Before

Heven and Hell #0.5

by Cambria Hebert

What if your life was charmed and everything in it was perfect…....
Before.

This is the story of my past. Of what things were like for me when everything was normal. Of what every teenager’s life is like. Clothes. Parties. Boys and summer vacation. What’s so wrong with that?

I liked it. I was happy.

Until things changed. I changed.

I didn’t know that lies and secrets were about to take over my existence. I didn’t know there was someone out there, someone meant just for me. I didn’t know that I was about to go on a journey, a journey that would lead me to the girl I am today.

This is the beginning of the worst year of my life. Would I go back and change things? Erase everything that has happened to go back into these moments?

Not a chance.

This is a story of before.

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Novella, Angels, Supernatural

45 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2011

About the author

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than fifty titles. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.

Awards Cambria has received include:

Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
http://www.cambriahebert.com

Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
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Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before

Two lives one light, one dark; One hiding in shadows, haunted by horror and the monster. The other, alive, happy and hopeful. Sam is desperate to escape the evil clutches of the monster, even if it means rescinding his chance to be near Heven. He is a dark moth drawn by an unrelenting desire to seek Heven's glow one last time. Heven, his beckoning ray, is a beautiful girl standing on the brink of teenage bliss; a cheer captain crowning, a handsome boyfriend prospect, friends and popularity, a life brimming bright with possibility. The only thing marring a spectacular, euphoric day is an essay; three pages looming over her head. Ignoring the temptation to cheat, she journeys to the library. A fateful decision that will forever change her world. As she heads home she is unaware of the beast lurking in the blackness, hunting the trail inadvertently left by Sam. It closes in lapping up her footsteps in the dark. A shrill scream shatters the night, piercing Sam's ears. He knows that his moment of weakness has led the monster straight to Heven. Will her glittering light be snuffed out by the blackness?

Before is the prequel to the upcoming novel Masquerade by Cambria Hebert. In this short story she tantalizes and teases with her gripping splice featuring Sam and Heven. This promising gem shows that Cambria is a talented new voice in the Young Adult genre. She offers a tempting taste in her small prequel, that will have you salivating for the rest of the story, to be continued in her debut novel Masquerade, December 16, 2012.

Favorite Quotations:

It's like her shiny blond hair and smile were a beacon to my lost ship.

Things were going so good. They couldn't get any better.  I had no idea how quickly things could change.
Right now to celebrate the debut of Masquerade you can read Before for free at Smashwords!
For more reviews visit my blog: http://rainydayramblings.typepad.com/...

[Veronica Morfi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before is the prequel to Masquerade. It allows us a glimpse into the lives of Sam and Heven before...before both of their worlds changed.

The story made me impatient for the first book. I love Cambria Hebert's writing and Sam's point of view. There is a whole mystery surrounding him and even when we see through his eyes we don't get to know a lot, it's really nice.

This is a great story to get you pumped up for the real thing! So, I learn what happened before, now I can't wait to learn about the after. :)

[Michele at A Belle's Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have an old, southern saying that goes something like this: “If that don’t light your fire, your wood’s wet”. That is exactly what kept running through my mind after reading Before Heven and Hell 0.5, the exciting prequel to Masquerade Heven and Hell 1…because if that didn’t make you excited for a book, well, my friend, you are completely unexcitable. The fact that the author was able to draw me in with only 19 pages is an extraordinary talent. The story is spicy and sweet - with Heven being sweet and Sam being off the charts spicy! The cover of Masquerade already had me intrigued, but its prequel, Before, has me enthralled. And that cliffhanger? Sweet mother of all suspense! I can hardly wait to read the rest of Sam and Heven’s story and more of Cambria Hebert’s work.

A huge thank you to the author for sending me a copy of Before in exchange for my honest review.

Review originally posted at: http://abellestales.blogspot.com

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEFORE is the prequel to Cambria Hebert's Heven and Hell series. It's a quick introduction that contains just the right amount of mystery and tension. In short, this prequel does its job. I'm hooked, caught up with the lead characters and soooo ready to read Masquerade (Heven and Hell #1.) I have a feeling that is series you DO NOT want to miss. Don't take my word for it. Come meet SAM and HEVEN and see for yourself!

[Cereja Cult · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bittersweet sensation,, great start,, tottal cliffhanging end,, me crying out NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO,,, as I read the last page and hiding my face in my hands,,

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yep,, that's a recepie for hooking me up to a book LoL

Reviewed on 11/14/11

The Plot - Since this is a prequel, there’s not much going on here. Is just a taste of what to come. Mysterious guy likes pretty and oblivious girl. Something bad happens. I’m left hanging from a cliff. Yep,, I like that plot. LoL

The Characters - Mysterious guy is,, well,, mysterious LoL, but we can see a glimpse of him and I like the way he thinks and how he is so bad ass in one part and as soon as he sees her he kind of melts inside, but has to hide. She is your friend that is beautiful, cool to hang out with and honest. Yep. I mean, who does its own paperwork now a day? Seriously! Well, apparently, Hev does. But, nerds apart, I like them already LoL

The Writing - First person narrative!!!! Can I have a high five? o/



Yep,, my fave. It’s actually split in to Sam’s and Hev’s point of view. So we can see what each of them are thinking and feeling, but the best part is, even though they are really different, the way they thinks is not that different so the jumping from one head to the other doesn’t give you a head each. Her writing is very fluid and she doesn’t over detail which I love. My attention span, as I said before, is of a 5yo and I can’t retain to much info at the same time, specially if is a visual one. I don’t particularly care if the wall paper have daises hand painted by a grand grandmother of the late step father of the neighbor’s cousin. I just want to know what went down in the room, LoL,,, So, yep, really great, down to the point writing ,, high five on that uhuuuu o/



Considerations - The start let my hopes up for the next book and one of the things I really liked was the name: Before. Its about before it all,, before the change, before the start, before the encounter,, simply before,,, luv it cose it has all this meaning linked to it,,,

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before serves as a prequel to Cambria Hebert’s debut novel Masquerade.
Heven is your normal teenage girl entering her Senior year of high school, her biggest worries are that of if her crush likes her, what to wear to school and if she will be made the head cheerleader.
You know, the stuff majority of girls think about or even dream about when they are little.
Heven has it all in this story, she is beautiful and popular and it seems like everything is going her way.
But the question is, how long can it last?

Cambria Hebert was able to capture the average teenage female thought process perfectly.
So well in fact that I found myself rolling my eyes at the trivial things that Heven and her friends talked and obsessed about in the story.
But, I had to remind myself that I was once a teenager too (What? I was) and admittedly acted the same way.
Don’t get discouraged or turned off though, the happy happy joy joy feeling of the story doesn’t last long.
Something wicked this way comes after Heven.
The question is, what is it, why is it after her and what happens to Heven?
Hebert drops a bomb on you like nobody’s business leaving you dying for more.
I believe that this is a great introduction to her next book Masquerade and will definitely have you running out to get it and find out exactly what happened and where this series is going to go.
If Before is any indication of what to look forward to, this is gonna be one heck of a ride!

[Ottilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before is a short story setting up for the debut Young Adult novel Masquerade by Cambria Hebert. The novelella is written in beautiful language that wraps around your mind placing you in this world. Cambria's words are descriptive so that the readers can imagine every scene as if they are there. The main characters Sam and Heven are eager for the readers to get to know them more in Masquerade as we get a peek into their lives in Before. Sam is part of a dark world that is looming over him, he wants out as his only peace of mind is knowing that a girl he barely knows is safe. Heven has the prefect life, great friends, date with her crush, and was made head cheerleader which is turned around. Cambria has written a great short story to set up her novel Masquerade that will have the readers craving for more.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heaven and Hell. Light and Dark. Goodness and Evil. Sadness and Happiness. Hope and Despair. Sam and Heven.

Cambria Hebert has created a fresh new look into monsters and darkness and a young man that is struggling to overcome what he is and what he wants and what he is drawn to in this great new series that will leave you breathless and wanting more.
This prequel may be short but it will grab a hold of you and refuse to let go until you get more.

Cambria Hebert is a very talented, very promising new author. This book will tease you and leave you begging for more.

I can't wait to read the first in the series, Masquerade!

I think we can expect some great things from Ms. Hebert in the future if this short novella is any indication of what is to come.

[Nora Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possessing the looks of an angel and high school popularity topped off by becoming the new head cheerleader, Heven has it all—or does she? In Cambria Hebert’s perfectly spun prequel to her debut novel, “Masquerade,” nothing lasts forever, especially the idyllic world Heven exists in. On the other hand, Sam is a mysterious teenager captivated heart and soul by the bewitching Heven, who can only imagine a perfect world, and if that world is to be perfect, it must include Heven. “Before” is a quick read, setting the stage for Heven to go through hell so she can crash into her destiny, which is nothing she could’ve ever imagined.

Sam is a fascinating character because he has dark secrets, but he’s also willing to forgo ever meeting Heven to keep her safe. He sounds clever and heroic...but naive too since he underestimates the power of evil. And the evil found in “Before” certainly piqued my interest and left me dying to know what it is and what its intentions are. Absolutely, the evil in this teaser is a force to be reckoned with. I have a strong feeling Sam will be faced with quite a challenge as his life collides with Heven’s.

Heven is caught off-guard by the wickedness that is somehow entangled with Sam...yet from the synopsis, it seems even though Heven’s world falls apart and she suffers greatly, she still would not change what happens to her. That means Sam...with all of his dark secrets and a dangerous past, is worth it. Who, or what, is Sam? Can he escape the monster stalking his every move? What does this monster do to Heven, and how does she prevail? Oh! So many questions have arisen from reading “Before,” which I greatly enjoyed. Now, I’m ready for after; I’m ready for “Masquerade!”

[Kayleigh {K-Books} · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before Review on K-Books

Cambria kindly sent me the prequel of her debut novel for review before her novel comes out in December.

Heven is the perfect girl with the perfect life. She has just been asked out by the guy she's liked for a while and she has just been appointed head cheerleader. Everything is looking up.
Sam is a mysterious guy stuck in a mysterious world Heven knows nothing about. She doesn't know him but he knows her but he can't be a part of her world as he wants, it could put Heven in danger. But will he be able to resist when she is everything he has ever wanted?

This prequel is a very short story featuring the characters of the upcoming full-length novel, Masquerade. Because of it being very short there is not much to say about it. I really liked reading it and it got me excited for the first book in this new series and I think the prequel shows the potential of a great storyline and a great start to a series.
I am really looking forward to reading Masquerade and seeing what happens with these characters.

[Giselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read short stories because they're, well… too short. I never have time to get into it so I don't bother. When I do read them, it's most likely after the main course - so yes, I cheated and read Masquerade first. *blasphemy*.

Before is a short prequel to the upcoming full length novel Masquerade. When we meet Heven in Masquerade, the attack that gave her horrible scars on her face has already come and gone. So in Before, we get a glimpse of how glamorous her life was when she had all her beauty and self confidence.

It was nice to get to know Heven before her attack - even if it was short lived. I could tell how she was different - personality-wise - which shows that Cambria knows how to write her characters. We see how Heven was much more outgoing and sure of herself back then. We also get a look at Sam and his disagreement with the villain of Masquerade, which was interesting and led us up to the event of the attack. It was short and to the point. If you're like me regarding short stories, I suggest you read Masquerade first. If not, beware of the major cliffhanger!

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right first of all yes I am friends with Cambria on Goodreads but I want to take this opportunity to say that my review will be as honest as if I had picked up the book at a local bookstore.
Now onto the book review...
Hmmm very mysterious, it certainly makes you want the next book NOW!
It is well written very descriptive, so much you feel the atmosphere and can see the surroundings etc.Its definitely got me thinking what is Sam? I think I might have an idea but am I being too obvious and who is the monster as well as what and what hold does he/she have over Sam. Then there's the ending bit Ooo Is it Heven screaming or someone else. This prequel really leaves you asking lots and lots of questions which of course, is exactly what it should do. Yeah theres the odd typo here and there but nothing major and certainly doesn't spoil the flow of the book.I seriously would have wanted to drop everything and read Masquerade if I had had it to hand!
I also love the cover, the person on the front is presumably Heven, as she is described in the book as looking heavenly.

[Tricia Kristufek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heven's life was perfect. She is beautiful, popular, and just got voted cheerleading captain - all things that any teenage girl would dream about.

Then her world falls apart.

Sam's life is dark. His only shining light is Heven, and the monster has forbid him to see her again. Even though he is anxious to escape the clutches of the monster, Sam can not forget about Heven. In his desire to see her 'one last time,' Sam inadvertently leads the monster right to her.

Before is the prequel to Masquerade and sets up the characters beautifully. The mystery surrounding Sam, and thereby Heven's fate, captures the reader and draws them into the world, leaving them desperate for more.

[Natshane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me 19 pages to fall in love with this book, imagine what a hundred more would do? I could never ever imagined how 19 pages could have worked me up so much, I was screaming CLIFFHANGER like a maniac in the end, no kidding.

I love how the story was written, 19 pages to introduce us to Mr.Harbouring-Dark-Secrets-And-Crushing-On-A-Girl Sam, and bubbly-I-don't-see-it-coming Heven (I just can't get over the fact that I am crushing on a guy who I've known only for 19 pages, that must be a new record for me, what can I say? I'm easily attracted to mysterious guys LOL)

Truth to be told, I never expected such a short story to be capable of being so adrenaline junkie and dark, but it exceeded my expectations, and so I would describe this book into two words.

Fast and Furious!

I can't wait for what the next book, Masquerade has in store for us, Fast & Furious 2?

Before did a great job for reminding me the joy of getting pumped up for the next book.

Reviewed by,
Natasha Anne (Natshane)

Dreamland Teenage Fantasy

[Danielle Smiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story tantalizes you into putting "Masquerade" (the first full book in this series) onto the top of your TBR pile. Hebert's writing flows beautifully as you are immediately drawn into the story. Mere sentences pass and you already care about what will become of the characters. Reading "Before" will make you hold your breath until "Masquerade" comes out.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tease! That is what this delightful little Novella is. It's amazing, that in a short amount of time how invested I felt in these characters. Their story is very captivating and well written. I really really want to know what Sam's secret is? He is such a tortured soul, good, and mysterious. Heven is pretty, sweet, good and popular life is good to her then......??? I liked Kimber too, she is Heven's sassy best-friend. I completely enjoyed this prequel and am anxiously awaiting it's sequel Masquerade.
I love who Cambria dedicates her book to " To anyone who's ever been carefree; and then hasn't." Perfect!

Clean romance
Clean language

[Ronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysterious! This short story has warmed my curiosity up and I am looking forward to beginning the book Masquerade.

I like the chapter titles, the names of the characters, this looks like it is going to be a mysterious and possibly romantic journey.

[Cassie McCown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming soon!

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I know this is a short story and I know it's just a teaser for the full length novel 'Masquerade' but personally I still don't think it had enough to it. I would've liked just a little bit of the history to really draw me in.


We meet Sam, who is so drawn to Heven he's pretty much stalking her even though he's resigned to never actually speaking to her because he knows he can't be with her. He thinks she's the perfect girl but I don't really know why he does since he doesn't really know anything about her, they've never had a conversation. He does seem like a nice guy who's obviously in a situation he doesn't want to be in but can't get out of, this is more what draws me to wanting to read the book rather than all the teasing and the cliffhanger at the end.


Heven also seems like a nice girl to, we don't really go past the surface of her but she's obviously enjoying her life and is completely unaware it's about to get turned upside down.


I will be reading 'Masquerade' as I can see the potential in the story and I do think the writing was great, I've just never been one for short stories personally, I like something I can really get into.




Favourite quote

'Heven. I hadn't heard her name until yesterday, when I got close enough to overhear it. It was perfect, it fit her perfect. Because to me she was heaven, she was everything I could ever want and everything I couldn't have.' - Sam

[Katie Rodante · Rating 3 out of 5]

The description is intriguing, that this story is a prequel to what happens once Heven's (yes, that's her name) life changes in a big way.

This short story is told in alternating points of view, Heven being one, and the other is Sam, a boy who is seemingly obsessed with Heven.

Heven's a high school cheerleader, blonde and ditzy. I'm not sure what Sam sees in her because she reads like the type of girl who is a dime a dozen, but maybe she has a secret--at least I'm hoping she has one that will be revealed in the full-length novel.

Sam does dirty work for someone he describes as monster, and refers to as "it". That definitely catches my interest. Is the monster a demon? Is it a person? Again, I'm sure we'll find out in the novel.

These two characters haven't met in this story, but instead Sam spends his time stalking Heven. Following her around in the dark, waiting for her, looking for her in the usual places she likes to go...

This one fell a bit flat for me, really. I understand that this is a prequel but I think more could have been done with the story anyway.

[Anagha Uppal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: http://book-spark.blogspot.com/ Drop by for more reviews, giveaways, etc

"I got caught watching the one person I was supposed to not care about"...

Review: Told from alternating points of view of Sam and Heven, this prequel to Masquerade grabs you from the very beginning. I usually make notes while reading, but I hardly knew when it began and when it had ended!
As for characters, I love Sam, who seems to be the unrequited love type (god, I love those!), but I don’t really like Heven. What I don’t understand is his love for her. She’s just an average girl. What’s so special about her that Sam falls in love without ever having talked to her? I do adore her name though. Sam is such a mediocre name compared to Heven. I definitely can’t wait to see Heven in Masquerade - how she changes and becomes worthy of such adoration and all that.
The cliffhanger end rivals those of the Vampire Diaries. I reached the last page and all I could think of was No no no no no! I NEED to know what happens! NOW! :P So don’t get Before without Masquerade! I'm warning you!

Recommended for: Fans of Maggie Stiefvater and anything paranormal!

Questions I can't wait to get answered in Masquerade: What exactly is Sam? What happened to Heven? How will it affect her personality? Why is the “deal” so important? Why is Sam required to pretend Heven doesn’t exist?

[Danica is Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This left me very intigued. I'm really interested in seeing how Heven and Sam's story develop in her novel Masquerade.

I love Cambria Hebert's writing style and her characters. She is definitely a writer I'm going to keep my eye on.

For a more extended review of this short story along with her other short story Whiteout, check out this link

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short prequel that really leaves you hanging. I have quite a few questions and now I have to wait until December to find out what the heck is going on. Such a tease!

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really short story with chapters from both Sam and Heven's points of view before Heven is attacked. Not really a lot in here.
6 out of 10

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay i have to admit that i got this from Kindle for free one day i was searching for new books (back then i didnt knew anything about Masquerade)

I am never a big fan of pre sequels but this was very interesting to read specially when you have no idea whats going on.

From those 18 pages i read i believe this was a very well writing tease from Cambria Hebert. The story is captivating and well written and full with so many secrets mainly because of Sam. Who is Sam?What secrets he has? Why he havent stopped thinking about Heven?Whats the big deal about her and why he cant be close? Heven in the other thing is a normal teenager cheerleader,sweet and funny and a normal teen which she has everything and then..

I think the ending with the cliff hanger is what it really made me to start over the first book now =)

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam is under the control of a monster and watches Heven from afar, knowing she's the one person he should be staying away from.
Heven has just been named Captain of the cheerleading squad and been asked to an end-of-the-year party by Brice, Heven's crush.
As Heven leaves the library one evening, after completing one last homework assignment, Sam is caught by the monster watching her.

Will Heven ever be the same?

This is a very awesome teaser to Cambria Hebert's 2011 release of "Masquerade."

Each section of "Before" is written in the perspective of one character and they alternate. Sam starts off the prequel, then the story moves to Heven, then back to Sam.....I enjoy books written this way.

[Mario Ebbwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is difficult to rate such a short story, but I found this one vey interesting, especially for a YA book. I don't know if I will get the next book but as far as short stories go this one deserves four stars!

[Jennifer (random jendsmit) · Rating 3 out of 5]

What in the hell just happened!!!???

Holy crap - That was a good teaser for Masquerade!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I read the prequel, I went straight to Barnes & Noble to buy Masquerade which is the first series in Her Heaven and Hell series. I was completely taken in by Cambria's style of writing and the story of Heven, a popular girl at school.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can so few pages pack such a punch and create such anticipation to read what happens next? Well Cambria Hebert has managed to do just that with Before!! Loved it!! Can't wait to start Masquerade!! 4.5/5