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Heaven and Hell (Heaven and Hell #1)

by Kristen Ashley (Goodreads Author)

4.28 of 5 stars 4.28 · rating details · 5,817 ratings · 441 reviews

After making a bad decision when she was very young, Kia Clementine finds herself in hell. Then, suddenly, within the time it takes for a shotgun to blast, her hell changes. Completely. Then out-of-the-blue she sees Sampson Cooper, her celebrity crush. A man the whole world knows is decent. A man the world knows is loyal. A man the world knows is good. All of these very un...more

Kindle Edition, 472 pages

Published December 28th 2011

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Mar 01, 2013 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: format-ebook-borrowed, 5-stars, 2012-reads, author-kristen-ashley, keepers, favorites, hero-ex-military, hero-ex-athlete, heroes-id-do-ten-ways-to-sunday, reviewed-by-me, im-a-kristen-ashley-ho

No surprises here, I really enjoyed Heaven and Hell and it’s clear that Kristen Ashley knows how to write compelling heroes and heroines, regardless of their line of work. But what I loved most about this book, even more than the others I’ve read by Ms. Ashley, is the way the story enveloped so many characters on such a deeply emotional level. It shows how a single event can devastate so many lives, and at the same time, how those affected can help each other heal.

Sampson Cooper is a tortured ma...more

46 likes · like · see review

Feb 15, 2012 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, kristen-ashley, humorous, steamy, foul-mouthed-hero, swoonalicious-hero, abuse-and-or-rape-issues, 5-star, famous-hero, endearing-heroine, playboy-womanizer, tear-jerker, thought-provoking, tortured-souls, very-emotional, vulgar-crude-hero, fabulous-heroine, fabulous-characters, favorite-books, outstanding-epilogue, self-published

Huge 5+ stars

When I finished reading Heaven and Hell I knew this book would hold a special place in my heart.

Heaven and Hell is emotional, thought provoking, heartfelt, and, given the subject matter, surprising funny.Unlike some of Kristen Ashley's other books, Heaven and Hell is not action packed, fast paced, or full of quirky, bigger than life, secondary characters. It's a story that deals with the traumatic effects of domestic abuse. The bookhas a more subdued, reflective, and serious feel to...more Huge 5+ stars

When I finished reading Heaven and Hell I knew this book would hold a special place in my heart.

Heaven and Hell is emotional, thought provoking, heartfelt, and, given the subject matter, surprising funny. Unlike some of Kristen Ashley's other books, Heaven and Hell is not action packed, fast paced, or full of quirky, bigger than life, secondary characters. It's a story that deals with the traumatic effects of domestic abuse. The book has a more subdued, reflective, and serious feel to it. Kristen Ashley, however, adds wonderful humor to counterbalance the weighty subject matter.

The relationship between the hero and heroine, Sampson and Kia, really shined for me. These two characters could not have been more magnificent together. Sam is the perfect alpha hero for this particular story. He's honorable, gentlemanly, intense, charismatic, and demanding without be overbearing. He's also very crude and very foul-mouthed! It's hard to make me blush, Sam, however, succeeded in doing just that, and more than once! He's the perfect hero for our heroine, Kai, who, while having insecurities that come from years spent in an abusive relationship, is a cute, witty, loyal, and endearing heroine. Although one always has to pay particular attention to the dialogues in a Kristen Ashley book, the communication between the hero and heroine was fantastic. It was refreshing and gratifying to finally have a heroine who could hold a full conversation with the hero. I found myself laughing and crying and cheering for them. While the secondary characters didn't play a huge role in this book, they were delightful, endearing, and fantastic.

I believe Heaven and Hell's true impact comes after the book is finished. It's a story that's not easily forgotten and will always be with me. There is no doubt about it, Kristen Ashley is one talented storyteller!

If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!

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43 likes · like · see review

Sep 25, 2012 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-kelly-and-baba-liked-or-loved, favorites

I just finished a few minutes ago and I'm overwhelmed with emotion. This is one of the best romances I've ever read and I'd give it a thousand stars if I could!!!!

I finally understand why so many of my friends love Kristen Ashley. She writes from the heart. She certainly touched mine with this exceptional book.

44 likes · like · see review

Jul 03, 2012 Aestas Book Blog rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

"He took something precious from you, your ability to trust… now’s your time to fight and get it back…Just live in the now, Kia, keep livin’ in the now… Fight back and learn to be fearless.”

Oh, I LOVED this book! Seriously swoooooon-worthy hero, vulnerable yet tough-as-nails heroine, and a character-centric story about tortured characters finding love, hope, friendship and healing. A really heart-warming read!

This book had me grinning like an idot from chapter one but always with the under...more

31 likes · like · see review

Nov 24, 2012 Alexis ~*Too many books, not enough time*~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: abuse-abused_abuser, adult-romance-erotica, alpha_male, contemporary_romance, danger, discovery, emotional-read, erotica, funfearless-andfemale, her_-pov, hot_as_hell_male, interracial-love, may-june-jul-aug2012, nook_book, pregnancy, self_discovery, soul_churning, steamy, strong_female_lead, unexpected-twist, very-steamy, famous_character-s, secondary_lovestory, a-must-read

Spoiler Free Review I loved this book!!!!
5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

SAFE, FEARLESS, ONWARD, INSEPARABLE, GENTLE, DRIFTING & PATIENCE. *Sigh* I really loved this book!

“Make him work to unlock your secrets, my Kia," she whispered. "Do not accept another man in your life who does not rise to that challenge and do it gallantly.” ~Celeste in Heaven and Hell
I love Celeste. It is so rare that you find true friends in life let alone adulthood. And Kia did just that while vaca...more

32 likes · like · see review

Apr 06, 2012 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of KA, emotional contemporary romance, and tortured H/h finding their HEA!

Shelves: contemporary-romance, e-book, kristen-ashley, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, kindle, animals-matter, hh-famous-celebrity, hero-military-war-veteran, sports-romance-hot-jocks, hh-widow-or-widower, hero-gentleman, heroine-makeover, hero-bedroom-bad-boy, hero-attractive-handsome-heartthrob, hero-daddy-warbucks-wealthy, dirty-talk-turns-me-on, hero-or-heroine-black-african-ameri, hh-social-class-wealth-matters, heroine-girl-next-door, hh-rags-to-riches, hero-latin-lover-heartthrob, hero-alpha‎, hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame, hero-uber-alpha-domineering, hero-expert-skilled-voracious-lover, hero-brooding, made-me-cry, 5-stars-or-higher, a-all-time-best-of-best-fave-dik, a-all-time-fave-hero, 2012-reads, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, badass-kickass-motha-fucka, best-endings-epilogues, best-faves-of-2012, best-friendships, best-secondary-characters-ensemble, best-top-favorites, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, cop-bodyguard-govop-merc-military, fairytaleesque-bb-cinderella-theme, favorite-love-scenes, favorite-romance-couple-hh-pairings, favorites, first-person-pov, heartbreaking-gutwrenching-romance, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-bad-boy-playboy, hero-besotted-so-smitten-its-sexy, hero-cold-cruelbrute-dark-dangerous, hero-commoner-self-made, hero-i-wanna-marry, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-pissed-me-off-and-turned-me-on, hero-player-manwhore-sex-addict, hero-reformed-rake-player, hero-silent-quiet-type-reticent, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, hero-walking-hardon, heroine-beautiful-bombshell, heroine-classy-lady, heroine-good-girl-nice, heroine-heiress-socialite, heroine-i-adore, hh-bad-communication-conflict-mgmt, hh-big-constant-misunderstandings, hh-warrior, i-read-kindle, i-read-own-faves-keepers, interracial-romance, romantic-suspense, steam-3-hot, steam-4-smokin, steam-some-like-it-hard-rough-dirty, tearjerker-tugs-at-heartstrings, exotic-wild-settings-survivor-lovin, hero-sharp-dressed-man, hh-biracial-multiracial, favorite-romance-series

5+ stars – Contemporary Romance

There’s no possible way I can adequately express my feelings about this book or gush enough over how much I admire Kristen Ashley’s writing brilliance. So I’ll keep things simple and just say that I loved, loved, loved this!

Ms. Ashley is the reigning queen of smokin’ hot, badass uber alpha heroes, addictive, sigh-worthy romance, and dreamy, gratifying epilogues, and Heaven and Hell is certainly no exception. It’s one of my very favorite KA reads to date! Huge, h...more

32 likes · like · see review

Jan 11, 2012 Baba ♥♥♥ Marcus, Tyler, Tate, Dan, Ty, & Hunter rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hottest-alpha-males-ever, kristen-ashley, military-and-former-mil-cia-navy, books-kelly-and-baba-liked-or-loved

Sam said:
"Wherever you are, however you got there, if it's good, you're meant to be there either because you earned it or life led you there and you were smart enough to hold on."

H.U.G.E. 5 STARS!!

The prologue of Heaven and Hell is utterly gut-wrenching and intense. Kia Clementine is a victim of domestic abuse, and she had to put up with a mean husband:

Then he kicked me in the back. I bit back my cry at this new pain focus and thanked God he was only wearing a sock. When he kicked me, he did it...more

49 likes · like · see review

Oct 22, 2012 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

As with nearly every Kristen Ashley book, her writing is genuine, funny, real and even at times, heartbreaking. This is one of them.

The main characters, Kia and Sam, meet in Italy and it is full steam ahead, buddy! Although, not before Kia escapes from a nightmare-ish first marriage with a husband named, "Cooter", (yeah, you read right, I said, Cooter), who mentally and quite often physically abused her. She lived in this "Hell" for 7 long and horrific years until one day, while Cooter was at a...more

12 likes · like · see review

May 11, 2012 Nikki rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-ebook, contemporary, delicious-hero, hot-hot-hot, perfect-heroine, kristen-ashley-why-so-awesome, best-h-h-ever, favourites, 4-and-a-half-stars

4.5 stars.

Kristen Ashley being Kristen Ashley, this was another one of her famous clonk you over the head books that gets you so emotionally involved that you don't know what's going on outside of the KA bubble. Heaven and Hell grabs you right from the very beginning with a powerful prologue that portrays the heroine Kia living in Hell.

Cut to the opening chapters where certain events have positioned Kia in a situation where she actually meets her celebrity crush in real life (hello if that was m...more 4.5 stars.

Kristen Ashley being Kristen Ashley, this was another one of her famous clonk you over the head books that gets you so emotionally involved that you don't know what's going on outside of the KA bubble. Heaven and Hell grabs you right from the very beginning with a powerful prologue that portrays the heroine Kia living in Hell.

Cut to the opening chapters where certain events have positioned Kia in a situation where she actually meets her celebrity crush in real life (hello if that was me meeting Alexander Skarsgard I would lose. my. shit) and, if you can believe it, her celeb crush actually turns out to be a way more amazing person than she thought possible. And so begins the love story of Kia Clementine and ex-pro footballer and Army hero Sam Cooper.

I think what I love about KA most of all is the fact that her H/h seem to find each other and commence their relationship at a fairly early stage within the story. Then the action starts and what we as readers share with the characters is quite fascinatingly real in terms of them feeling each other out and growing together. Of course another favourite KA-ism of mine is that her heroes seem to be extremely alpha. To me, having a man that claims you, protects you, calls you his woman is devastatingly erotic. I've never experienced that sort of extreme passion (yes as a 31 yr old married woman, I'm quite comfortable to share that with you) and therefore I read heroes like this and I freaking melt. I certainly did with Sam in H&H.

There was a small amount of suspense in this - nothing to take away from the story which was about two people in a journey of self-discovery, learning to trust each other and falling into a love that demands they give everything of themselves.

Initially I felt Sam was a cross between Tate and Ty but the further into the book I got the more I felt that Sam was his own character completely. He was honourable and intense without being overbearing. Kia had been in such a shitty situation for so long that it took her awhile to relax and get comfortable within herself. Once she opened up though she was smart and cute and a little bit sassy. I liked that she fought for her happiness and questioned things. She became fearless and that's what it was all about... it's what Sam told her she had to do in order to find her Heaven.

The long and cluttered sentences got to me more in this one than they did in SD. I think because SD had so much action going on that I simply didn't take much notice of editing faux pas; whereas this book was so character driven that I needed to understand what the words meant. This was my only issue though and didn't take away from the brilliant story.

Heaven and Hell was thought provoking and real. It was intense and I loved the experience of the read and also feel it will definitely benefit from a re-read down the line.(less)

15 likes · like · see review

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Michele ~ la Smoocherina Nikki- great review! I loved this book. The sentence structure didn't bother me. I really like that she writes in the way people speak. It's such a un...more
updated May 30, 2012 06:33am

Nikki Michele from Read Our Lips Book Blog wrote: "Nikki- great review! I loved this book...."

Thanks Michele, I'm happy you liked the review because since r...more
May 31, 2012 07:08am

Jan 06, 2012 KatLynne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to KatLynne by: Kim-wilts-for-kilts Review

Shelves: 1st-person-pov, 2012-reads, kindle-lendable, favorite-treasures, g-contemporary-romance, g-romantic-suspense, hero-alpha-warrior, hero-favorite-smokin-hot-sexay, hero-tortured-flawed, heroine-domestic-or-child-abuse, heroine-tormented-flawed, heroine-i-loved, keeper, made-me-cry, made-me-laugh, seaside-location, sensual-steamy, small-town-livin, smokin-hot-steamy, special-forces-of-military

I have to say that I have fallen hard for Kristen Ashley's writing! After reading Kim's review, I immediately downloaded and dug in! Below are just a few of my thoughts.

I loved this story! As the synopsis states, Kia has lived her young adult life married to a monster. Seven long years she has endured and tried to hide the physical and psychological abuse she has suffered from her husband. And now, suddenly, she finds herself free!

I loved Kia’s journey, her healing and finding herself again. Th...more I have to say that I have fallen hard for Kristen Ashley's writing! After reading Kim's review, I immediately downloaded and dug in! Below are just a few of my thoughts.

I loved this story! As the synopsis states, Kia has lived her young adult life married to a monster. Seven long years she has endured and tried to hide the physical and psychological abuse she has suffered from her husband. And now, suddenly, she finds herself free!

I loved Kia’s journey, her healing and finding herself again. This author showed many of the changes that take place inside when you live each day in fear; the bleakness of life; no hope and utter despair. And I liked how Kia’s healing was not so very long and drawn out as it would be in real life. The author gave enough for you to feel Kia’s pain and heartache and the uplifting warmth as those feelings are overcome.

I loved the hero, Sampson Cooper. As in all previous books I’ve read by this author, I say once again that she knows how to write my kind of alpha male! Tall, strong, fantastically and sinfully HOT, he is all beautiful badass male. (You just cannot describe Kristen Ashley’s heroes without using the word badass!) I liked his intensity, his protectiveness. I liked that he is honest and blunt. He’s a famous, rich ex-football star and a national hero who risks his life for others. He is a good man, loyal, loving and wise. And his voice is rough-velvet! ...WOW....All and everything that Kia’s husband was not!

And he got her…and she him. I liked that a lot:-)

This story is so much more than a second chance at love. As their relationship evolves, you can feel the tenderness and the emotional pull as Kia experiences the beauty and wonder of falling in love with a good man. As her trust issues are challenged and overcome, she opens her heart and gives all. Unfortunately, there is a part of Sam that he holds close not permitting anyone inside. But Kia wants all of him...the good and the bad! Now you gotta know that by this time, I loved this hero! When his heart is revealed I nearly wept from his pain!

This book touches on deep, emotionally painful issues that tugged at my heart! And I loved how this author wrapped them all not only around the H/h but the secondary characters as well, giving a beautiful, poignant love story. It is also filled with laugh-out-loud moments, tenderness, excitement, hot-hot-hot sizzling lovin’ along with the misunderstandings that come with any new relationship.

There is a mystery/suspense that surrounds Kia and Sam and I liked how it was handled. I liked the secondary characters and their stories. I liked the setting and the events. And as always, this one was followed by a fantastic epilogue. But most of all, I loved Sam Cooper and Kia Clementine. I liked that he “rocked her world” and that he wanted her to be “fearless!”

Funny, tender, poignant, and Hot-Hot-Hot sizzling lovin’-

A Contemporary Romance that I recommend to all who love this genre.

Tweeked 1/11/12 I also noticed three very gorgeous men are mentioned from previous books making me want to read their story. Mentioned are Lee Nightingale from Rock Chicks #1; Tanner Layne from Golden Trail; and Lee Calahan. Sam met them while serving in the army and they still remain trustful friends. (less)

18 likes · like · see review

Dec 30, 2012 Tammie (certified bed reader) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

In the prologue, Kristen Ashley gives us a glimpse into the hell Kia has lived in for 7 long years.

He got close and backhanded me hard. With some experience, it was at the upper end of the scale of how hard he could hit me. I knew this because it hurt like a bitch and also because I flew to the side and landed hard on a hand and hip, I lost focus on the pain in my cheek when the pain radiating up my arm from my wrist took precedence.

Make no mistake, Kia Clementine is strong, but that bastard als...more

9 likes · like · see review

Feb 12, 2012 Becs - Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: abused-heroine, alpha-hero, contemporary-romance, kindle, shy-heroine, sports-star-hero

Another wonderful book and another super-hot alpha from Kristen Ashley.

Kia is an abused wife but, when her cheating husband is offed by an incensed husband of one of his lovers, she is suddenly left with a life insurance payout she didn't expect. The cheating ex had taken out a massive life insurance on her and planned to kill her. Kia collects her unexpected windfall and takes herself off to Europe for some Kia-time.

Whilst by Lake Como, she meets Sampson Cooper, an ex-football star she has bord...more

9 likes · like · see review

Oct 01, 2012 Lady Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Kristen Ashley fans, contemporary romance, kick-ass alpha male commando type dudes

Shelves: adult, adventure, broken-women-finding-their-hea, chick-lit, contemporary, contemporary-romance, domineering-alpha-lead, favorites, fiction, fantasy, kick-ass-female-leads, kindle, kristen-ashley, love-the-author-a-must-buy, romance, military-black-ops, re-read_because-one-of-my-personal

Just finished reading it .. again, and I'm a blithering idiot right now!

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE! Kristen Ashley's Epilogue's!

Kia my darling, favorite and best advice ever to give herself and Luci, "follow your heart, and it'll lead you in the right direction".
..and Sam when you give the light and the dark...WOW! So worth it!

You are, and always will be one of most favorite fictional hero's... EVER!

Can't wait for Heaven and Hell 2 (Luci & Hap's story)...eagerly anticipating!!

8 likes · like · see review

Apr 17, 2012 Michele ~ la Smoocherina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: uber-alpha, omg-i-loved-it, good-dirty-talk-or-phone-sex, all-time-favorites, couldn-t-put-it-down, character-hurt-abused-raped-woman

Pictures at the end!

Wow! I just loved this book! I knew it was a big KA favorite. But I was about 50% in and liking it, but I couldn't figure out why this was a stand out for so many people. By the end, I knew. I got it. Sam was this loyal, affectionate, sexy as hell, uber-alpha (a shelf I created specifically for KA), but he had demons and they were keeping him from true happiness. But God, I still loved him! Even when he was frustrating as hell! I was rooting for him. (view spoiler)...more

11 likes · like · see review

Oct 18, 2012 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1st-pov, 1st-in-series, african-am-hero-or-heroine, athletes-sports, bodyguards-protectors, challenge-2012, contemporary-romance, dangerous-or-bad-boy, ebooks, dreamy-heroes, military-or-ex-military, pet-or-animal-in-story, rs-mystery-thriller, tormented-heroine, tortured-hero, my-4-star-romances, favorites, latin-lovers

The first book in Kristen Ashley's Heaven and Hell series. Kia Clementine has seen hell. She lived in it for years with her now deceased husband. When she receives a life insurance payment she goes to Europe and meets - of all people - her celebrity crush, Sampson Cooper!

Such a sweet story! Ms Ashley pulled off another winner. I haven't read a bad book yet by her.

6 likes · like · see review

Jan 24, 2012 Ana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: z-read-in-2012, contemporary-romance

Kia Clementine is finally free. Not only is her abusive, cheating husband dead, but she collected his life insurance. Of course, she's also traumatized, not only because of the abuse, but learning that he and his mistress were planning to kill her so that they could collect the insurance - not cool at all. So she packs up and decides to make a tour of Europe.

She was enjoying herself at Lago di Como, when she sees Sampson Cooper, the pro football, ex-commando celebrity. Since she spent a lot of...more

18 likes · like · see review

Feb 24, 2012 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1st-person-pov, kristen-ashley, contemporary, kindle, men-in-uniform, sports-theme, interracial-romance, tortured-abused, man-ho, aint-he-sweet, armed-forces, girly-girl, indie-author, genre-benchmark, revenge-is-sweet

'Heaven and Hell' is an incredibly moving story that touches on the tough subject of spousal abuse and a woman's recovery from that harrowing existence. The prologue is particularly difficult as Ashley gives the reader a small look at the hell that heroine Kia suffered at the hands of her callous husband from her first person POV - that alone made it all the more personal and traumatic.

Although Kia's husband is killed, the taint of his actions continue to haunt her even as she tries to move on....more 'Heaven and Hell' is an incredibly moving story that touches on the tough subject of spousal abuse and a woman's recovery from that harrowing existence. The prologue is particularly difficult as Ashley gives the reader a small look at the hell that heroine Kia suffered at the hands of her callous husband from her first person POV - that alone made it all the more personal and traumatic.

Although Kia's husband is killed, the taint of his actions continue to haunt her even as she tries to move on. Treating herself to the vacation of a lifetime, Kia by chance meets her secret crush, former football star and war hero, Sampson Cooper and, in the manner of many an Ashley hero, he swoops in and claims her as his woman. However, Sam has his own demons to deal with and Kia has to figure out how to breakthrough his defenses as he helps her heal from her own tragic past.

While I really enjoyed this heart-wrenching book, I did feel that certain elements of the story required me to suspend disbelief and accept the unlikelihood of some events as they unfolded. The fact that Kia's secret crush, who is a big-shot American celebrity, just happened to be on the same continent, in the same country, at the same hotel, at the same restaurant, at the same time and he also was immediately into her was a just a bit too convenient. Most (all?) of Ashley's heroines are immensely beautiful and well endowed in the T&A department so maybe I should be more accepting but, I do think this would have worked better for me if he hadn't of been a high-profile celebrity or hadn't been the leading star in her secret fantasies.

Also, when we meet her dad he comes across as a very alpha-type guy and even though it was explained why he stood by without interfering while Kia endured seven years of abuse at the hands of her husband, I couldn't really buy it. Forget the sheriff, Kia was her daddy's princess, they lived in the same town and it seemed like they saw each other fairly frequently. If Cooter was backhanding her and kicking her with steel-toed boots and he even suspected that $hit was happening, I find it hard to believe that a man with that personality would let it continue.

Despite these issues, this was still a great book. With the exotic vacation destinations, prince-charming like hero and fairy godmother-esque friends she meets, this story had a definite Cinderella vibe going on and the epilogue (as always) was awesome.

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8 likes · like · see review

Mar 02, 2013 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-reads

RE-READ: MARCH 1-2, 2013

This book had more serious undertones than other Kristen Ashley books that I have read; however, we still get our signature alpha-male. This was most definitely a great read.

10 likes · like · see review

Nov 12, 2012 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: abused-heroine, athletes-football, betrayal, bad-boys, dangerous-hero-scavenger-hunt, marine-navy-seal, rrrc-book-i-read-for-a-challenge, starting-over-divorced-seperated, states-north-carolina, states-indiana, own-kindle

Kia Clementine has lived the last seven years in hell. What started as the promise of a future with the man who swept her off his feet, ended up with years of abuse and the ultimate betrayal. Needing to step away from what turned out to be an ugly memory, Kia has flown overseas to gain new prospective and dream for a short time of what could be.

Finding herself seated next to a table with her one fantasy escape, former football player and army ranger Sampson Cooper. Every thought she had when she...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jun 30, 2012 Carisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: g-contemp, 5-stars-romance, hero-type-warrior, s-steamy

There are great reviews about this book from my GR friends (who led me to read it), so I’ll just say that this was a very emotional story, from beginning to end. This author continues to keep me hooked with her writing and her unbelievable heroes -men who talk to the heroine about feelings and relationship issues lol, although in this book, Sam’s Latin American blood made it a tiny bit more realistic. The only thing I didn’t like was that there’s no hero’s point of view, not even in the epilogue...more

5 likes · like · see review

May 01, 2012 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-romance, favorites, hot-jocks, romance, xxx

My head tipped back and I whispered, “Is that for me?”
He grinned down at me.
Then his hand cupped the back of my head, pulling me up as he bent low and against my
mouth he answered, “All for you, baby.”

Seriously, I think this might be my favorite little ditty from a book EVER!

6 likes · like · see review

Sep 06, 2012 Mandy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: love-these-books, ka, favorites

Another home run from KA. I loved Sam and Kia and the richly drawn secondary characters. I was in the zone with this book- read it in less than 24 hours.

3 likes · like · see review

Aug 18, 2012 Bookie | The BookChick rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kristen-ashley, cr, 5-star-read, recommend-to-others, emotionally-charged

My Rating: ★★★★★

Book Description:
After making a bad decision when she was very young, Kia Clementine finds herself in hell. Then, suddenly, within the time it takes for a shotgun to blast, her hell changes. Completely. Then out-of-the-blue she sees Sampson Cooper, her celebrity crush. A man the whole world knows is decent. A man the world knows is loyal. A man the world knows is good. All of these very unlike her now dead husband.

He’s sitting at a table right next to hers. And she catches his e...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 18, 2012 Splage rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-read, alpha, cheater-cheater-pumpkin-eater, contemporary, emotional-made-me-cry-lump-in-thr, epilogue-totally-fab, good-secondary-lovestory, hero-heroine-athlete-sports-hero, hero-heroine-blue-collar, hero-heroine-famous-person, hero-heroine-widow-er, hero-military-ex-or-current, highly-recommended-by-others, interracial, love-at-first-sight, ebook, pregnant-at-end, sex-erotica, sex-erotica-hard-sex, spousal-abuse

3.5 stars A very beautiful love story and a good read, but I have been conditioned by the author to expect lots of action and sassy dialog. This was much more on the subdued side, I would have liked more, but you can't go 100 mph all the time. I did love that you got to travel the world in this one. Kia was a small town girl from Indiana who married the high school quarterback. He was a jerk, cheater, and liked to live in his "glory days". Thank God he got his head blown off! Kia takes his insur...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kristen-ashley, lendable

I did it again. I started Heaven and Hell then took a break part way in so I could gorge myself on Motorcycle Man. I knew it was a mistake but I did it anyway and couldn't get back into H&H.

I tried to like Sam. I did! But compared to Tack he just didn't do it for me. I loved the relationships that Kia had with Celeste and Luci but her and Sam together didn't do anything for me.

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Mar 15, 2013 Beth Evant rated it 1 of 5 stars

OMG, I hate to review this book because I just do not like it. I haven't even finished it. I'm half way done. I cannot bring my self to keep reading. I don't know what the problem is. I love Kristen Ashley and I have read most of her books, but this one just isn't doing it for me.

Every time I sit down to read it, I end up rereading a book on my kindle that I've already read. I don't like the characters. Kia's self esteem was too low for me and Sam was just too much. I get why Kia had low self e...more

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May 10, 2013 Monica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: alpha-men, bad-boys, cry-me-a-river, favorites, fucked-up-family, he-is-a-playboy, hot-dirty-talk, inexperienced-partner, law-men, man-woman-is-older, melt-your-panties-hot, series, she-has-always-loved-him-but, she-he-is-a-widower, sports

I'M IN LOVE.

I'm super pleased, yet again, for having choosen one of K.A.'s books.

Sam was everything and beyond. I loved him. I want him, and therefore he is mine (as long as an imaginary character can be...whatever).

Kia was one of my favorite main female charcaters ever...I was so, so glad that she got her happy ending. Gosh, what a woman.

The plot was AMAZING. And all the secondary characers kicked some major ass! Again, loved.

BUT, I'm kind of pissed that K.A. left us with some major cliffhang...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Jamie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Well...I'm always worried about starting a new series of book by an author i absolutely adore because I'm terrified the new series wont be as amazing as the ones I've already read. Lol. I should get by now that I have nothing to worry about from Kristen Ashley. Heaven and Hell is the first in the Heaven and Hell series, and it blew me away.

Summary:
The prologue broke my heart while making me angry. We meet Kia Clementine who is doing her best to make it through life with an abusive husband. He co...more Well...I'm always worried about starting a new series of book by an author i absolutely adore because I'm terrified the new series wont be as amazing as the ones I've already read. Lol. I should get by now that I have nothing to worry about from Kristen Ashley. Heaven and Hell is the first in the Heaven and Hell series, and it blew me away.

Summary:
The prologue broke my heart while making me angry. We meet Kia Clementine who is doing her best to make it through life with an abusive husband. He controls everything about her, kicks her when she's down, and all around takes everything that makes her, her. Unexpectedly, her husband is shot dead by the husband of the woman he was cheating on Kia with. Knowing that she has her whole life ahead of her and finding out that her slime of a husband took out life insurance policies on the both of them, Kia goes on a European vacation with the 5 million dollar windfall she was gifted. While having breakfast in her hotel restaurant, Kia runs into her secret crush, ex pro-footballer turned national hero Sampson Cooper. Even before speaking to him Kia knows Sam is a good man, and thinking he needs better than what she can offer, she pretends to ignore him. The romantic hearted maitre d' has other ideas. He seats them together in the crowded room. Sam instantly sees what Kia has to offer and wants it. So begins his journey of doing all he can to achieve that goal in the sexiest, most romantic, gentlemanly, yet alpha male way possible. This is an intense journey due to the emotional and mental scars Kia carries. As Sam leads Kia on her path to recovery while dealing with the widow of a friend and a hit man, Kia realizes that Sam has demons of his own. She vows to earn his secrets and give him all of her, so he can do the same in return. In order to move past their hell and find their heaven, Kia and Sam must work through a range of tragedies and the emotions they evoked.

A truly touching story of how love can lead people out of terrible pain and into something beautiful. K.A. is brilliant and I cant get enough of her books. Cant wait to read book number two in this series and hope it's on the docket for soon. I already cant wait to re-read this. ;-)(less)

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Nov 19, 2012 Maqluba rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: unnecessary-angst, ugh-what-a-jerk, heroine-with-trust-issues, first-time-reading-author, emotions-galore, contemporary, big-giant-hero

Kristen Ashley definitely knows her emotions... Problem is that's all I am good with in this book. There's just too many cons that outweighed the pros for me to give this book a higher rating but the way she played at my heartstrings tells me that Ashley's got the heart for being an great author she just needs some clean up. I liked the plot, I loved the angst and strengths of the characters, and I even enjoyed side characters. I wasn't too happy with the writing but this is my first Kristen Ash...more

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Sep 22, 2012 Darcy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, e-book, romance

Boy this book had me tearing up so many times. I liked Kia from the start, I felt for her when she was in hell, wanted to reach into the pages and make things better for her. I loved when she learned about the insurance and her response, along with what she did after. She deserved the treat and it was a great way start her knew life.

Italy seemed to be a magical spot for Kia. She met some great friends there and ran into her celebrity crush, the odds of that happening are slim and his reaction to...more Boy this book had me tearing up so many times. I liked Kia from the start, I felt for her when she was in hell, wanted to reach into the pages and make things better for her. I loved when she learned about the insurance and her response, along with what she did after. She deserved the treat and it was a great way start her knew life.

Italy seemed to be a magical spot for Kia. She met some great friends there and ran into her celebrity crush, the odds of that happening are slim and his reaction to her even more so. I was glad that Sam did what he did. Their whirl wind romance was intriguing. I liked that Kia blurted out her life history and that Sam treated her like fragile glass. Even when Kia would have a freak out Sam was able to comfort her and talk her down.

Even as things between them were good, I did get annoyed with Sam at times. He was high handed and there seemed to be a double standard between them, Kia had to tell everything, while he could hide things. You could tell that at some point Kia would reach a breaking point and things would come to a head. I didn't want it to happen, but when it did it went about what I expected. I didn't want them to split, but knew that Kia needed to draw her line in the sand even as it broke her heart.

The bit towards the end in London was funny to me. I liked that Kia was trying to move on even if she it caused panic attacks. I also liked what Sam was doing at the end, it was what he needed to see to make him realize what he lost.

The ending made me smile, I think that all the characters found just what they needed, what made their life true to their self.

I really enjoyed all the secondary characters in this one. Loved how most of them seemed broken like Kia and how through the book they managed to heal too. It seemed like each one reached out for the hand the other was holding out to pull them back to the land of the living.

I also really liked how there were characters from 2 of the author's other series. If you hadn't read them it wouldn't matter, but if you did it was a bonus.

(less)

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About Kristen Ashley

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends a...more

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Quotes from Heaven and Hell

“Wherever you are, however you got there, if it's good, you're meant to be there either because you earned it or life led you there and you were smart enough to hold on.” — 88 people liked it

“You got one life, never use it just to breathe.” — 66 people liked it

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Heaven and Hell (Heaven and Hell #1)

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