Rollin is a Balinese Guardian who’s been a protector all his life. He was raised by his adopted mom Cat who also raised four other kids whon Rollin loves as his own siblings. Rollin has moved out on his own but still stops to see Cat every morning as she is close to giving birth. Rollin is worried about two of his four siblings more than the other two. Bette is an aristocratic vampire from Valenna and has been dominated by the evil Lady and It’s Captain. Her parents had been killed and she is wanted to mark and mate her for money because of hre station. To prevent a mating mark from being forced on her Betty locks herself in her house for the next ten years.About once a month a friend comes and brings Bette something to eat. Now Bette’s sanity is in question and the sun calls to her which would be instant death. So Bette has decided to seduce one of the guardians and she would have her own protector but also Bette believes the only bond she can form and will save her life is the bond between a mother and child. She wants to get pregnant. Bette gets to Balenere which is a haven for all who need refuge. Rollin and another Guardian are on shift. Bette tells rollin she is being chased by demons. Rollin doesn’t believe her but lets her in anyway and takes her to his own home. Bette and Rollin have secrets that they try to hide from one another.From the beginning Bette and Rollin are barely apart and Rollin doesn’t want to let Bette go.Rollin needs to be needed and Bette needs him. He tries to make Bette feel safe. Bette finds herself falling for Rollin. Bette understands more about Rollin than his family does. Bette is the first woman Rollin has ever got close to. Soon Rollin is falling for Bette and she for him. But she also knows association with her could ruin Rollins future. She is starting to doubt her original plan is worth Rollin sacrificing his dream as she loves him now. But there are guardians letting demons into the city and others fighting for money. Rollin hungers to mark Bette as his own but than Betet disappears.
I had mixed feelings about this book. Like Bette locking herself in wehen Vampires can go right through doors and walls. I also felt this could use some action to liven it up. But I did enjoy this book I just wouldn’t read this again and that goes into my rating. I did love Rollin and Bette together. They were really want each other needed. I also got irritated by hearing about the age difference so what vampires tend to live a long time if not killed or go into the sun. i did also like the plot. I felt bad bette was at the point of wanting to commit suicide. At times this felt a little rushed to me. I also HATE cliffhangers and that also added to the drop in ratings for me. I got a little confused at times while reading this also. There were also a few too many side plots. As you can see i have mixed feelings on this book.

***This review originally appeared with RT BOOK REVIEWS***

For the best experience, readers are advised to start nearer the beginning of this series. While the worldbuilding is intriguing, it can be a bit confusing to piece together the rules this late in the game. Bette is an unusual character, and may not be every reader’s cup of tea. She’s got a 50’s pinup vibe; she’s needy and more than a little bit crazy, but also empathetic and perceptive. He’s a born caretaker, and Bette needs that, but she also lavishes attention and care on him, something he didn’t know he was missing. Rollin is part of an ongoing series ensemble arc as a member of the city’s royal family, and their stories are woven into the background of this one. The romance is a bit uneven but the layered story lines help propel the pacing.

SUMMARY: Bette Dautry has been secluded alone for a decade, unable to step outside her home for the threat of being permanently mated against her will. But she’s losing her mind and her will to live, and the only thing that might save her is a child. With help from a family friend, she escapes a hostile city for Balinese, and her empty mansion for a modest apartment shared with a gallant Guardian. He’s perfect for her purpose, but can she use him so ruthlessly? Rollin can’t turn away a woman in need, and Bette needs a lot. She’s by turns worldly and sheltered, seductive and naïve, and the contradictions make his head spin. He’s falling for her, but he knows she’s lying to him.

While this book was enjoyable, it was very slow. Pretty much the whole focus was on the main couple and their feelings. Honestly, I don't think they made a good couple for many reasons either. Bette had serious issues to overcome, and her intentions did not start out as sincere. But most important was the fact that she was WAY WAY WAY older than Rolon and I think that lent to an almost naive feeling about him.

It's been about two years since the end of the last book. Rolon has moved out on his own and become a Guardian. Something he takes great pride in. Cat is pregnant and restless. Demons are being led right into the city. And Rolon's brother is becoming harder to rein in. Still, he seems pretty happy.

Bette flees her city because the call of the sun has become too great for her fight for much longer. She plans to seduce a guard at Balinese in order to give her a child, therefore something to live for. What she has gone thru at her own city has had a terrible effect on her and she loses her grip on sanity often.

Rolon happens to be on duty the night Bette shows up and from there they hardly ever leave each other's sides. Bette desires protection almost more than anything and that is something that Rolon craves to provide. Bette feels safe with Rolon and is able to be herself around him (when her paranoia doesn't take over) leading to her quickly falling for him. Rolon knows her story isn't true, but he can't figure out exactly what part and he knows she keeps many secrets from him. Still, despite trying, he can't help the way she makes him want her. An issue with these two is the fact that they are not fated mates but by the end that doesn't seem to matter at all. If that was the case, it shouldn't have been made into such a big deal.

Navarre also has a big surprise in store. I can't really say that it surprised me considering how he is, but I'm not so sure it was a wise idea. Maybe we'll find out, maybe not. Because it's repercussions wouldn't come about for quite a long time.

My favorite part was definitely the epilogue. I am beyond intrigued by the stalker lord and want to know more about him!

Only love can save her from certain death. Too bad, she doesn’t believe in love...

When Bette Dautry comes to him, seeking his protection, Guardian Rollin Casteel suspects the mysterious beauty has an ulterior motive. Unable to resist her seductive charms, he soon hungers to mark her as his. Only Bette disappears before he can sink his teeth into her tender flesh, leaving Rollin with one mission: to find her—and to claim her. . . .

Bette seduces Rollin intent on conceiving his child, believing the mother-child bond to be the only kind of love she can sustain—the only kind of love that can keep her alive. But she never expects to feel so much for her strong and silent lover. Then she discovers Rollin is none other than the heir to the Balinese throne—a man too noble—too dear—to play a role in her dark scheme. A man she would willingly die for, if only he would set her free. . . .

Review:

This is book number 4 in the continuing story of the saga of vampires and demons. It is a unique series as it gives a different take on these two warring parties.

This specifically is Bette and Rollin's story. I really liked them both and liked the idea of Bette escaping her city in the hopes to have a child and turn the feeling of needing to die. Rollin is super sweet and alpha, and just an all around good character. There are sweet and sexy together. I liked the story, but I kept waiting for something exciting to happen. Someone to come after Bette or there to be a battle over her or even some real conflict or pregnancy between Bette and Rollin to add some tension. It just was not there. For me it just lacked that excitement to make it an even better story. I will keep on reading the series because I like the storyline, this is just not my favorite of the series.

3.5Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

The Cities Below takes place in an altered world that the author brings to vivid life and really makes it easy for the readers picture each and every scene. Her world includes vampires and demons that she has created with a bit of unique flair and her characters are strong and vibrant which ensures that readers want to know every last detail of the story as they become completely caught up in the story.

Sheltered is full of sweet romance with some very heated passion to heat up the pages and emotional turbulence that grabs readers by their hearts which of course keeps things interesting as the story is also full of suspense and a few twists to keep readers guessing.

First, Bette has a secret agenda and Rollin is keeping secrets, both have good solid reasons for doing so, but they are emotional reasons, so this keeps readers on the edge as they await the final outcome of this romance. There is also some drama and conflict among other characters in the book that adds depth and helps to pull readers deeper into this fascinating world.

As with each and every visit to The Cities Below, I found that I was completely caught up in the book from the very beginning and I am looking forward to my next visit. Jen Colly’s world has some unique qualities that have me recommending that you read the books in order, only so that you more understand the intricacies of her world but they can be read as standalone as well.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

When I started reading the first chapter, I was really confused and even wondered if I had the wrong book. When I read the book description, it did not say that his was a paranormal setting, and I had no idea that I was starting the series in book 4. While it took me a few chapters to understand what was going on, I would have enjoyed the book much more if I had read the previous books, and not left with a cliffhanger at the end.

The story itself was interesting and I could understand how Bette was going a little crazy after ten years of hiding out in her home. She takes a risk and leaves for Balinese and the escape is pretty anticlimactic!

I did like that Bette was able to support Rollin and sad that he never really felt that kind of support before her. It seems like even with the age difference between them, Bette is the type of person that Rollin needs in his life since he is a protector type and she needs protecting! I think if he found his true mate was someone like Cat or Dulcina, he would be miserable!

For myself, I would have enjoyed the book a lot more after reading the previous books, as I love when previous characters are featured and we continue to see them in the series. Much of my confusion would have been answered if there was a little preface that gives a little background to this world and its characters. I was never sure if someone was human or vampire!

When I picked up Sheltered I somehow missed the important fact that this is a story deep within a series. I’m a reader who enjoys, needs to start from the beginning to get all the world building, nuances and background – not everyone feels this way but I do. So, having said that I did enjoy Sheltered for what it is, an engaging Paranormal Romance. I liked Bette and Rollin, even if I didn’t understand them at times. For a novel involving vampires there is little to no action, no real danger that I could feel from this one. There is implied, of course, but missing the beginnings of this series that fell short for me.

So, I’m going to do something I rarely do in a review. I’m going to withhold my final judgement about this story until I can get caught up on the series – then I’ll revise this review when I understand things that I feel I should have known to get the full entertainment value of this story.

For now, I enjoyed Sheltered, even if I wasn’t thrilled with what I consider a cliffhanging ending. Based on this story, I enjoyed Rollin and Bette, there are issues to be dealt with but I believed in their passion for each other. Will I continue with this series? I frankly do not know, that will depend on my reaction to the first story in this series, In The Dark which is now on my Kindle.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a voluntarily and honest opinion.

Bette is basically the last of "royalty" in her city. It is a city that has fallen dark. She basically lives behind doors because of those that would marry her just to gain her fortune and once she marries she doesn't necessarily need to live. For a Vampire to feel this hopeless, she thinks about ending it all....by walking into the light. She decides she must leave this city....

Bette gets help fleeing the city and arrives at the city where Rollin is a guardian. She tells him and his fellow guardian that demons have been pursuing her and Rollin vows to protect her.

Rollin has suspicions though. He can tell that Bette is not telling him everything and wonders what she is hiding. There is a definite attraction between them but can he trust her? Does she have an agenda?

Bette is feeling confused because she finds herself starting to feel for Rollin. This wasn't part of the plan when she fled her city. Why does Rollin run hot and cold?

Along with this, there is danger in the city...

Will they find the trust they need to love?

This book was very different. The Vampires lived in "cities below" and I did wonder at some point id there were cities above where the humans lived or if it were more of a post apocaliptic type of thing. The question was never really answered for me but that aside I really liked the story.

Rollin is such a humble guy. His "father" is royalty but you would never know this by his demeanor. He is just a hard working man who believes in carrying his own weight in life. Bette, I don't think she had a mean bone in her body basically. She'd not really had any kind of life since her parents death and just wanted a chance to live, a chance at some type of happiness.

Sheltered by Jen Colly is book Four in "The Cities Below" series. This is the story of Bette Dautry and Rollin Casteel.
Both Bette and Rolling have secrets that they at first try to keep from the other. But they are both drawn to each other so much that Rollin isn't willing to let her go. Bette is even rethinking what she though she would get from Rollin.
I really enjoyed their story and the books I have read in this series. I do think you can make this a standalone book if you choose to do so.

When you think of vampires you think of strong, capable beings having the ability to do amazing things. But in Jen Colly’s new novel Sheltered the fourth book in The Cities Below, published under the Lyrical Press brand and sold by Penguin Random House Publisher, you find that this is not always true and that there are just some vampires needing to be sheltered.
Though this story was easy to put down, just as quickly you wanted to pick it up to enjoy the rest of the story. I started Sheltered not realizing this story was part of a series, I had no trouble following the plot.
Sheltered follows the story of Bette Dautry a long vampire who feels the sun calling to her. If she doesn’t find something to bind her to this world, she just might take that final step into the sun. So, she decides to take a trip to the mystery city below, where she find Rollin a Guardian to the city. But unknown to Bette, Rollin is not just any Guardian, he is one of the heirs to the Balinese throne.
What I totally adored about Sheltered was the name spin of how the story will go and end. All through this story, Rollin had to shelter and protect Bette and that was totally okay with me. Which made this story very unique and pleasurable; I come to love the characters and the secondary characters.

Jen Colly is a new to me author and one I will read again.
I enjoyed the world building and though this book is part of a series it was easy to read it without feeling as though you were missing any key details. The characters were enjoyable, except for the heroine, Bette. I found her so difficult to like and couldn't really get to grips with her motivation. Nonetheless this was an interesting read and I look forward to catching up with the rest of the series.

A good honest paranormal romance. I really enjoyed reading it and appreciate the writing and the way the characters were developed.
Unfortunately there is a cliffhanger so I will need to read the next book :)
Recommended for people who likes paranormal romances.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley

Sheltered kept me hooked until the end. Overall writing was excellent.

3.5 stars !

This was a pleasant read, but it's plot was a little bland compared to it's previous book. Don't take me wrong, the MC's were good and had a lot of potential, but there were hardly any bumps along the way, so I felt pretty incomplete when the book got over.

So,we have Balinese guardian Rollin who's been a protector all his life and has had to grow up faster because of excruciating circumstances. He's been raised by his adoptive mom Cat (damn, she's bad-ass !!) along with 4 other kids whom he loves as his own. Bette, is a aristocratic vampire from another city, Valenna, which has been dominated by their evil Queen (or Lady in this case) and it's Captain (oohh, the Lady and Captain are doing the dirty !!!). Her parents have been killed and the guardians have been wanting to mark and mate her for the money. So, she's locked herself in the house for around 10 years. She has nothing to live for and apparently the sun calls to her (which means death, of course). But whatever ! So, she thinks she can seduce a man, and maybe get preggers, so that the bond of love between her child and her would save her. But, that she will fall for the said man, was unexpected (only by her, of course!).



I liked to read about how protective Rollin was about everyone, specially Bette. He was patient and sweet. The banter within the guardians was fun and it was fascinating how they were all loyal as a unit. We got glimpses of Rollin's siblings,Cat and Navarre and some of their drama. Let me tell you, Cat and Navarre are simply phenomenal. I loved that Cat was blood thirsty !! Just the women for me !! And that damn pet panther ??? Oh my Gawd !! I want me a pet panther !

Bette is all sophisticated and understands more about Rollin than his own family. The scenes between them were adorable. They are great for each other..Blah blah blah..All this is really sweet, but where is the action??? I would have loved to see some guardian action, some villains with evil intentions, some betrayal, some heartbreak.. Sigh!! For all the hype about the bad Lady of Valenna, she is hardly in the picture.. Like I said, everything was very vanilla in this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review