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Belted
Chastity had the childhood most people dream about--in nightmares. After years of horrific abuse by her father, one day he injures himself on a power saw, and Chastity watches as he bleeds to death. She could help him, but she doesn’t. She could save him, but she doesn’t. The ugliness of her past and this decision overwhelm her. She can’t bear talking about it, so she decides not to talk at all. Silence becomes her shelter.
Her luck seems to change when she meets Chuck, an aspiring cage fighter. At first, Chuck protects Chastity and takes care of her. He even introduces her to the martial arts, and Chastity discovers another side to herself--a stronger side.
Unfortunately, even blue skies can turn stormy. After losing a big tournament, Chuck’s moods grow dark, and he becomes increasingly violent. Chastity will need all her fight training to survive. But if she does, it may give her the power to change everything.
Her luck seems to change when she meets Chuck, an aspiring cage fighter. At first, Chuck protects Chastity and takes care of her. He even introduces her to the martial arts, and Chastity discovers another side to herself--a stronger side.
Unfortunately, even blue skies can turn stormy. After losing a big tournament, Chuck’s moods grow dark, and he becomes increasingly violent. Chastity will need all her fight training to survive. But if she does, it may give her the power to change everything.
ebook
First published April 10, 2012
5 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Graves
5 books14 followersAh, the dreaded profile--right up there with root canals and query letters. Let’s see…
I grew up poor, chubby, and fatherless in a small Pennsylvania town. (Ouch.) But none of this has stopped me from becoming super-wealthy, movie star-svelte, and happily married, living in a fabulous area of North Carolina. (Okay, some of this may be exaggerated.)
So what is the truth? What IS truth, for that matter? And how much does it matter for a fiction writer? Despite the deliciousness of these questions, they will have to be answered by greater minds than that of C.J. Graves. But here are a few bits of information that are mostly true:
-I have a B.A. in Interior Architecture and Design from the University of North Carolina.
-I lived in Japan for a couple years. Konnichiwa!
-I started out writing nonfiction, then screenplays, then novels--three different genres. (I may have writing ADD. Is there a Goodreads support group for that?)
-I like rolling on the floor with sweaty guys and hitting people. (I know what you’re thinking, but before you get all excited, I’m talking about mixed martial arts not BDSM!)
-In my previous life, I was a harried mother of twelve, living during the Victorian era. (I don’t know if this is true, but it seems a reasonable excuse of why I don’t have children and enjoy period movies.)
So this is me--kind of. How about you? If you like mysteries, dark romances, and/or paranormal YA, please try my books--Crossed, Belted, and Antichrist 16. Happy reading!
I grew up poor, chubby, and fatherless in a small Pennsylvania town. (Ouch.) But none of this has stopped me from becoming super-wealthy, movie star-svelte, and happily married, living in a fabulous area of North Carolina. (Okay, some of this may be exaggerated.)
So what is the truth? What IS truth, for that matter? And how much does it matter for a fiction writer? Despite the deliciousness of these questions, they will have to be answered by greater minds than that of C.J. Graves. But here are a few bits of information that are mostly true:
-I have a B.A. in Interior Architecture and Design from the University of North Carolina.
-I lived in Japan for a couple years. Konnichiwa!
-I started out writing nonfiction, then screenplays, then novels--three different genres. (I may have writing ADD. Is there a Goodreads support group for that?)
-I like rolling on the floor with sweaty guys and hitting people. (I know what you’re thinking, but before you get all excited, I’m talking about mixed martial arts not BDSM!)
-In my previous life, I was a harried mother of twelve, living during the Victorian era. (I don’t know if this is true, but it seems a reasonable excuse of why I don’t have children and enjoy period movies.)
So this is me--kind of. How about you? If you like mysteries, dark romances, and/or paranormal YA, please try my books--Crossed, Belted, and Antichrist 16. Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 26, 2012
I really liked this book, to be honest I thought this book was perfect for my age, lately I have been reading books that are either too young for me or too old.
I loved the main character, yes she has gone through some hard times but Chastity comes out a very strong woman and that is what literature needs, strong female characters. This novel is a bit graphic but to be honest, there are worse out there.
I thought the book was well written and touched on a delicate subject perfectly.
I loved the main character, yes she has gone through some hard times but Chastity comes out a very strong woman and that is what literature needs, strong female characters. This novel is a bit graphic but to be honest, there are worse out there.
I thought the book was well written and touched on a delicate subject perfectly.
August 20, 2012
Belted is a riveting book about a woman learning to find her voice. Highly charged scenes, fascinating characters, and finely wrought prose make this book a must read. Graves is not afraid to explore the depths of the human psyche, and in so doing takes us on an unforgettable journey. I was constantly surprised and impressed by the skill Graves has in the telling. A must read.
November 28, 2012
Part I
This is where the nightmare begins and never goes away. When your constant and protector turns against you, you are powerless. Especially when you are a child. Chastity doesnt know any better and at the mercy of her own father she is slowly broken and is pretty much left to fend for herself. Her mother is no help and its proven that she is a worthless mother again and again throughout the story.
Chastity comes home one day and all her troubles seem to go away. The blood seeping from her fathers wound is a way out and she can only stare in fascination as life leaves him. This tragic moment was both an escape yet horrid. It was so horrific that she decides to never speak again, maybe so that she cant reveal what she did.
Part II
Years later she is on her own living a quiet life. Until she meets Chuck. He's big and crass and instantly she is attracted. Their relationship seems solid. She's needed this. He's awakened a part of her that lay dormant for so long that she craves his vulgar behavior. But things go from bad to worse.
Chuck is a cage fighter and has the worst temper. Anything will set him off. The fact he take Karate made me think he would lighten up a bit. Karate isn't about beating people up. Its about having control of ones self. He doesn't have this, not one bit! Chuck introduces Chasity to karate and soon she has a new purpose. She has new friends and they don't treat her like a freak. She feel at home for once in her life.
Master Stone has silently watched her and his love for her grows. She's still with Chuck and things are worse than ever but when she is with Master Stone in his dojo nothing matters. That security leads her to believe that she is in love with him and she tries to pursue it without thinking of the consequences. Unfortunate events occur and that security blanket is once again pulled out from beneath her. She falls flat on her ass. But she doesn't stay down for long. She has plans. Those plans are shot to hell by someone somewhat unexpected.
Throughout this book I had hoped that Chastity would finally realize she doesn't have to be a victim anymore but she's been beaten so many times she doesn't know any other way to live. I think the final blow came from Master Stone. She saw small amounts of light coming through and with that she was able to fight for her life.
This book will test you and you will want to put it down at times and believe me i wanted to shake Chastity to get the hell out but even though it feels like you are being tortured its all worth it to see life come back into Chastity's eyes.
The end felt a bit rush and I kinda had a hard time with the way Chastity's mother behaved around her. I cant see a mother being so cold. But other than that this book was very powerful. I commend this author for writing scenes that can make you so uncomfortable and wanna squirm away to safety. Some of the trials were so hard to read about but more often than not, things of this nature occur to the most innocent.
see all my reviews at www.upallnightreviews.blogspot.com
This is where the nightmare begins and never goes away. When your constant and protector turns against you, you are powerless. Especially when you are a child. Chastity doesnt know any better and at the mercy of her own father she is slowly broken and is pretty much left to fend for herself. Her mother is no help and its proven that she is a worthless mother again and again throughout the story.
Chastity comes home one day and all her troubles seem to go away. The blood seeping from her fathers wound is a way out and she can only stare in fascination as life leaves him. This tragic moment was both an escape yet horrid. It was so horrific that she decides to never speak again, maybe so that she cant reveal what she did.
Part II
Years later she is on her own living a quiet life. Until she meets Chuck. He's big and crass and instantly she is attracted. Their relationship seems solid. She's needed this. He's awakened a part of her that lay dormant for so long that she craves his vulgar behavior. But things go from bad to worse.
Chuck is a cage fighter and has the worst temper. Anything will set him off. The fact he take Karate made me think he would lighten up a bit. Karate isn't about beating people up. Its about having control of ones self. He doesn't have this, not one bit! Chuck introduces Chasity to karate and soon she has a new purpose. She has new friends and they don't treat her like a freak. She feel at home for once in her life.
Master Stone has silently watched her and his love for her grows. She's still with Chuck and things are worse than ever but when she is with Master Stone in his dojo nothing matters. That security leads her to believe that she is in love with him and she tries to pursue it without thinking of the consequences. Unfortunate events occur and that security blanket is once again pulled out from beneath her. She falls flat on her ass. But she doesn't stay down for long. She has plans. Those plans are shot to hell by someone somewhat unexpected.
Throughout this book I had hoped that Chastity would finally realize she doesn't have to be a victim anymore but she's been beaten so many times she doesn't know any other way to live. I think the final blow came from Master Stone. She saw small amounts of light coming through and with that she was able to fight for her life.
This book will test you and you will want to put it down at times and believe me i wanted to shake Chastity to get the hell out but even though it feels like you are being tortured its all worth it to see life come back into Chastity's eyes.
The end felt a bit rush and I kinda had a hard time with the way Chastity's mother behaved around her. I cant see a mother being so cold. But other than that this book was very powerful. I commend this author for writing scenes that can make you so uncomfortable and wanna squirm away to safety. Some of the trials were so hard to read about but more often than not, things of this nature occur to the most innocent.
see all my reviews at www.upallnightreviews.blogspot.com
July 19, 2020
This book was really a wonderful read. I liked the pacing and depth of the story that was written with so much empathy.
The name of book, an apt name. Without adding spoilers there are two belts that is significant to mention.
The one spelled doom for the main character and the other were a liberating tool that helped her during her journey of sel-discovery and healing. The one wanted to kill her the other made her stronger.
Choosing silence as her coping mechanism, the author created a young woman of depth many can relate to.
Thank you for the freebie, I really enjoyed it.
The name of book, an apt name. Without adding spoilers there are two belts that is significant to mention.
The one spelled doom for the main character and the other were a liberating tool that helped her during her journey of sel-discovery and healing. The one wanted to kill her the other made her stronger.
Choosing silence as her coping mechanism, the author created a young woman of depth many can relate to.
Thank you for the freebie, I really enjoyed it.
October 20, 2012
The author does a great job of capturing what it feels like to be in an abusive relationship. Sometimes the people around you see what's happening and are too scared to act. They don't want to be in the middle of a bad situation. I was lucky enough to have someone who didn't even like me take a stand; a girl in my choir that my abuser made a confession to went to one of our professors, who went to my mother, who snuck me out.
The one scene in this book that threw me was the one where Maria calls Chuck to have him take Chastity out of her home. My own mother was never strong, and gave me a poor example to follow by remaining with my abusive father as I was growing up. She dared to leave him not long after I started college. At the time that my own bad relationship was gearing up to become a life-threatening one, in spite of being in a psych med-induced fog a lot of the time, my mother still found it in her to pin my abuser to a wall and threaten his testicles. She showed true bravery, and proved how much of a loving mother she is in spite of having allowed so much to happen to us during our childhood and youth under my father's oppression. I wish that had been my wake-up call to leave my abuser, but I defended him instead. He had problems, and I wanted to help him. I'm not a doctor or a priest, though, and that wasn't my job.
My job was to survive. Several years later, I was dating a wonderful and kindhearted man who made me feel safe. I went out for a walk one morning and almost didn't make it home. I made a mistake by being polite to a stranger and was cornered in a ravine. No one knew where I was. No one could save me. My survival was in my own hands. In my case the way out was to remain calm, talk, appeal to the man's better nature. Two hours later he let me go unscathed. I was VERY lucky. But I also felt stronger than I ever had before. I broke up with the nice guy I'd been dating while I struggled with understanding what had happened to me, and my reaction to it... but eventually we ended up together again because we get each other and love each other, NOT because he makes me feel safe. You have to be strong on the inside, where it really counts, to survive. It sounds simple and cliche, but only until you're in the fray and either find it in yourself or don't.
This story captures all of that. By talking about myself here, I know it's not exactly a review, but what I mean to say is YES. This IS how it feels. Well done.
The one scene in this book that threw me was the one where Maria calls Chuck to have him take Chastity out of her home. My own mother was never strong, and gave me a poor example to follow by remaining with my abusive father as I was growing up. She dared to leave him not long after I started college. At the time that my own bad relationship was gearing up to become a life-threatening one, in spite of being in a psych med-induced fog a lot of the time, my mother still found it in her to pin my abuser to a wall and threaten his testicles. She showed true bravery, and proved how much of a loving mother she is in spite of having allowed so much to happen to us during our childhood and youth under my father's oppression. I wish that had been my wake-up call to leave my abuser, but I defended him instead. He had problems, and I wanted to help him. I'm not a doctor or a priest, though, and that wasn't my job.
My job was to survive. Several years later, I was dating a wonderful and kindhearted man who made me feel safe. I went out for a walk one morning and almost didn't make it home. I made a mistake by being polite to a stranger and was cornered in a ravine. No one knew where I was. No one could save me. My survival was in my own hands. In my case the way out was to remain calm, talk, appeal to the man's better nature. Two hours later he let me go unscathed. I was VERY lucky. But I also felt stronger than I ever had before. I broke up with the nice guy I'd been dating while I struggled with understanding what had happened to me, and my reaction to it... but eventually we ended up together again because we get each other and love each other, NOT because he makes me feel safe. You have to be strong on the inside, where it really counts, to survive. It sounds simple and cliche, but only until you're in the fray and either find it in yourself or don't.
This story captures all of that. By talking about myself here, I know it's not exactly a review, but what I mean to say is YES. This IS how it feels. Well done.
February 25, 2013
A well written book, difficult subjects, not a romance
My thoughts on this book after just having finished it, are of sadness. It started sad and may have ended happy but that is just an over-simplification of the story line, because I am struggling to understand why people can be so cruel to the ones they are supposed to take care of. I understand that in this book the traumatic events of Chastity's childhood led to her muteness all through her life and she holds back on so many things, communicating through gestures and phrases in her notebook, but most importantly not defending herself when needed because of this and it just made me love her more. This is a very well written book and I am amazed that the author depicted the martial arts fighting and violence at home without completely de-humanizing the characters. Master Stone may have had a very short part in the story but from the time he entered the story until the end of the book, he stole my attention. I would not say there was romance in this book, there was a love story here, the kind that is unfulfilled but nevertheless strong enough to be. Sad and violent things continue to happen but in the end, Chastity does find love, I was not frustrated with her need to be loved and to give it, she needed that and she just reached out whenever she could, in the most raw silent way I have ever read. I commend this author for writing the most unique heroine I have read, I don't think she was passive she was just silent and watchful, and above all learnt that she deserved happiness in her life.
My thoughts on this book after just having finished it, are of sadness. It started sad and may have ended happy but that is just an over-simplification of the story line, because I am struggling to understand why people can be so cruel to the ones they are supposed to take care of. I understand that in this book the traumatic events of Chastity's childhood led to her muteness all through her life and she holds back on so many things, communicating through gestures and phrases in her notebook, but most importantly not defending herself when needed because of this and it just made me love her more. This is a very well written book and I am amazed that the author depicted the martial arts fighting and violence at home without completely de-humanizing the characters. Master Stone may have had a very short part in the story but from the time he entered the story until the end of the book, he stole my attention. I would not say there was romance in this book, there was a love story here, the kind that is unfulfilled but nevertheless strong enough to be. Sad and violent things continue to happen but in the end, Chastity does find love, I was not frustrated with her need to be loved and to give it, she needed that and she just reached out whenever she could, in the most raw silent way I have ever read. I commend this author for writing the most unique heroine I have read, I don't think she was passive she was just silent and watchful, and above all learnt that she deserved happiness in her life.
May 7, 2013
Well firstly I want to say this book is not a romance! This book is about the devastating story of a girl who has been abused and let down in every stage of her life. This is not a feel good story but one that covers the cold hard facts of abuse and the victims! This book broke my heart and left me reeling a bit!!
I would have to agree with a few of the other reviews that I wish the ending had been a bit more detailed and the epilogue a lot longer!
Good book just very sad and emotional
3.5/4 stars
I would have to agree with a few of the other reviews that I wish the ending had been a bit more detailed and the epilogue a lot longer!
Good book just very sad and emotional
3.5/4 stars
October 20, 2012
Book CONTAINS SENSTIVE MATERIAL
This book really blew me away. At times it was hard to read the things that Chastity went through with her father and the Chuck. The end is amazing, a really great read and I'm thankful for the recommendation.
This book really blew me away. At times it was hard to read the things that Chastity went through with her father and the Chuck. The end is amazing, a really great read and I'm thankful for the recommendation.
January 19, 2013
Wow...what a powerful story. I can hardly find the words. It's a story of survival. A story of never giving up even in your darkest times.
I hope J. C. Graves continues to write strong stories.
I hope J. C. Graves continues to write strong stories.
May 16, 2013
3.5 stars.... This is a very dark story.... not for the faint of heart... it got my attention from the start... just somewhere along the story, things are going crazy for me...
September 26, 2013
Amazon (ebook) freebie 2/21/13
November 26, 2012
Synopsis
This is the story of how a girl shuts down after years of abuse and her journey to find the strength to stand up for herself.
Review
This novel is not for the faint of heart, it's a bit graphic and brutal. While I understand why an author would use this in an attempt to express the difficulties of of Chastity's life, it didn't really work for me. I was unable to form any kind of attachment with the main character Chastity. She would suffer though these horrific experiences, but instead of rooting for her, I just kind of wondered what kind of torture would be thought of next. I didn't want to finish reading it, but it was like a train wreck that i wasn't able to look away from. One of my major problems with the story was the character development. The men in the book were developed into really strong stereotypes, but Chastity remained a one note character through out the entire book, even though the entire point of the story is her growth.
**spoiler alert**
I really didn't like that Chastity never actually grew and stood up for herself. She simply got destructively angry and then found another man, albeit a slightly nicer man, to depend upon. I think that if you are going to go for the tone that this novel had, there needs to be the growth and warmth in the characters to balance it.
My Recommendation
This novel is not for the faint of heart, or young people. Due to the lack of character growth, I'm giving this one 2/5 - If it happens to be around, it's OK.
***FTC Disclosure: This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***
This is the story of how a girl shuts down after years of abuse and her journey to find the strength to stand up for herself.
Review
This novel is not for the faint of heart, it's a bit graphic and brutal. While I understand why an author would use this in an attempt to express the difficulties of of Chastity's life, it didn't really work for me. I was unable to form any kind of attachment with the main character Chastity. She would suffer though these horrific experiences, but instead of rooting for her, I just kind of wondered what kind of torture would be thought of next. I didn't want to finish reading it, but it was like a train wreck that i wasn't able to look away from. One of my major problems with the story was the character development. The men in the book were developed into really strong stereotypes, but Chastity remained a one note character through out the entire book, even though the entire point of the story is her growth.
**spoiler alert**
I really didn't like that Chastity never actually grew and stood up for herself. She simply got destructively angry and then found another man, albeit a slightly nicer man, to depend upon. I think that if you are going to go for the tone that this novel had, there needs to be the growth and warmth in the characters to balance it.
My Recommendation
This novel is not for the faint of heart, or young people. Due to the lack of character growth, I'm giving this one 2/5 - If it happens to be around, it's OK.
***FTC Disclosure: This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***
November 3, 2012
3.5 stars - I thought the book wasn't too bad but very simply written. It started off well enough but by the end I felt like the author was just making bad things happen for the sake of it. I sort of understand that it was to represent Chastity finally being jolted into action, but really it was too much & the consequences really skipped over.
Another thing is that no matter what, I do not abide people standing by & watching abuse happen because they feel that the victim needs to do it themselves. Yes they do have to want to leave, but they also need help. It's not good enough to just watch it happen. So I felt this really let down some characters, particularly Master Stone who is made out to be the hero. I was a child abuse victim myself & it did things to my confidence & self worth that I will fight for the rest of my life. I wish to god someone had stepped in. I'm not sure that if I'd ended up in an abusive relationship straight out of that situation, that I would have had the mental capacity to help myself. Just a personal opinion based on my experiences, others may be different.
Another thing is that no matter what, I do not abide people standing by & watching abuse happen because they feel that the victim needs to do it themselves. Yes they do have to want to leave, but they also need help. It's not good enough to just watch it happen. So I felt this really let down some characters, particularly Master Stone who is made out to be the hero. I was a child abuse victim myself & it did things to my confidence & self worth that I will fight for the rest of my life. I wish to god someone had stepped in. I'm not sure that if I'd ended up in an abusive relationship straight out of that situation, that I would have had the mental capacity to help myself. Just a personal opinion based on my experiences, others may be different.
January 14, 2013
This book was hard to rate. Not because the storyline was bad or poorly written but because of having to continue to read about "CHAS" and the life she seemed to be stuck in. It was almost agony on the readers part. Not being able to help. Wondering why she stayed. Why she put up with it. There was no escape for her, from childhood and into adulthood. I was a bit annoyed that she would not speak and that her dialogue was written. Her father repulsed me, her mother disgusted me and Chuck was just a jerk that she was unfortunate to meet. Master Stone was her soul, such a shame it had to end that way. I had to finish to know if "Chas" was okay in the end and I'm glad I did. I guess had she fled or been rescued long ago, there would have been no storyline which kept me reading page after page.
October 24, 2012
This is a dark tale about love and the many forms of abuse one can encounter in various relationships. I would have given the book 4 stars if it weren't for the ending. Not only did I find it to be so abrupt, I found it to be quite unrealistic. A bad, bad ending is what I found it to be. It was as though the author decided she'd written enough and/or got tired, and just wanted it to end quickly. Too bad as it was a good story.
October 26, 2014
My goodreads reading buddy bought this for me for my birthday, so I took a few hours and a bath and read through it.
There was a lot I liked, but there were also some really problematic things, I think.
I might post a few of the quotes and talk about some of the issues. I might not.
Suffice it to say that the book is about empowerment and finding one's voice, especially and specifically for women I think, but that it was at times deeply misogynistic.
There was a lot I liked, but there were also some really problematic things, I think.
I might post a few of the quotes and talk about some of the issues. I might not.
Suffice it to say that the book is about empowerment and finding one's voice, especially and specifically for women I think, but that it was at times deeply misogynistic.
July 15, 2014
This book was very emotional and at the same time very disturbing. C.J. Graves is a very good story teller. I was emotionally invested in Chastity's life and was upset when she made some of the choices that she did. The first line of the book is, "I've killed two men in my life". As the book went on I was convinced I knew what that statement meant and where the story would go, but I was completely wrong! Very surprising ending. I cried several times. I would really recommend this book.
October 21, 2012
This book was just atrocious. I think the only that would have made it worse is if the author had just a picture of a some kicking a kitten on the front. If you want to just read a depressing book with no point at all, pick this one up.
October 23, 2012
I got this book for free on Amazon, per a Maryse rec. It is not a romance story, but a story of a girl who has been abused her whole life. It's full of heart ache & determination to be better & fight for what you want.
That being said, not my cup & I would most def not reread.
That being said, not my cup & I would most def not reread.
October 29, 2012
This would have gotten 4 stars from me if it hadn't been for the ending. Man oh man :( I was so invested in this book only to have the ending feel so rushed.
Oh well, picked this up for free on amazon and I still enjoyed it.
Oh well, picked this up for free on amazon and I still enjoyed it.
November 10, 2012
This book follows the life and choices of a young woman who finds karate and eventually uses its teachings to take control of her life.
Want to read
October 20, 2012Amazon Freebie 10/19/2012
might-read-freebie
October 20, 2012Free on Amazon 10.19.12
November 26, 2012
This book for some reason could not hold my attention.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews