What do you think?
Rate this book
Hell's Belles #2
Southern Charmed
They'll bless your heart before they hex your a**
Foster kid Briar Givhans grew up on the wrong side of the Charleston society tracks. She has no idea who her parents are or where she came from. She showed up as a toddler on the door step of a fire station with a note stuck to her back with just her name and age on it. No one ever claimed her.
Now she's an adult and has long since given up on figuring out her true identity.
And then Hell's Belles comes knocking on her door...
This is Book Two in the Hell's Belles trilogy! Questions are answered... And even more are raised. To be a Belle is to hide everything you are. All to protect the ones you love. It's more high stakes adventure in the Holy City! The conclusion will happen in the last book of the trilogy.
Foster kid Briar Givhans grew up on the wrong side of the Charleston society tracks. She has no idea who her parents are or where she came from. She showed up as a toddler on the door step of a fire station with a note stuck to her back with just her name and age on it. No one ever claimed her.
Now she's an adult and has long since given up on figuring out her true identity.
And then Hell's Belles comes knocking on her door...
This is Book Two in the Hell's Belles trilogy! Questions are answered... And even more are raised. To be a Belle is to hide everything you are. All to protect the ones you love. It's more high stakes adventure in the Holy City! The conclusion will happen in the last book of the trilogy.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2018
153 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 4, 2018
On the cover we find Briar Ghivans who has no idea who are parents or where she comes from. From a very young age she was found in front of a fire station with only one word in her name, giving her name her age. Since she is an adult she has stopped looking for her origins. And then Hell's Belles comes to find her.
I loved this second volume where I learned a lot about Ezekiel pity that it ended in cliffangher. Eager to read what follows.
I loved this second volume where I learned a lot about Ezekiel pity that it ended in cliffangher. Eager to read what follows.
December 16, 2024
Audiobook narrated by
Nicole Poole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another stellar performance by Nicole Poole.
The story was a bit on the short side and predictable but entertaining.
Nicole Poole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another stellar performance by Nicole Poole.
The story was a bit on the short side and predictable but entertaining.
February 8, 2018
rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. we continue from the 1st book where we meet Briar, a girl who was found at 2 yrs old and spends the rest of her childhood in a home for orphaned kids. she didn't have the greatest time there being picked on by other kids bit she knew she was different. when the mean kids throw her in the shed and lock her in there she feels anger towards the girl who did that and the next thing she hears is screaming and pain. of course she is blamed eventho she was locked in a shed. another time her bff at the house breaks her finger when briar touches it and it's miraculously healed. one day a beautiful woman comes to look at the girls by the name of Virginia Embers but nothing came from it. fast Forward a few months when she is working at a diner and living in a tiny apt..its not the life but at least she's on her own. when she returns to her place she is shocked to see Virginia sitting in her living room. um...hello..B & E. Virginia offers her some answers but more questions arise. the next thing Briar knows is she wakes up in a luxurious room with more questions. briar learns so much about her past and why things were the way they were. she also learns she has a twin sister. it's all too much for briar esp when the bad guy has her kidnapped from a car. he tries to convince her to join him. what will briar do? will she get the facts strait? will she finally meet her sister? will she understand her powers or will she turn against everything?
November 3, 2018
Entertaining and occasionally enraging, but mostly unsatisfying. Another reviewer commented that readers were left wanting more. Yes, exactly, but in a bad way. As with book 1, this novel is underdeveloped and ends with a cliffhanger and more questions than answers. To go into book 3 of a series with major plot points undefined is really...annoying, not good, vexing. It's like burying the lead of a story in the last paragraph. It doesn't serve to create suspense either; it's just irritating. We still don't know who the heck these people are in the grand scheme of life. What kind of supernatural creatures are they? In one place, Virginia describes herself as a witch, but it almost seems as if it's merely an easy out rather than the real answer. The answers Briar gets for her life are likewise lacking in real explanation. When one of the Belle's uses her gift to show Briar what could have been if path A had been followed, she should have shown the consequences of that life. Without the "and you all died in a blazing inferno the next day", there's really no reason for Briar to believe that Virginia made the right decisions for her. Plot annoyances aside, it says a lot about Ms. Claire's creativity and imagination that I'm still willing to follow her down this road. The story itself is compelling and I need to find out how they defeat the bad guy.
January 21, 2018
This is the second book in the Hell’s Belle’s trilogy. Briar has grown up in the foster system as an orphan, but in this book she finds out she really isn’t an orphan, and she’s special because of her ability. Just how special I won’t say as I don’t want to spoil a part of the plot. I found this book as fun as the first one, but it is different. Not in a bad way different, but it was different than the first one. I find that a good quality in that the author can write in different ways but still keep the reader engrossed, which she did. Of course, the book was well-written and the characters were great, even the characters we don’t see much. I really enjoyed this addition to the series, and I enjoyed the way the author makes each book a piece of the puzzle she’s slowly revealing. I am eagerly waiting for the next book! Highly recommend! Thanks to the author for the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.
February 12, 2018
Southern Charmed does not pick up exactly where Hell's Belles left off. Instead, it begins with an introduction to another Belle who, just like Emma, doesn't know anything about the world of the Belles. This, tragically, leads to Alison Claire using exposition to re-introduce the world that she spent most of the last book introducing (via exposition). To put it simply, this was boring. Almost half of the book was unnecessary exposition, in which the reader is re-introduced to elements of the world that they just read about in the last book. This is ridiculous and, quite frankly, made me feel like Alison Claire thought I, as the reader, was stupid.
While the action does pick up in the second half of the book, victory seems far too easy for the Belles. I never felt like any of them were in any danger, even though they'd been building up to the confrontation for a long time.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
While the action does pick up in the second half of the book, victory seems far too easy for the Belles. I never felt like any of them were in any danger, even though they'd been building up to the confrontation for a long time.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 14, 2018
“They'll bless your heart before they hex your a**”
For anyone who is at all familiar with what a Southern woman means when she says “bless your heart” the above tagline is hard to resist. For anyone who had read the first (utterly fabulous) book in Alison Claire Hell's Belles trilogy, it’s totally impossible to resist. Luckily any resistance is unnecessary as Southern Charmed, book 2 in the series, is as fabulous as the first book. So welcome back to Charleston and to the kick-a** witches who call themselves the Belles. This time the heroine is a new one, former foster child Briar Givhans, who “grew up on the wrong side of the Charleston society”. No matter though as she will prove to be a very worthy heroine indeed in another tale that’s full of thrills, adventure, wonderful characters and great twists and turns.
Totally recommended, with the caveat that while this book can definitely stand alone it’s still best to read book 1 first for maximum enjoyment.
For anyone who is at all familiar with what a Southern woman means when she says “bless your heart” the above tagline is hard to resist. For anyone who had read the first (utterly fabulous) book in Alison Claire Hell's Belles trilogy, it’s totally impossible to resist. Luckily any resistance is unnecessary as Southern Charmed, book 2 in the series, is as fabulous as the first book. So welcome back to Charleston and to the kick-a** witches who call themselves the Belles. This time the heroine is a new one, former foster child Briar Givhans, who “grew up on the wrong side of the Charleston society”. No matter though as she will prove to be a very worthy heroine indeed in another tale that’s full of thrills, adventure, wonderful characters and great twists and turns.
Totally recommended, with the caveat that while this book can definitely stand alone it’s still best to read book 1 first for maximum enjoyment.
January 21, 2018
The continual series of the fascinating story of the belles of Charleston. The book is mainly focused on the other belle, Briar, who went into foster care at the tender age of 2. It is an unraveling perspective of how this girl grew up alone yet very strong but like the other belles, she will unconsciously discover her special power when letting go of her anger. Briar has in fact the ability of breaking bones. When Virginia takes her back, her world collapses because she will finally know the truth of her upbringing. Can she forgive Virginia for abandoning her? Will she be enough to defeat Ezekiel? Continue the voyage with them with this enchanting read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of the book.
February 2, 2018
Southern Charmed is the second book in Alison Claire's Hell's Belles trilogy and it is just as sassy and magical as book 1. The characters Alison Claire has created are easy to connect to and each have their own distinct personalities that gives each girl her own role in the belles. Not only are the characters enjoyable in Southern Charmed, but the plot is enchanting. I could not put down this book once I started and finished it in just a few hours. There has been a lot of build up to the final face-off between Virginia Ember's belles and Ezekiel Walker, so I can't wait to find out what happens in the conclusion of this series!
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2018
Southern Charm picks up were Hells's Belles left off. Brier learns why she was abandoned, and who her family was. She can't help but be angry and resentful. Forgiveness is hard coming. A run in with Ezekiel Walker, starts to sway her. Her rescue by Aleta and another attack by Zillah have her firmly with the Belles. She has found the family she as always longed for. Who Ezekiel is, is reveled. His power is unfathomable. Greed seems to be his motivation. To defeat him may cost all of them their lives.
Fast paced and ends in a cliffhanger. Can't wait for Carolina Conjuring to see how it all ends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Love this series and have added to my wish list.
Fast paced and ends in a cliffhanger. Can't wait for Carolina Conjuring to see how it all ends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Love this series and have added to my wish list.
February 6, 2018
Second book in the Hell's Belles trilogy and it's as good maybe even better than book one even if slightly different.
Belle is a child of the foster system she is an orphan or is she. We find out a lot about her and her link to Emma (Hell's Belles) we are also starting to find out all about the bad guys from book 1 I am sure we will find out even more in Book 3.
This was a fast paced book that really seemed to fly as you where reading it I can't wait for book 3 and would recommend this series to anyone but make sure you read it in order.
I was given an ARC copy of this book but this is a true and honest review
Belle is a child of the foster system she is an orphan or is she. We find out a lot about her and her link to Emma (Hell's Belles) we are also starting to find out all about the bad guys from book 1 I am sure we will find out even more in Book 3.
This was a fast paced book that really seemed to fly as you where reading it I can't wait for book 3 and would recommend this series to anyone but make sure you read it in order.
I was given an ARC copy of this book but this is a true and honest review
February 10, 2018
This is the second book in the Hell’s Belle’s trilogy. This book focuses on Briar who has grown up in the foster system and has no knowledge of her family or past, but in this book she finds out she isn’t an orphan, and she has special abilities.
This is a nice YA urban fantasy book and is as fun as the first one, although quite different. The book is well-written and the characters were great, even the characters we don’t see much. I enjoyed this addition to the series, and I enjoy the gradual pieces together and revealing of the story across the trilogy. This is a great trilogy for YA fantasy fans!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
This is a nice YA urban fantasy book and is as fun as the first one, although quite different. The book is well-written and the characters were great, even the characters we don’t see much. I enjoyed this addition to the series, and I enjoy the gradual pieces together and revealing of the story across the trilogy. This is a great trilogy for YA fantasy fans!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
January 27, 2018
I don't usually read cliffhangers, but I made an exception for this series after I started reading the first book. The writing flows well, and the characters are great. All of them bring something special to the story. This book focuses on Briar, and at first I didn't like her. I know she has some issues, but she didn't want to accept that things happened to protect her, not hurt her. I wanted to shake her a few times. I'm not usually a paranormal fan, but this series is awesome. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
February 11, 2018
Southern Charmed at it's core is a classic good vs evil story with a magical twist. It continues the story of the Belle's and ends on a cliffhanger. I am not a cliffhager fan However in this case it works! I still feel that I got a full story out of this book - The ending just entices me to find out more. The author does a fabulous job of introducung the characters as well as providing the back story that the reader becomes fully invested in them. We have been a part of their journey and want to see them succeed! Looking forward to the next part of the journey.
February 13, 2018
I received this book free of charge, and provide my review voluntarily.
Though quite a bit shorter than the first book, the second book in the Hell's Belles trilogy packs just as much of a wallop. The addition of yet another Belle, on top of learning her connection to Emma, adds to the excitement of the story. Southern Charmed is one of those stories that almost makes the reader feel breathless, as they are rushed from one dilemma headlong into another. I hope I won't have to wait too long for the final book.
Though quite a bit shorter than the first book, the second book in the Hell's Belles trilogy packs just as much of a wallop. The addition of yet another Belle, on top of learning her connection to Emma, adds to the excitement of the story. Southern Charmed is one of those stories that almost makes the reader feel breathless, as they are rushed from one dilemma headlong into another. I hope I won't have to wait too long for the final book.
March 9, 2018
Briar Givhans and the Hell's Belles
Young Briar is dropped at the Goose Creek SC firestation with a note saying she is two years old. She spends a lonely childhood in foster care. As she is about to graduate from high school, she meets Virginia Embers.
At 18, after aging out of foster care, Briar moves to Charleston and is working at a cafe, when she meets Virginia again. Briar is introduced to Virginia's four wards, the Hell's Belles
Excellent characterization and plotting. I'm looking forward to reading the 3rd book in this series.
Young Briar is dropped at the Goose Creek SC firestation with a note saying she is two years old. She spends a lonely childhood in foster care. As she is about to graduate from high school, she meets Virginia Embers.
At 18, after aging out of foster care, Briar moves to Charleston and is working at a cafe, when she meets Virginia again. Briar is introduced to Virginia's four wards, the Hell's Belles
Excellent characterization and plotting. I'm looking forward to reading the 3rd book in this series.
April 28, 2018
Briar is uncovered
Emma has a twin, and neither knew, nor did their family. Briar was brought up in the foster system, ending in a group home. She works as a waitress and comes home one day to find Virginia on her couch. After some aggressive discussion, she ends up at Montague(sp). They tell her things, show her more, and agree to take her to see Emma the next day. Where she's kidnapped by Zillah. And that's not even the exciting part! Another excellent book. Waiting for number 3.
Emma has a twin, and neither knew, nor did their family. Briar was brought up in the foster system, ending in a group home. She works as a waitress and comes home one day to find Virginia on her couch. After some aggressive discussion, she ends up at Montague(sp). They tell her things, show her more, and agree to take her to see Emma the next day. Where she's kidnapped by Zillah. And that's not even the exciting part! Another excellent book. Waiting for number 3.
January 3, 2019
I received an ARC of this story through Hidden Gems and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Alison Clair has made another amazing entry into her Hell’s Belles series and I couldn’t put this down. Briar’s character was just what the series and this group of bad A** gals needed! As warned, this story ends on another cliffhanger just as the first did, but the cliffhanger and wait to find out what happens were worth it before so I’m sure they will be again! I cannot wait to see where book 3 takes the Belles!
Alison Clair has made another amazing entry into her Hell’s Belles series and I couldn’t put this down. Briar’s character was just what the series and this group of bad A** gals needed! As warned, this story ends on another cliffhanger just as the first did, but the cliffhanger and wait to find out what happens were worth it before so I’m sure they will be again! I cannot wait to see where book 3 takes the Belles!
May 6, 2022
Rating: 4-STAR
Age: Pg-13
BOOK 1:
Set of Twin Girls that were Split at Birth -Emma (Healer) and Briar (Bone Breaker) .Emma is found and moves to live with Miss Virginia. Miss V matriarch to Hell's Belles, a secret society of debutante witches in the historic city of Charleston. They live with other witches in a big southern style plantation house. Emma helps them defeat old enemies.
BOOK 2:
Other Twin Briar -is found and moved to live with Mis Virginia to find out who she really is.
Mrs.C
Age: Pg-13
BOOK 1:
Set of Twin Girls that were Split at Birth -Emma (Healer) and Briar (Bone Breaker) .Emma is found and moves to live with Miss Virginia. Miss V matriarch to Hell's Belles, a secret society of debutante witches in the historic city of Charleston. They live with other witches in a big southern style plantation house. Emma helps them defeat old enemies.
BOOK 2:
Other Twin Briar -is found and moved to live with Mis Virginia to find out who she really is.
Mrs.C
January 29, 2018
I haven’t had a book in some time that I couldn’t put down. I really enjoyed this second installment of this series. My only complaint, it was too short! I know I’ll get everything I want from the trilogy once the last book is released. Sisters get to reunite, bullies get their just deserts, and some characters get a bigger role. There is still a lot of mystery shourding this story. I still can’t stand snobby characters but will endure happily.
January 29, 2018
The story line is still interesting, so I will most likely read the next.
However, the author really needs to invest in an editor. I had to reread a few sentences to understand what was happening because whole words were missing or the wrong word was used. Some sentences had periods where commas should be. If I have to decode what I am reading, it takes the fun out of the experience. I spend more time correcting the writing rather than enjoying the story.
However, the author really needs to invest in an editor. I had to reread a few sentences to understand what was happening because whole words were missing or the wrong word was used. Some sentences had periods where commas should be. If I have to decode what I am reading, it takes the fun out of the experience. I spend more time correcting the writing rather than enjoying the story.
February 3, 2018
Really?
I hate cliffhangers! But now I just want the next book! This series of a story is told in a very unusual, mind challenging way. I don’t believe I have ever read a story written quite like this from this perspective. The storyline is great, but the storytelling is amazing. I feel like my mind is stretching or expanding in order to follow and comprehend the whole story landscape. Thanks for the innovation! Go Belles!
I hate cliffhangers! But now I just want the next book! This series of a story is told in a very unusual, mind challenging way. I don’t believe I have ever read a story written quite like this from this perspective. The storyline is great, but the storytelling is amazing. I feel like my mind is stretching or expanding in order to follow and comprehend the whole story landscape. Thanks for the innovation! Go Belles!
March 29, 2018
A wonderful book about briar who was bought up in a orphanage and ends up getting a job and her own place.
One day a woman comes to her place and uses her powers and she wakes up in the womans house.
She learns she has a twin sister and both have powers.
A wonderful book about having a family when you thought you had none and about people with magical powers.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
One day a woman comes to her place and uses her powers and she wakes up in the womans house.
She learns she has a twin sister and both have powers.
A wonderful book about having a family when you thought you had none and about people with magical powers.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
April 8, 2018
Incomplete
It feels incomplete, I really hate when a book ends up like that, with no real ending it just stops. Sure, you could call it a cliffhanger, but even those need to be well done, not stop midconversation. This is the kind of cliffhanger I would expect from one chapter to another, not one book to the next. The book is not that big, there was no need to cut it short it was just the author's greed to force people to buy the next book.
It feels incomplete, I really hate when a book ends up like that, with no real ending it just stops. Sure, you could call it a cliffhanger, but even those need to be well done, not stop midconversation. This is the kind of cliffhanger I would expect from one chapter to another, not one book to the next. The book is not that big, there was no need to cut it short it was just the author's greed to force people to buy the next book.
January 22, 2018
Southern Charmed
The first book was good, this book was great! Though it continued the story from the first book it caught my attention right away and kept it throughout. With the two new Belles learning more and more of their past and families. It ends with a cliffhanger and I can't wait to start the third book in the series.
The first book was good, this book was great! Though it continued the story from the first book it caught my attention right away and kept it throughout. With the two new Belles learning more and more of their past and families. It ends with a cliffhanger and I can't wait to start the third book in the series.
February 6, 2018
she has no idea who her parents were and she had long ago stopped thinking of them. she is visited by the hells bells and now everything has changed. will she find out who she really is? what about her parents? what will happen now? a wonderful read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2018
The secrets are coming out, the Belle's are in danger and there's a war to fight. Too bad the enemy is related to one of the Belle's Another Belle is surprised to learn she is not alone in the world. And, another Belle learns her powers can not always save her. Together the Belles take out an evil person, who deserved to died many times over. A quick read.
February 12, 2018
Excellent!
Picked up where Hell's Belles left off without missing a beat. Incan hardly wait to read the third book in the series. The Hell's Belles are my first reading experience with Alison Claire but I can guarantee that I will be searching out more books by this most excellent author.
Picked up where Hell's Belles left off without missing a beat. Incan hardly wait to read the third book in the series. The Hell's Belles are my first reading experience with Alison Claire but I can guarantee that I will be searching out more books by this most excellent author.
February 13, 2018
A fantastic installment to this series. It answers some of the questions raised in book 1 and asks many more that I hope to find answers to in book 3. Such an imaginative story that is well written and full of emotion. I can't wait for book 3. I requested a review copy of this book so I could post an honest review.
January 23, 2018
I love these books and these girls!! This book focused on Briar and all she went through growing up - only to discover that nothing was as it seemed! This series is enchanting and intriguing and I can't wait to read the next book!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews