1,321 reviews145 followers
February 9, 2020
Damm this book made your heart break it was so raw,and emotional and left a lump in your throat and omg this town they lived in was awful the people I swear if I lived there I would have stabbed people lol loved this book
Profile Image for Krystle.
172 reviews
January 25, 2020
Where to start......

Bellus never disappoints with her books, but this one... This one took me on a ride, a ride that I wasn't expecting or ready for. This book hooked me from page one and I couldn't put it down after starting. This book may finally replace "That Girl" as my favorite Bellus book.

This story is full of emotions and could be triggering for some readers. There are spots that were hard to read, but Bellus did a fantastic job in showing us Frankie's hurt, pain, and everything she is going through. Dalton was unexpected, I thought his character was a bit over the top at first, but he slowly grew on me and I really think he was exactly who needed to be in this story with Frankie.

This book will be one that I will read over again.
Let the book hangover start. Well done, Bellus!
Profile Image for Brittney.
68 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2020
When HJ Bellus announces a new release, it’s usually a guaranteed 5 Star Read...until she released Rumors! If there was a way to double the allowed amount of stars, I would! I was absolutely blown away by this one!!! It was amazing! I have not been so invested in a storyline in a long time! I also haven’t read a book in a while where I was just as in love with the secondary people as I was the main H and h! Dalton is the type of man dreams are made of but his brother is the guy you want around you 24/7! If you want a story that grabs you in the beginning and never lets you go, this is the book for you! I am still trying to find something to read after the bomb this book dropped on my emotions! Definitely need to add this to your TBR and get ready to #OneClick on release day!!!
Profile Image for CYNDY.
1,146 reviews33 followers
January 22, 2020
*****5 Rumors Stars*****
H.J. Bellus is a fairly new author for me and I won this ARC from the author and let me just say WOW. I hate that what happened to Frankie is happing right now somewhere and they might not have the help or support Frankie did. Dalton is the new sheriff in town and on his first encounter with Frankie he knows something not right and the town people will keep pretending like nothing is happing or happened. Frankie has been hiding behind the comfort of her home and grandmother and her only friend June. Frankie wasn’t always like this when she was younger the unthinkable happened and it kept happing for some time and she never told anyone. But tragedy hits Frankie can’t keep together anymore and Dalton will do anything to help Frankie overcome even risking his own heart. We all need to keep in mind everything is not what it always seems.

***ARC from Author*****
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
6,844 reviews58 followers
January 23, 2020
Rumors by H.J. Bellus is a raw and gritty read , a story that gave me all the feels. Rumors is not for the faint of heart and deals with sensitive subjects.
Meet Frankie, a 17 year old girl that's already through a lot. Her life was never an easy one, but what happened to her at age 13 , nobody should endure such atrocious things. And now she lost the last part of her family.
Dalton Cray is the new sherif in the small town and his first case leads him to Frankie. Both have a instant connection. Yes, he's all for law and order, but together with his brother Truckee and Opal he rescues a lost soul.
Rumors is a book that stays with you. I read it a few days ago and can't get the story and the characters out of my head. I recommend the book, 5 stars.
Profile Image for Vicky.
57 reviews
January 23, 2020
I almost stopped reading after first chapter because it was just that painful to read, but so glad I continued. I loved it. It's a topic all too often swept under the rug, not talked about because the person is in high standards of a community, the victim not believed left to suffer in silence. HJ did a tremendous job in bringing it to light. I was so happy how Frankie handled it. Fell in love with Dalton, Truckee, and Opal. Another number one on your hands Heidi Jo Bellus. Love ya!
Profile Image for Natasha.
648 reviews5 followers
January 19, 2020
What a beautiful story of healing and loving. Frankie was the start of most rumor's in her small town. Most the small town conversations didn't take to what truly was happening. BUT as Frankie get's older she is tired of people thinking the worst for her, so she stands tall and fights what is right. Now that Dalton is the new sheriff in town, he sees something special in Frankie. He now is on his own determination to do right by her. As he does this he unearths feelings he hasn't had.

I loved this story and how it beautifully healed you as you read it. AMAZING JOB HJ!!

See more soon on release day on A Day With Ethel - YouTube page.
Profile Image for Ri.
5,112 reviews11 followers
February 6, 2020
4.4 stars

Heartbreaking, poignant, and powerful are the first three things that come to mind when I think of this story. It wasn't easy to read but it also was if that even makes sense. This is a sad topic but the author handled it with grace and care. The beauty came from watching the healing.

I wanted a bit more in regards to what had happened. I felt like the town such as June, Veronica, and Led should have had more coming to them. It just seemed anticlimactic. I needed someone else to be held accountable.
Profile Image for Kathy Coopmans.
Author 74 books2,700 followers
January 15, 2020
HJ Bellus came out of the box with rumors.
There’s so much depth to this story. So many things that I’ve can’t come up with the right words except life has a way of picking you up when you least expect it.
This story has a voice that many need to hear. I heard it loud and clear.
Brilliant and all the stars.
Kathy Coopmans
USA Today Bestselling Author.
Profile Image for Annie's reading corner.
468 reviews30 followers
Read
April 2, 2020
ARC copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Sadly, no rating for this one.
It's a shame, but I couldn't connect with the characters nor the plot. I know I'm part of the minority here but I couldn't help it. I really tried, so maybe there is something wrong with me.
Profile Image for Nancy Metsch.
1,368 reviews3 followers
January 28, 2020
OMG!!!!! THIS. BOOK!!!!!!!
Frankie has to be the bravest girl...Why do I say that because she was able to slay her monster. This poor girl lived through a hell that no child girl or boy should go through, and at the hands of man that her whole town admired. Including her Grandma.
But the enter Dalton Cray AKA knight is shining armor ( more or less). I gave this man a lot of credit ause he knew something wasn't right with Frankie.
Then we have Opal and Trukee and all I have to say about these 2 is thank G-d. Opal really took Frankie under her wing, To tell her without words that she can heal
Profile Image for Sarah (lou_reads_romance).
1,182 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2020
HJ Bellus has managed to tell a harrowing tale of pain and suffering with amazing respect and consideration. I am not surprised that she found this story so difficult to write.
The premise ‘less is more’ really rings true for me when reading the awfulness of abuse and assault and the author has pulled it off brilliantly. This story did not need any graphics in order for the reader to get the full impact of what Frankie suffered.
I really appreciated the slow burn and sensible consideration to healing that was involved in Frankie��s journey. Dalton was a fantastic partner to her throughout and his steadfast, protective, friendly nature was just what Frankie needed to guide her recovery. Every girl should have a Dalton in her corner🥰
The light relief from Truckee and Opal (then Gemma 😍) was perfectly pitched and he reminded me of the men from the diablos throne world.😊
This is heartbreaking, soul crushing, uplifting and ultimately heartwarming.... I devoured it very quickly and I loved it from start to finish.
Thank you for the arc, this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Brynne Hounsell.
417 reviews
January 27, 2020
Rumors...gossip...hearsay...a whisper. This is Frankie May’s story. “The most disgusting part of my story is the devil was right, and kept his promise to destroy me.” Then enters Dalton Cray the new town sheriff and he sees something in Frankie that he’s only seen once before and he plans to help her. “He set my soul free from the he’ll it was barred in.”

This story is heart ripping, it’s emotional, it’s hits a little too close to home, it’s recovery and it’s beautiful. “I’ve found my beautiful things and will never let go of them.”

HJ I don’t want to calm this your comeback but i feel like it’s a new start and I can’t wait to read what else you’ve got coming.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,386 reviews25 followers
July 24, 2020
4.5 rounded. I loved this story and the message to stand up for yourself. I wished there was a longer bit to the end of the story.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews178 followers
March 11, 2020
I LOVE me some brilliant HJ Bellus as I'll never get enough of her stories whatsoever! That being said, OH MY EVER LOVIN' HELL! Rumors is her best work to date, and that's saying something. The emotions poured out of the pages as I was experiencing this story deep down, and I could definitely tell that she poured her blood, sweat, and tears into it. I don't want to go into detail, as this one has twists which were all turned out, with the turns twisted up into a big ball of angst, leaving me systematically dropping f-bombs while my eyes leaked. And yet, with the topic told, there were still some hysterically funny interactions which had me laughing hard. I always wonder how authors can do this, especially like Ms. Bellus doing it so effortlessly blows my mind! There's so many things which came off very realistic, with no pat solutions, and I have actually shed tears on & off all day while thinking about what I would type up. Finally, the ending. Man, I was almost done when I felt like a truck hit me, and I was very close to sending threats! Now, that's all from me, it's your turn to actually hit that one click button to experience every last page of goodness for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews

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