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Invidious Betrayal

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When Aria Cole turned eighteen, she wanted nothing more than to trade childish balloons and sugary confetti cake for Dirty Martinis and dancing all night. Determined to shed her Perfect Princess image and surround herself with guys who didn’t know she was the daughter of an overly protective small town Sheriff, Aria decided a fun-filled night in the big city was the answer.

Being assaulted and marked for death was not what Aria had envisioned.

At twenty-one, former child prodigy Ian Howl finally agreed to work for his uncle at Howl Industries. Independently wealthy, he needed a change from his idle playboy lifestyle and wanted a challenge. To celebrate his new position, a lavish party was thrown in his honor.

However, Ian’s version of fun didn’t include being drugged and mixed up in a murder plot.

A chance meeting had brought Aria and Ian together but what they endured that evening linked them forever. Ian wanted answers and revenge. Aria wanted to forget that awful night. But forgetting is not an option when you know too much. Hunted and terrified, Aria must rely on and trust a stranger with her life. Haunted by guilt, Ian’s primary concern was Aria’s safety and if he had to unleash hell to achieve it, then so be it. Neither of them could have anticipated the events that brought them together but once their mutual passion and power is realized…many lives are forever changed.


This is a Standalone Book.
Book contains scenes of graphic violence. Reader discretion is advised.

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 28, 2015

14 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

Shea Swain

24 books319 followers
About The Author

Shea is a woman in love with the idea of love so it’s no wonder she writes Romance Novels. The East Coast native is a romantic to her core and reads and watches anything with a love story. She especially likes binge watching Romance TV around Christmas time.

She enjoys meeting people and chatting, collecting Barbie dolls, toys, anime, and is addicted to The Sims games. Shea also loves music and has mentioned that she writes better when she has music playing as white noise in the background.

This exciting author writes Adult Romance in the sub-genres of Contemporary, New Adult, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, and Erotica.

Message from Shea.
I thank you for allowing me to showcase my work. If you liked this story, please consider leaving a review and tell you r friends. Also, you can find more of my work at…
www.Sheaswainwrites.com

I love just about all genres but I know a lot of readers have preferences. In order to give readers what they want, I've decided to offer dedicated Newsletter choices. Keep in the know for amazing giveaways and more as well.

There are (3) Three main choices. You can sign up on my website sheaswainwrites.com/newsletter or through the links below.
All Romance/All Genres: bit.ly/2RWRQgK
Contemporary only: bit.ly/3oXNqCu
Para/Sci/Fantasy/Other only: bit.ly/2R6DJoY

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5 stars
42 (58%)
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21 (29%)
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8 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews154 followers
March 14, 2016


***** 4.5 Cranky Stars *****


Aria is the inexperienced daughter of the town sheriff. Her dad is overprotective and overbearing when it comes to her. All Aria wants is to experience life and maybe kiss her crush but alas, Sheriff Cole has put fear in any boy sniffing around his daughter.



On Arias 18th birthday she decides to go out with a "friend" and her life is changed forever.



I can't emphasize enough that this book has some pretty dark subject matter that can be a possible trigger for some people. With that said Shea Swain's writing was impeccable and drew me in deep. I had to physically walk away to give myself time to regroup and refocus on many occasions. 



Aria Cole is naive, innocent and overly trusting at first. Her savior comes in the form of sexy and irresistible Ian Howl only she doesn't realize this at first. Ian is just a pawn in this game like Aria.



This Author writes characters that force strong emotions from you. You either love them or hate them. All supporting characters fit perfectly and for the most part the flow was fast paced and constant.



The only issue I had was a couple of slow spots that interrupted the flow of this story.


 
I can't wait to read more of Shea Swain's work as she is just that good.
Profile Image for Nene.
1,783 reviews25 followers
January 8, 2018
Awesome!

I loved this storyline, I hated what Aria had go through, but was glad she could find love through her tragedy. I loved the relationship between Ian and Aria. I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Hopelessly Devoted.
109 reviews11 followers
August 30, 2015
My Review
Aria Cole was a nice girl, a good girl. She befriended people that others would've shied away from, she was well liked and well protected by her sheriff father and her homely mother and yet, she was also venomously hated by someone that she considered a friend. She was betrayed in a way that only a ''friend'' could ever muster. A betrayal that many girls would never, indeed couldddd never, come back from! But here's the thing about little Aria Cole...she has a back bone of steel! She is one of the bravest characters that i have read in a very long time.
After the events of that night she suddenly found herself embroiled in a scheme with a group of men that should never have been a part of her life. She was now intricately tied to the Howl family. Ian Howl specifically. The Howl family were a powerful presence in the state, Ian's father is a senator and his uncle owns Howl industries, an experimental pharmaceuticals company. Not a family that you'd want to be on the wrong side of!
Will the two of them be able to work through the events of that one fateful night and disentangle themselves from the tempestuous and precarious situation they now find themselves in? or are their fates now sealed? you're going to have to read the book to find out....and boy! you want to read this book!
Shea Swain is still a relatively new author to the Indie scene and while i adored her first book 'Lascivious' and knew her to be a talented authoress, i didn't really have any massive expectations for 'Invidious Betrayal' and yet...i was thoroughly blown away! Shea has created something truly magical here! she's created a book that makes you question your moral beliefs and transports you into a world of experimental drugs, assault, love and hate and the very delicate balance between ''right'' and ''wrong''
Anyone who follows my reviews knows that i'm a straight shooter, if i don't like something...i don't hesitate to say so and vice versa. There genuinely isn't anything that i would've changed about the plot line except i wanted more! the ending was neat but it left you with questions that frankly i feel warrant a second book! (yes that's a hint to get writing!)
Absolutely excellent from start to finish and i couldn't recommend this book...or this hot new author any more highly!
5 stars!!
Profile Image for Pearline.
378 reviews16 followers
February 14, 2018
I'm pretty new to Shea Swain and this is only the third book I've read by her.

Good: The story is engaging and unique. While the story does start of dark it does end on a HEA. I also enjoyed the thriller/sci fi elements. It's a story that keeps you engaged and there's never a part where you get bored or the story lags.

Bad: I had two issues with this story: ambiguous descriptions and weakness of heroine. I'm not a big fan of a story that doesn't give me a clear description of the characters. Especially the two lead characters, the author gives you a clear description of the male character and his family. We even know where they originally come from (France). From his aunts to his little cousins everyone is described. When it comes to the female character we know nothing about her or her family. She's described as having dark features but pink nipples?? it was weird. If the character is Black, Mixed or White, there's no need to make her ambiguous. Also, the female character starts this whole chain by not listening to her father or not even going to the hospital or police. She doesn't get a backbone until the end of the book. I also didn't realize that this was a Young Adult novel until I realized that the prologue is only 12 hours before the start of the story. It seems like the author didn't label it that way because of the graphic descriptions in the beginning along with the sex scenes.

I rate this book a 3.5 but I will say I definitely enjoyed this authors other books. Check out Heaven on Hell Island or Absolve.
Profile Image for Autumn.
2,341 reviews47 followers
August 8, 2016

http://fallenoverbookreviews.blogspot...
I received this book to give an honest review.
Let me start off saying this in case you did not read the blurb and see the part where the author mentions that this books contains scenes of graphic violence. There is rape within this book and that could be a trigger for some people so reader please beware.

On to the review.
Wow is what I can say to this book, I didn't expect it to go the way I thought it did which was a good thing.
Aria can not wait until she turns eighteen. As she is going to party like a normal person and not under the eye of her father who is a sheriff. I do have to say I liked her dad and how he was very protective of her and we see how just because you try to protect your child doesn't mean they can not be in trouble. This is the case with Aria she goes out to celebrate her birthday but what ends up happening to her is something no one wants to imagine.
What happened to her Aria is only the beginning it seems that the folks who wanted to hurt her have plans for a man named Ian Howl. The way Ian and Aria ends up you just want to hate Ian until the truth comes to light and it seems that Ian is just the big pawn in this web of lies and blackmail.

Aria is a strong woman somehow she not only dealt with being assaulted but she dealt with intruders coming into her home and fighting to live. While fighting the feelings she has for Ian it just seems that it will bring her closer to him especially since Ian has made it his mission to always protect Aria from those who still hunt her.
Ian wow what do you say about him. At first you want to throat punch him but when he learns that Aria wasn't a prostitute like he thought you can tell he comes to care for her. It seems that Ian will stop at nothing to protect Aria even if that means putting himself in danger. While being with Aria Ian unlocks what his family has been hiding from him and boy is that a big WOW factor.

I loved this book and its darkness. I loved seeing Aria not lose herself completely and finding love. I also enjoyed how she has this strength about her it was refreshing to see.
If you enjoy action, drama, suspense, some paranormal powers. Then pick this book up. I don't think you would be disappointed.
Profile Image for Bookreviewmoo.
64 reviews8 followers
September 27, 2015
I was sent this book by Shea in turn for an honest reveiw!!!

Paranormal romance is not one of my first choice reads but am glad she happened upon my Facebook Blog page and messaged me!!!

This is a gritty read which some readers may find some of the content may cause triggers!!

It has more than one characters POV... And that's not something I've seen often. This makes it very interesting as it keeps you on your toes and guessing... it's dark, but has a good love story behind it!! I could go into the ins and outs of the story but would be giving massive spoilers away!!! I loved the way it kept interested and question things which is a must for me!!!

Read it and you won't be disappointed!!! A well deserved 5 stars!!!!
Profile Image for Jamie .
1,487 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2015
Wow, this was one heck of a ride. Aria and Ian didn't meet your normal way, but a pull or bond formed between them. Their are twist and mystery in this story. Life as Ian knew wasn't what he thought. Secret are revealed and Aria's life is on the line and Ian will do anything to keep her and the special gift she has for him. I don't want to give much away, but this is a action pack, loving relationship forming and family coming together to make sure Aria and Ian are safe and together. Trust is a big deal an important to make a relationship work. I will say Shea Swain a job well done. I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Marie Yule.
300 reviews6 followers
September 17, 2015
Blurb:~
When Aria Cole turned eighteen, she wanted nothing more than to trade childish balloons and sugary confetti cake for Dirty Martinis and dancing all night. Determined to shed her Perfect Princess image and surround herself with guys who didn’t know she was the daughter of an overly protective small town Sheriff, Aria decided a fun-filled night in the big city was the answer.

Being assaulted and marked for death was not what Aria had envisioned.

At twenty-one, former child prodigy Ian Howl finally agreed to work for his uncle at Howl Industries. Independently wealthy, he needed a change from his idle playboy lifestyle and wanted a challenge. To celebrate his new position, a lavish party was thrown in his honor.

However, Ian’s version of fun didn’t include being drugged and mixed up in a murder plot.

A chance meeting had brought Aria and Ian together but what they endured that evening linked them forever. Ian wanted answers and revenge. Aria wanted to forget that awful night. But forgetting is not an option when you know too much. Hunted and terrified, Aria must rely on and trust a stranger with her life. Haunted by guilt, Ian’s primary concern was Aria’s safety and if he had to unleash hell to achieve it, then so be it. Neither of them could have anticipated the events that brought them together but once their mutual passion and power is realized…many lives are forever changed.



My Thoughts:~
The first half of the book I found it was getting to know Aria and what had happened that fateful night and her relationship building with Ian.. It was apparent that Ian and Aria had been bound together through the events, it had kept my attention reading how they were going to overcome their feelings.

The second half of the book was .. wow.. my mouth was left hanging open with surprise. The way the first half of the book had been set up was a totally different direction than I expected.. Just didn't see it coming!

Ever had one of those books that you find hard to review? This book is one.. It is so unique I can't express, or do justice to what I have just read.


**May update further once I'm not shell shocked ;)**



Profile Image for Jessica Cox.
697 reviews13 followers
October 31, 2015
Wow this story has it all, a beautiful yet tragic love story as well as suspense, mystery, paranormal, and a bit of darkness.This novel was about Aria and Ian to young adults and their journey of love. I loved all the aspects of Aria is had to grow up so much in the story but yet she still kept her sweetness and stayed genuine. Ian was so protective of Aria it was very swoon worthy. Even though they met under horrible conditions you couldn't fault Ian for his role. Their are so many twists and turns I had to stay up all night to finish the story. Shea Dwain is definitely an amazing writer I will definitely be picking up her next work.
701 reviews2 followers
Read
September 28, 2019
Everything, Everything Meets Jason Bourne

Plot twists, deep character development, swoony chemistry, visceral familial and romantic emotion, and deft and detailed writing elevate this from a romantic suspense to a full blown life changing experience! I literally annotated or highlighted every page. I wish this were made into a movie as it’s a delicious mesh of my favorite genres: BWWM IR and action/super hero!
399 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2018
Three great reads in a row

This is the first time I have ever read three great books by the same author in a row . All full of surprises. Anger.love betrayal . Books so good you hate to put them down. Ok I'm stepping out on a limb here going for number 4 and I just know it's going to be a hit .
137 reviews
August 31, 2021
Would love a sequel

This book has triggers but it is so it is ugly and vicious but beautiful and moving. If you are easily triggered don't read it and complain. The book is not for you. The story is full and rich and stays with you. I've read it more than once and I would love a sequel that allows a peak at their lives maybe 5 years later during the Dad's presidential run.
449 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2019
Whoa!

Shea Swain's books just keep getting better and better. It was hard trying to get through the fiery part of the book but it's necessary for the story. This is definitely one of the best and this author is also one of my favorites. This is a five star read!
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,189 reviews119 followers
February 23, 2024
This book is amazing! It's dark and horrific in places, although it doesn't go overboard with detail. The author gives you just enough so you feel the terror and pain, without glorifying it. It is also full of love, hope and the closeness that family can bring.

Aria and Ian both meet under "exceptional" circumstances which I won't go into. Suffice it to say, that they were both innocent and naive before this time, but their innocence is ripped away from them both. They lean on each other to start with, until Aria goes back to her family. Ian can't just leave it like that though, and needs to know that she is safe. It is a good thing that he sticks around as Aria is indeed threatened, as is her family. Ian and Aria go on the run (with her father's blessing) until they can figure out just what is going on and why.

This book is exceptionally well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors to distract from the read. It is gripping and a complete page-turner. You will not want to put this book down once you have started it. Although it is a complete story in and of itself, I would love to know just what happens next!

For a book with the hero's name being Howl, there is not a traditional shifter in sight, although lots of other 'unexplainables' are there! Interesting, quirky, painful, and hopeful, I can highly recommend Invidious Betrayal.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 22, 2016
Profile Image for Mandy.
51 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2016
Inviduous Betrayal
by Shae Swain

Oh. My. Goodness!
This is a stunning story from beginning to end. A totally unexpected start where Aria is betrayed by a friend that she trusts on her 18th birthday, a betrayal that changes her life irrevocably. Ian also is betrayed by a person he has trusted since his birth.....sometimes with his life.
A book filled with unexpected twists, a perfect example of Fringe Science.
This book had me facing a Monday morning and 2 busy toddlers with bloodshot eyes, and facing tasks with resentment because I had the characters taking up residence in my mind.
I do not want to say any more for fear of spoiling this lovely read for anyone. Just be aware lest you, like me become addicted to this lady's mind.
I have no choice but to award a full house of 5 stars in Amazon and GR and 10/10 in IPI.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
278 reviews7 followers
December 31, 2016
What an amazing story this is the first book I have read by author Shea Swain and it won't be my last. This book has excitement, and love and wonder as well as suspense all wrapped into one. Ian was to take over the family business however someone in the family didn't want him to get this position so they had to get rid of him but couldn't kill him it would draw to much attention. So they decided to make him get into some of the most horrific of troubles, that's when he meets Aria, she is beautiful a gift to him for taking over the company. Except she is not who he thinks she is and when he finds out he is furious and vows to take whoever is responsible down. But when Ian gets closer to the truth will he truly be able to help Aria. This is an amazing edge of your seat read. Can't wait for what this author has coming next.
Profile Image for Anita.
206 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2016
I had the pleasure to read this book as an ARC and I am so happy I did! I absolutely loved it from start to finish. The beginning deals with a very emotional topic yet Shea Swain has written it perfectly; not too heavy and not too light. I fell in love with the main characters despite how they met, and enjoyed reading of their journey through the turmoil that came from their initial meeting. The added bonus of a supernatural twist was fantastic! I thought Shea's first book was great but this one is even better. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys love stories and watching people find their way to each other despite obstacles.
Profile Image for Christine.
Author 2 books32 followers
April 23, 2016
***THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER/AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**

Invidious Betrayal by Shea Swain is a fast-paced thrill ride from start to finish.

This book had every emotion rolling, and just like the best roller coasters, twists around every turn.

Aria has an inner strength that anyone would aspire to, and I fell in love with Ian from the start.

There is graphic, but not gratuitous, violence. A definite must read.

**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.**
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