Escape to Heaven

Heaven on Earth #1

by Reana Malori

**NOTE: This story has been updated, enhanced, and improved, with an additional 2K words added to the story.**

Adele Woolner has survived more than a year of abuse, both verbal and physical, at the hands of her now ex-husband. Calling on strength she never knew she possessed, Adele builds a new life for herself and becomes a stronger woman in the process. Now ready to move forward—she never expects love to waltz into her life when she least expects it.

Stefano Indellicati feels an instant attraction to Adele and is determined to get to know her better. Something about her calls on his protective instincts, and he realizes he would do anything to call her his own. Willing to stand and fight for what he believes, Stefano will prove to Adele that he is the only man for her present and her future.

Genres: Romance, Interracial Romance, Contemporary

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2014

About the author

The characters I write will not be perfect. None of us are. They will make mistakes. All of the hero's will have redeeming qualities, but on the outset, you may not be their biggest fan. My heroine's will be the kind of women you want to hang out with. They're the women next door, down the street and around the corner. They are the ladies you would want to spend time with on a Saturday night drinking a martini.

I have been an avid reader of romance novels since the age of 14 and know what appeals to me as reader. My goal is, and will always be, to provide that same experience for the women and men who read my novellas and short stories.

I’m a former Marine and served for 8 years, so strong military men will always be a favorite topic of mine. I will continue to write stories with military heroes’ front and center. I’m also a fan of Alpha-males and strong women who love with everything they have.

Reviews

[Layeshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust and love always triumphs

This is the love story of Adele and Stefano. Adele was once a frighten broken woman. She was broken by the one person who should have been protecting her. Her very abusive husband. Unfortunately for Adele and like most other abuse victims she stayed a little too long in the relationship. And she nearly paid with her life. Several years later she's regained confidence and self worth. And also some self-defense moves. Adele learn these self-defense moves from the very best. From five men who attended the same gym. They treated I don't like a sister and basically they taught her how to fight. Then one day Stefano walked into that Gym took one look at Adele working out and fell in love. Of course her five male friends who were more like brothers did not like this one bit. What I liked about this story was that we are finally getting to the point in America that we're talking about spousal abuse. It's not a taboo subject anymore. And after the story is over the author gives us a plethora of resources to help those who may find themselves in a similar situation. Bravo Ms Malori feat job! I totally recommend this story definitely five stars. <3

[Mspraise50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Adele and Stefano's story.

Adele is the victim of domestic abuse. If this topic is a trigger for you then perhaps you will need to give this story a miss.

Adele manages to escape and build a new life for herself with her 5 adopted brothers who are now her protectors. Stefano wants a relationship with Adele but her brothers try to scare him off.

I enjoyed this story. However, I would have preferred to have much more dialogue between the couple and see them explore their relationship then the narrative we were given about how they felt towards each other and how Adele had become a strong woman.

[Bertha Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an Eye Opener

This was an eye opener from start to finish. The story had all the elements supported in it. Can’t wait to read the other books in this series.

[SheReadsALot · Rating 3 out of 5]

What to say about this one?

Hmm...Good start, lackluster middle and a decent epilogue.

Yeah there was some editing issues but not a train wreck. I'm not going to touch upon the need for an adult woman needing 5 adult men 'protecting' her and not making her have a life. Nope not going there. I wasn't disappointed (okay a little but it was the middle part and it seemed to lose steam), surprisingly it was not a smut fest, it reminded me of Jennifer Lopez's "Enough" except there's no cute kid just the five military hulk-hunks that acted like children at times. Enjoyed most of the elements of the story but the delivery...meh. TWO & A HALF STARS

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delicately Handled

I enjoyed Stefano and Adele's story. The story dealt with a sensitive subject and handled it with care and dignity. Stefano was a man that knew his mind and was content to not be committed to any woman until he met Adele. Adele was putting her life back together and reclaiming her self respect after escaping from her abusive marriage.

Adele met, befriended and claimed five military men as her brothers and they claimed her as their sister and were prepared to lay down their lives to keep her safe. Stefano comes on the scene and shakes everything up. Then the journey to heaven begins. Enjoy the ride and thank you Reana Malori for a job well done.

[Jennifer Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and Emotional Book

I enjoyed reading this book so much! I couldn't put my kindle down! I could relate to Adele because I was in an abusive relationship when I was younger. I enjoyed Adele and Stefano journey to love! I enjoyed the love that was displayed between them! Their chemistry was off the charts and scorching hot! I enjoyed the storyline and the chemistry between them! Such a fantastic book!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/5/2023)! 🎁

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this story. Even though it has a serious subject matter, it is not just a story of abuse. This book tells the story of a woman who broke free and started over. Learning to take care of herself, finding friends and even finding love again. Adele has moved on with her life and is taking steps to never be vulnerable again. Along the way, she gained brothers. The badassed soldiers aren't brothers by blood, but they are a family and they have made Adele the little sister of the group. When Stephano happens to see her at the gym, he knows that he wants to get to know her. First, he has to make it past her protectors. This story has it all. You will laugh, cry, get mad beyond reason, and hopefully fall in love with the characters. I know I did. This is the first in a series and I have to commend Reana Malori for tackeling a very serious subject matter with caring and sensitivity. This may be difficult for some people to read, but it is well worth the emotional journey. If a serious subject like domestic violence is something you prefer to avoid, this may not be the story for you.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

*NOTE: This story has been updated, enhanced, and improved, with an additional 2K words added to the story.**

Adele Woolner has survived more than a year of abuse, both verbal and physical, at the hands of her now ex-husband. Calling on strength she never knew she possessed, Adele builds a new life for herself and becomes a stronger woman in the process. Now ready to move forward—she never expects love to waltz into her life when she least expects it.

Stefano Indellicati feels an instant attraction to Adele and is determined to get to know her better. Something about her calls on his protective instincts, and he realizes he would do anything to call her his own. Willing to stand and fight for what he believes, Stefano will prove to Adele that he is the only man for her present and her future.

There were a couple of parts that could've had either more humor or more drama but not bad and would read about the other men in her life.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape to Heaven was a good starting point for what I hope will be an awesome series. I loved Adele's adopted family, those men know how to take care of their own, and I'm sure they'll each find themselves in an interesting story soon. Adele's story and the author's choice to write about domestic violence which is sometimes taboo, is something that I respect. I think that bringing readers attention to something that happens too often and providing additional information at the end of the book is very responsible. Although not every real life story has an ending like Adele's, you can't help but be happy for her. I wish that each woman that faces this type of situation could find their own Stefano. I realize that a good portion of the story was probably designed to help set up the brother's stories, but I would have liked to see just a little more detail in the development of the relationship between Adele and Stefano. Overall, a great, quick read!

[Niki Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story with a seriously heavy subject matter. The author did a great job in highlighting how Adele had grown after the trauma she endured. The fact that she went to a place not frequented by other women to learn defense was a great indication of the strength and determination of this main character. Add in 5 strong tough men decided to take her under their wing was and interesting play by the author and that non of them were interested in her sexually was a unique twist. Considering the protectors background it was a given that her love interest would need a similar background or they would not approve. Stefano was a great addition to the group and I enjoyed the banter, bickering and interactions between this wonderful family. I found this to be well written, entertaining and an enjoyable read. I can't wait to see if her protectors will get stories of their own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Escape to Heaven. This is one of my favorites of the books I have read by Reana. She choose a difficult topic to write about with domestic abuse and I thought she did a great job. Adele’s growth and determination showed through as we saw her overcome her fears and learn to allow men back into her life, learn to trust and most importantly, allow herself to break down the walls and find true love. I loved the family bond she and the men developed and I look forward to hearing about each one in the upcoming books.

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that you find yourself liking more and more as you read it. It does contain domestic violence but it is handled so well and it is nice to have a HEA. Adele starts out as a vulnerable, broken woman but once she starts to take back her life there is no stopping her! Then add in her family of mismatched brothers, who just happen to be hot military men, and there is even some lighthearted fun. When Stefano finally enters the picture there is fireworks and not just between Adele and Stefano. Loved it and it was a quick read.

[Stephanie Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say enough is enough it's ENOUGH!!!!

I gave this book five stars because it covered something very dear to my heart....domestic violence. The herione had suffered at the hands of the one person that suppose to love her beyond all others. But when enough was finally ENOUGH not only did she take back her freedom she found love again in our hero and never looked back. Some sad spots and some funny spots especially with her sex as sin adopted brothers. Come find out what I mean.

[BreakingtheEpigraph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Escape to Heaven well-written story about a battered woman name Adele who escapes her sadistic unfaithful abusive ex-husband one night after he almost kills her. Adele moved to Virginia and rebuilt her life as well obtain family in the form of former and current military men: Noah, Daniel, Ethan, Tyler and Tony. One day while sparring with Tyler, Stefano walks into the gym and is instantly attracted to Adele. Much to the distrust of Ethan, Stefano and Adele form a relationship; however, evil is lurking in the form of Joey Bittner ex-husband of Adele.

[Radiant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adele had suffered two years of abuse in hands of her husband.Now after five years,she is an independent women.With her five like-brother protecting her every move,adele is secured but ready to move forward in life.Enter Stefano,he is hot and handsome and protects Adele from the very start and loves her more than anything and anyone.

The story was good,it had a great start and end too.I can see the strong person Adele had become,but it was a bit hurried?Anyways overall good read!

Rating - 3 !

[Brenda Holder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Exciting Romance

Escape to Heaven (Heaven on Earth Book 1) is a very exciting romance novel that earned a rating of four stars. I enjoyed reading this book because it reminded me of how brutal physical abuse can get and how strong a woman has to be it and get herself free of her abuser. The couple had to overcome a lot of obstacles to get together and share their love for each other. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading exciting romance novels.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT STORY

I loved reading about Stefano and Adele's story. This was really a great story. The one thing I wanted to know was did Adele killed her ex? He certainly deserved it. I loved how the men protected her. With that said I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone. Great job Reana I can't wait to read Ethan's story. Please keep these wonderful stories coming. Thank you.

[Miranda]

Amazing

This is the first book, I read by this author. It definitely wasn't the last. I love how protective of how everybody was, not just the guys of Adele but Adele was very protective of them. I Loved how Stefano didn't back down but still respected the place that they had in her life.

[Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story! I am glad that Reana Malori has written a story about abuse and it is sadly a common situation in the world. I am glad that Joey got his just desserts at the end! That "poor excuse" of a man had a lot of nerve! I also love the protection she receives from the men (real men) that consider her their little sister. Awesome! I am now a fan of Reana Malori!

[Genney Blass · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. What a great book so much drama from the beginning and how sweet and welcomed the military guys were with her. Come on, each one now needs a book. They need someone in there life. Cheers to the Author.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice short read. I'm happy that Adele got away from a dangerous situation, and was able to protect herself in the end. I would love to have protectors like that in my life.

[La Vida Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best novella. Very little character development of the characters, which I know is typical of novellas, but this one was really light on the details of the hero. I am not sure he was much of one because he wasn't the star of the book. The heroine was and we do get her background in her abusive relationship with her ex. What was strange was her relationship with the five ex-military guys. They were way over the top overprotective of her and you mean to tell me not one of those dudes was interested in this supposedly hot looking woman more than in a sisterly way?? Not bloody likely in any type of real world situation. Listen, you got at least a 1 in 3 chance of something more than friendship happening in these situations. I can't imagine how this woman, who is not a lesbian, with this loving and sweet personality, that they spend nearly every weekend with doesn't get any interest romantically from any of these dudes, but I digress. Enter Stefano. He sees her working out/boxing at the gym and falls instantly. We literally get no information about this guy. Just that he has a job in business and wants her very badly. No time was spent giving him much of a personality so it was hard to invest at all in their relationship. It would have been far more interesting if she developed something with Ethan (one her five "brothers").

[Gia · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked the fact that we watch Adele get her life back together and see the connection she’s developed with her new family of protective brothers. I would say this book was more like a novella setup set up to just have a fast relationship materialize basically out of nowhere.

While I did like the charm and the core of Steffano‘s character in the story I wasn’t fully convinced through their courtship a real connection was developing. And there wasn’t any suspense!!!!!! The narrative and details of the story and the return of Adele‘s ex where all laid out step by step and besides, Joey, there wasn’t any evidence of there being any sub antagonist, subplot or tension that the characters with be facing.

This book to me is a good cozy pro relationship book to read if the reader just want something quick to read. I know that my reading style is more for the slow burns or the heavy with details that key me captivated for at least a few days or a week.

Overall,I think that this is a good starting point for the characters in this series because we have a feel for how they reacting/think and I am interested in seeing what happens with them in the rest of the series if the stories are all connected.

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice Narration!

This was like having someone read you a story or give you the rundown on something that happened in someone's life. While it was a good look at domestic violence and how a female victim can get back their sense of safety and self worth, it was not a very strong portrayal of a romance between two individuals. I am still on the fence as to whether or not I really liked Adele, even though she was a victim. Also, we never get a complete understanding of why there was a conflict between her and her coworker. Or, why is an Italian whose parents have a vacation home on an island outside of Sicily, a Marine in the US? Anyway, I think I was too distracted to really get any real enjoyment or entertainment from this story. Also, it was somewhat implied that Noah and Daniel might already be in some form of relation with a female. I am assuming that is why stories in the series did not include all five. Anyway, there wasn't enough depth to all that was presented in the novel!

[Charlene Silvernail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adele - Finally free of the violence and pain

What a book! Another great book by Reana Malori. This book was intense, riveting and displaying the cruelty of domestic violence in the marriage of Adele and Joey. He had beat her so bad and if she hadn’t escaped across the street, he would have killed her, which was his intention. It took her 5 years and boxing lessons but she was ready for his arrival, which she felt in her gut. The guys, her 5 brothers by other mothers and Stefano were headed to her house and upon arriving, Adele had given Joey a taste of his own medicine. Joey died from the moves she put on him and she was cleared of his death.
Stefano asked her to marry him and she said yes.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that her brothers are so protective of her and I also love that these men can have that type of relationship with her. They are family, hilarious and a package deal. Stefano is just like them towards her, she's skittish but he's determined and very patient with her. Such an emotional, heartwarming and intense romance while depicting the seriousness of a sensitive subject but also encouraging because it's an example of the strength gained by escaping. I didn't read the blurb so the Prologue was shocking, I choose to skip it and I am so glad that I didn't give up on Adele.

[Hawkeye K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered and Rebuikt

Adele had gone through hell and had been left broken and shattered by her ex husband. Five years later she was a different person and that was in part due to her new family, five guys who she called family. Stefano came into her life at just the right time. His patience and love was just what she needed to open her to love. The visual description of domestic violence is not easy to deal with but it helps in showing the healing process. I really enjoyed the language, the bantering and there was just the right amount of loving.

[morganblake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good start. The Prologue pulled me in. Very well written. I felt like I was there. Slightly disappointed with the remainder of the book. It was not as descriptive and felt a little flat in places. Not into giving spoilers. Lots of opportunity for deeper character and story development.
The climax of the book was very satisfying.
This is my first book by this author. I liked the FMC , MMC, and supporting cast and how well that intro drew me in. I am willing and plan to try another book by this author.