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Heaven and Hell #1
Heaven and Hell
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 eye.
Terrified of the interest Sam shows in her, Kia finds the courage to go out with him. Not long after, she shares her dark secrets and Sam shares that he’ll stop at nothing to gain her trust.
As Sam leads Kia to heaven, Kia realizes that Sam is living his own hell. But although he gives her beauty and she gives him everything, he withholds his trust.
Even with all the beauty Sam shows her, Kia wants it all. But Sam forces Kia to make a heartbreaking decision and only she can decide. It’s all or nothing.
He’s sitting at a table right next to hers. And she catches his eye.
Terrified of the interest Sam shows in her, Kia finds the courage to go out with him. Not long after, she shares her dark secrets and Sam shares that he’ll stop at nothing to gain her trust.
As Sam leads Kia to heaven, Kia realizes that Sam is living his own hell. But although he gives her beauty and she gives him everything, he withholds his trust.
Even with all the beauty Sam shows her, Kia wants it all. But Sam forces Kia to make a heartbreaking decision and only she can decide. It’s all or nothing.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2011
About the author
Kristen Ashley
124 books38.9k followersKristen 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 and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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 and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,441 reviews
August 1, 2018
***Re-read number 500 001 (slight exaggeration)***
Miracle of miracles, I didn't cry this time. I think this is because, after half a million re-reads (slight exaggeration) I'm finally toughening up.
I had a thought... I wonder if Sam's secret work was the same as Lucas Starks? Hmmmm....???
Anyways, loved it AGAIN!!
**********
When you’ve been through hell it’s easy to recognise heaven.
I cried - on my exercise bike, in the kitchen baking cookies and sitting on my bed playing Solitaire. Listening to the audio of Heaven and Hell was EMOTIONAL. I should have been prepared considering I had read it before, but no, I still blubbered like a baby. The pain is the same whether you’re reading it or someone else is reading it to you. My boys would come in to check on me as I was exercising and find me sitting on my bike, still exercising, but sniffling. The first time was a surprise and they were concerned, but once I reassured them, the subsequent times they giggled or shook their heads with a smirk on their face. Yeah…real funny.
I started Heaven and Hell hoping it would keep me motivated to keep up my exercising routine. The exercising while listening was new, previously I only listened to audios while I baked. Unfortunately, I was sneaking in listens between exercise sessions. A cake HAD to be baked…biscuits were NEEDED…I’ll just listen to one chapter to RELAX. Instead of just listening while exercising, I was finding any excuse to turn out the world and return to Sam and Kia’s love story.
I LOVE SAM COOPER…and Kia’s pretty awesome too.
Kia’s life was heaven for a small time in high school when the star quarterback asked her out. Kia finished school, married her sweetheart Cooter, and they set up their house together. Her heaven turned to HELL when Cooter became abusive physically and mentally. She tried to escape a few times but didn’t want to risk her family and friends lives because she knew Cooter would come for her and someone would pay. Kia’s family and friends knew she was suffering, but she refused to ask for help. They leave her be but worry about her. Eventually, Cooter dies a horrible death and Kia gains her freedom. Some shocking truths come to light after his death with some huge repercussions. A life insurance payout sets Kia up for life. Her first step towards freedom is to take a trip overseas. She’s in Lake Como and cannot believe her eyes…SAMPSON COOPER!! Sam is Kia’s Pervathon, the guy she internet stalks and knows EVERYTHING about. How she deals with her first meeting is funny, but also really cute.
Sam Cooper has had a very interesting life. He grew up in an abusive household, became a football star, lost his brother in the war, left his football career to join the army and lost his best mate in the war too. It’s a wee bit of a burden to carry on his very broad shoulders and I hated seeing him struggle with it on his own. He sees Kia and thinks she’s very cute. Once he hears her story, he decides to keep her.
Their journey to love is not all hearts and flowers. Lots of issues need to be addressed and barriers that have been in place for a long time need to be climbed and obliterated. From the very beginning, you know that the challenges will be worth it because this couple needs to be together. They fit each other, and that fit is GOOOOOOD!! Holy shamoly, Sampson Cooper is HOT!!
Ok, now for the audio part of this review. Felicity Munroe does a really good job. It’s not an easy story as there are a few different accents. I think she does most of the accents well. Unfortunately, I nearly fell off my exercise bike laughing at her Aussie accent for the character Thomas. Thomas was described as Amercian, with a slight Australian accent considering he grew up and lived there for ten years and visited family there regularly. All I can say is…Thomas must have spent equal time in New Zealand and South Africa too. As an Aussie, I’m probably going to pick it up more, but it really did make me chuckle. The only other accent that was a little hard to take was Ozzie. He’s the sheriff from Kia’s hometown and he did NOTHING to help Kia get out of her hell. Now, I’m not the biggest fan of this character, but his old…boy…charm…slow…talking…drawl, drove me up the bloody wall. I even had to speed it up as it was too slow. My favourite accent from all of the characters was Celeste’s French one. Maybe someone French would find fault, but I thought it sounded lovely and very easy to listen to.
I loved Heaven and Hell to read and listen to and I will definitely re-read/listen to it again. I’m going to stick with my 5-star rating for both the e-book and the audio.
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
Miracle of miracles, I didn't cry this time. I think this is because, after half a million re-reads (slight exaggeration) I'm finally toughening up.
I had a thought... I wonder if Sam's secret work was the same as Lucas Starks? Hmmmm....???
Anyways, loved it AGAIN!!
**********
When you’ve been through hell it’s easy to recognise heaven.
I cried - on my exercise bike, in the kitchen baking cookies and sitting on my bed playing Solitaire. Listening to the audio of Heaven and Hell was EMOTIONAL. I should have been prepared considering I had read it before, but no, I still blubbered like a baby. The pain is the same whether you’re reading it or someone else is reading it to you. My boys would come in to check on me as I was exercising and find me sitting on my bike, still exercising, but sniffling. The first time was a surprise and they were concerned, but once I reassured them, the subsequent times they giggled or shook their heads with a smirk on their face. Yeah…real funny.
I started Heaven and Hell hoping it would keep me motivated to keep up my exercising routine. The exercising while listening was new, previously I only listened to audios while I baked. Unfortunately, I was sneaking in listens between exercise sessions. A cake HAD to be baked…biscuits were NEEDED…I’ll just listen to one chapter to RELAX. Instead of just listening while exercising, I was finding any excuse to turn out the world and return to Sam and Kia’s love story.
I LOVE SAM COOPER…and Kia’s pretty awesome too.
Kia’s life was heaven for a small time in high school when the star quarterback asked her out. Kia finished school, married her sweetheart Cooter, and they set up their house together. Her heaven turned to HELL when Cooter became abusive physically and mentally. She tried to escape a few times but didn’t want to risk her family and friends lives because she knew Cooter would come for her and someone would pay. Kia’s family and friends knew she was suffering, but she refused to ask for help. They leave her be but worry about her. Eventually, Cooter dies a horrible death and Kia gains her freedom. Some shocking truths come to light after his death with some huge repercussions. A life insurance payout sets Kia up for life. Her first step towards freedom is to take a trip overseas. She’s in Lake Como and cannot believe her eyes…SAMPSON COOPER!! Sam is Kia’s Pervathon, the guy she internet stalks and knows EVERYTHING about. How she deals with her first meeting is funny, but also really cute.
Sam Cooper has had a very interesting life. He grew up in an abusive household, became a football star, lost his brother in the war, left his football career to join the army and lost his best mate in the war too. It’s a wee bit of a burden to carry on his very broad shoulders and I hated seeing him struggle with it on his own. He sees Kia and thinks she’s very cute. Once he hears her story, he decides to keep her.
Their journey to love is not all hearts and flowers. Lots of issues need to be addressed and barriers that have been in place for a long time need to be climbed and obliterated. From the very beginning, you know that the challenges will be worth it because this couple needs to be together. They fit each other, and that fit is GOOOOOOD!! Holy shamoly, Sampson Cooper is HOT!!
Ok, now for the audio part of this review. Felicity Munroe does a really good job. It’s not an easy story as there are a few different accents. I think she does most of the accents well. Unfortunately, I nearly fell off my exercise bike laughing at her Aussie accent for the character Thomas. Thomas was described as Amercian, with a slight Australian accent considering he grew up and lived there for ten years and visited family there regularly. All I can say is…Thomas must have spent equal time in New Zealand and South Africa too. As an Aussie, I’m probably going to pick it up more, but it really did make me chuckle. The only other accent that was a little hard to take was Ozzie. He’s the sheriff from Kia’s hometown and he did NOTHING to help Kia get out of her hell. Now, I’m not the biggest fan of this character, but his old…boy…charm…slow…talking…drawl, drove me up the bloody wall. I even had to speed it up as it was too slow. My favourite accent from all of the characters was Celeste’s French one. Maybe someone French would find fault, but I thought it sounded lovely and very easy to listen to.
I loved Heaven and Hell to read and listen to and I will definitely re-read/listen to it again. I’m going to stick with my 5-star rating for both the e-book and the audio.
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
November 2, 2021
***5 STARS***
This is one of my all time favorite books by Kristen Ashley and I had to give it a reread and write a review.
Kia is in an abusive marriage and sees no way out until her husband is murdered and she finds out he took insurance out on himself to the tune of five million dollars. And by the way he took out one on her for ten million. Kia has always had the biggest crush on Sampson Cooper the football star. So imagine her surprise when he is at the next table to hers on her dream trip to Lake Como.
I lived this book. It had everything. I felt like I was right there in Lake Como living out a fantasy of meeting my celebrity crush and they want you back. The descriptions were incredible and the interaction between Kia and Sampson were intense. Sampson was one of my first book experiences with an possessive alpha.
I love Kristen Ashley’s old books and I highly recommend this one.
This is one of my all time favorite books by Kristen Ashley and I had to give it a reread and write a review.
Kia is in an abusive marriage and sees no way out until her husband is murdered and she finds out he took insurance out on himself to the tune of five million dollars. And by the way he took out one on her for ten million. Kia has always had the biggest crush on Sampson Cooper the football star. So imagine her surprise when he is at the next table to hers on her dream trip to Lake Como.
I lived this book. It had everything. I felt like I was right there in Lake Como living out a fantasy of meeting my celebrity crush and they want you back. The descriptions were incredible and the interaction between Kia and Sampson were intense. Sampson was one of my first book experiences with an possessive alpha.
I love Kristen Ashley’s old books and I highly recommend this one.
February 15, 2012
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!
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!
December 4, 2013
"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 undercurrent of a deeper, darker story behind every character. It made me squee, it made me laugh out loud, it made me choked up and teary and it made me swoony
Kia spends seven years trapped in a love-less abusive marriage to a man who gave her empty promises. When he is suddenly killed, she is liberated and free to live her life again, but she is still shadowed by the pain and fear he instilled in her. Determined to not let this stand in her way, she goes on vacation to Paris where she sees, in her hotel dining room, her celebrity crush/ex-football-star/ex-badass commando, and all-round kind and awesome guy, Sam Cooper. The maitre d’ seats them together and they have an instant and grin-inducing connection that neither of them can deny. From that point on their are inseparable and their beautiful romance begins.
While this book is more focused on character development than some of KA’s other books I’ve read, it still has it’s share of some actions scenes – there are hit men, badass body guards, and even a cameo from Rock Chick’s Lee Nightingale!
I LOVED Sam. He was just what I love in a book hero. He didn’t play games, accepted no bullshit, and was crazy as all hell for Kia. He was deeply perceptive and read Kia very well. He understood that she was damaged by her ex-husband, understood her fears and concerns and did everything in his power to help her deal with it, never giving up on digging to find the truth behind her emotions, not allowing her to hide true feelings about anything from him (both in happy times and in fights) and helping her heal and learn to trust again.
“I know you’re freaked, I know you’re scared and I know you can come up with a million reasons that you’re not ready, all of which will be excuses. But now that I know exactly what’s behind those shields you got up… you gotta know that knowin’ that makes me no less into you… In fact, it makes me more into you… And you’ll learn, because I’ll prove it to you, I’ll never hurt you.”
He wasn’t perfect though, he made mistakes along the way, but he reads her, sees that he’s hurt her, apologizes and reassures her that it’ll never happen again.
“In a healthy relationship, you’re allowed to get pissed and in my face. Fuck, I need you to do that so I know what buttons not to push, where I can’t go and avoid those places. And I’ll do the same for you. Its part of learning how to take care of each other. Its fightin but its a form of communication and it’s also a form of trust. We have words, we come to terms, we learn about each other and we move on stronger.”
For those of you who have read the Dream Man series, he really felt like a cross between Hawk and Brock.
Honestly, it was so refreshing to see a totally functional couple from the first time they meet. Any obstacle that came in their way, they found a way around.
“You got one life, never use it just to breathe.”
And I LOVED Kia. I think she is my favorite KA heroine so far. She was smart, funny, and sassy. She was damaged and vulnerable on the inside, but still fighting and not afraid to speak her mind with open honesty. Both Sam and Kia were talkers so it make for some wonderfully awesome dialogue. There were times when I was bookmarking at least 2 quotes per page!
”There are very few, very fuckin’ few people, Kia, who get what’s precious in this world. They work their asses off for pure shit and think they’d fight and die to keep it. You don’t fight and die for shit. You fight and die for things that matter. You are the first woman I’ve met outside a life that leads you to understand that shit who gets that. And straight up, baby, you gotta know, I like that a fuckuva lot.”
Sam helps Kia learn to live and feel safe in the moment. First he tells her, then he shows her. He helps her pull all her inner strength to the surface and work though and dispel the fear and vulnerability left in her from her abusive ex.
“I am not him, Kia. Your dead husband… was an asshole. And now he’s gone. You’re in bed with me… I’m here because I wanna be here… and when we’re done talkin’ about that asshole and he’s gone again, I’m gonna get you wet and hot for me and I’m gonna be in you because I wanna be in you…There are not many men who would not kill [to be here] and that man is now me and and he’s gonna be me for a good long time.”
We meet a lot of side characters in this book that are almost as much of an integral part of the story as the main couple. Their stories moved me to tears more than once and added beautifully to the heart of the story.
“Anywhere is heaven as long as it’s with you.”
5.5 stars
How I see Kia and Sam:
For more of my reviews, visit Aestas Book Blog
And come join the Aestas Book Blog Facebook Page
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 undercurrent of a deeper, darker story behind every character. It made me squee, it made me laugh out loud, it made me choked up and teary and it made me swoony
Kia spends seven years trapped in a love-less abusive marriage to a man who gave her empty promises. When he is suddenly killed, she is liberated and free to live her life again, but she is still shadowed by the pain and fear he instilled in her. Determined to not let this stand in her way, she goes on vacation to Paris where she sees, in her hotel dining room, her celebrity crush/ex-football-star/ex-badass commando, and all-round kind and awesome guy, Sam Cooper. The maitre d’ seats them together and they have an instant and grin-inducing connection that neither of them can deny. From that point on their are inseparable and their beautiful romance begins.
While this book is more focused on character development than some of KA’s other books I’ve read, it still has it’s share of some actions scenes – there are hit men, badass body guards, and even a cameo from Rock Chick’s Lee Nightingale!
I LOVED Sam. He was just what I love in a book hero. He didn’t play games, accepted no bullshit, and was crazy as all hell for Kia. He was deeply perceptive and read Kia very well. He understood that she was damaged by her ex-husband, understood her fears and concerns and did everything in his power to help her deal with it, never giving up on digging to find the truth behind her emotions, not allowing her to hide true feelings about anything from him (both in happy times and in fights) and helping her heal and learn to trust again.
“I know you’re freaked, I know you’re scared and I know you can come up with a million reasons that you’re not ready, all of which will be excuses. But now that I know exactly what’s behind those shields you got up… you gotta know that knowin’ that makes me no less into you… In fact, it makes me more into you… And you’ll learn, because I’ll prove it to you, I’ll never hurt you.”
He wasn’t perfect though, he made mistakes along the way, but he reads her, sees that he’s hurt her, apologizes and reassures her that it’ll never happen again.
“In a healthy relationship, you’re allowed to get pissed and in my face. Fuck, I need you to do that so I know what buttons not to push, where I can’t go and avoid those places. And I’ll do the same for you. Its part of learning how to take care of each other. Its fightin but its a form of communication and it’s also a form of trust. We have words, we come to terms, we learn about each other and we move on stronger.”
For those of you who have read the Dream Man series, he really felt like a cross between Hawk and Brock.
Honestly, it was so refreshing to see a totally functional couple from the first time they meet. Any obstacle that came in their way, they found a way around.
“You got one life, never use it just to breathe.”
And I LOVED Kia. I think she is my favorite KA heroine so far. She was smart, funny, and sassy. She was damaged and vulnerable on the inside, but still fighting and not afraid to speak her mind with open honesty. Both Sam and Kia were talkers so it make for some wonderfully awesome dialogue. There were times when I was bookmarking at least 2 quotes per page!
”There are very few, very fuckin’ few people, Kia, who get what’s precious in this world. They work their asses off for pure shit and think they’d fight and die to keep it. You don’t fight and die for shit. You fight and die for things that matter. You are the first woman I’ve met outside a life that leads you to understand that shit who gets that. And straight up, baby, you gotta know, I like that a fuckuva lot.”
Sam helps Kia learn to live and feel safe in the moment. First he tells her, then he shows her. He helps her pull all her inner strength to the surface and work though and dispel the fear and vulnerability left in her from her abusive ex.
“I am not him, Kia. Your dead husband… was an asshole. And now he’s gone. You’re in bed with me… I’m here because I wanna be here… and when we’re done talkin’ about that asshole and he’s gone again, I’m gonna get you wet and hot for me and I’m gonna be in you because I wanna be in you…There are not many men who would not kill [to be here] and that man is now me and and he’s gonna be me for a good long time.”
We meet a lot of side characters in this book that are almost as much of an integral part of the story as the main couple. Their stories moved me to tears more than once and added beautifully to the heart of the story.
“Anywhere is heaven as long as it’s with you.”
5.5 stars
How I see Kia and Sam:
For more of my reviews, visit Aestas Book Blog
And come join the Aestas Book Blog Facebook Page
March 18, 2014
Heaven and Hell
5 Heaven Stars
Another winner from Kristen Ashely. When it comes to her books, I feel like I can’t go wrong. This one was more on the intense side at times, but a truly beautiful story of second chances, hope and healing.
Kia Clememntine has spent the last seven years of her life in an abusive marriage. After her husband is killed, she is ready to start living her life. She wants to make big changes and live life to the fullest so she starts by taking the vacation of a lifetime.
While in Paris, she finds herself sitting by Samson Cooper. Sam Cooper is that guy. They football star/soldier that she has cyber stalked. She has had a crush on him for the longest time.
Kia and Sam started falling for one another on her trip. She never imagined that a man like Sam would ever be hers. Once they come back to the states, they have a lot to face. Kia’s past isn’t as far in the past as they thought. Sam will do anything to protect her.
Kia was strong. She has been through so much, but she tried not to let it effect her new life. She wanted to make positive changes. To never be the victim again. Sam... oh Sam Cooper. I loved this man! He was understanding when it came to Kia’s past. After hearing about his past/childhood, you see why. He was sweet, sexy, swoony and all around alpha. Sam wasn’t perfect. He had issues of his own that he had to work through. Being at war and seeing the things he’s seen changed him. He might not have been perfect, but he was exactly what Kia needed. Once he has her, he’s never letting her go.
Sam and Kia had off the charts chemistry, but it wasn’t just that. Even though the sex scenes made me melt, there was more depth to them than just that. There was intimacy, lots of love and healing.
Abuse is never an easy topic to read about. I can imagine it is just as difficult to write about, but KA does it flawlessly. Heaven and Hell is the story of two people who were living in their own hell, came out of the ashes and gave each other heaven. A emotional and touching read I would highly recommend.
5 Heaven Stars
Another winner from Kristen Ashely. When it comes to her books, I feel like I can’t go wrong. This one was more on the intense side at times, but a truly beautiful story of second chances, hope and healing.
Kia Clememntine has spent the last seven years of her life in an abusive marriage. After her husband is killed, she is ready to start living her life. She wants to make big changes and live life to the fullest so she starts by taking the vacation of a lifetime.
While in Paris, she finds herself sitting by Samson Cooper. Sam Cooper is that guy. They football star/soldier that she has cyber stalked. She has had a crush on him for the longest time.
Kia and Sam started falling for one another on her trip. She never imagined that a man like Sam would ever be hers. Once they come back to the states, they have a lot to face. Kia’s past isn’t as far in the past as they thought. Sam will do anything to protect her.
Kia was strong. She has been through so much, but she tried not to let it effect her new life. She wanted to make positive changes. To never be the victim again. Sam... oh Sam Cooper. I loved this man! He was understanding when it came to Kia’s past. After hearing about his past/childhood, you see why. He was sweet, sexy, swoony and all around alpha. Sam wasn’t perfect. He had issues of his own that he had to work through. Being at war and seeing the things he’s seen changed him. He might not have been perfect, but he was exactly what Kia needed. Once he has her, he’s never letting her go.
Sam and Kia had off the charts chemistry, but it wasn’t just that. Even though the sex scenes made me melt, there was more depth to them than just that. There was intimacy, lots of love and healing.
Abuse is never an easy topic to read about. I can imagine it is just as difficult to write about, but KA does it flawlessly. Heaven and Hell is the story of two people who were living in their own hell, came out of the ashes and gave each other heaven. A emotional and touching read I would highly recommend.
“You got one life, never use it just to breathe.”
January 2, 2016
Yes, I'm putting this through again because this story is still just $0.99, and if you've ever thought about trying Kristen Ashley's stories but didn't know where to start - this is a great place! And the price is right, too!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006...
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 man and, no two ways about it, Kia Clementine is a tortured soul, too. This story is so poignant, so moving… and at the same time, so Kristen Ashley in that all the characters are strong, even when they’re vulnerable.
I’m sorry, I know I’m not making a lot of sense, but I can’t really put it into words. Suffice it to say, Heaven and Hell is a wonderful story. Though, from what I understand, it’s a stand alone, there is the possibility for another book and I really do hope we can have Luci and Hap’s story, someday.
-----
If you're a Kristen Ashley addict, or just interested in checking her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!
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April 20, 2018We all have heard the expression “When hell freezes over”. Right?
Well down in the firey depths of Hell, they must be feeling pretty cold. Cos that day must have come. Who would have thought the day would come when me, Mo, Mrs Tate Jackson, would not LIKE a KA book. Not me, I can tell ya. Did not see it coming, well, maybe I did – as I started this one last year and got about 25% in and stopped reading it as it was just annoying the shit out of me.
Was it the Hero?
Was it the Heroine?
Was it the Mom, the Dad, the Sheriff, the friends, the dog?
Kia sure got it by the end of the book, I’m sure, cos he asked her often enough did she “get him”?
… and the WHISPERS ..
The word “whispered” or a variation thereof was mentioned FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHT TIMES in the book. I counted every single one – God Bless kindle search!
He whispered, she whispered, Dad whispered, Mom whispered, even the fucking Sheriff whispered at one stage…. It was driving me insane.
Was waiting for the dog to start whispering. Instead he just started to …
I love dogs, but, Memphis, wanted you to shut the fuck up.
I think La-Lionne might be right and I might still be suffering from TOS syndrome …
…. Because, lately, I have been finding it very hard to stick with a book!
I need to …
I mean usually I love posting HOT guys as the Heroes in my books but I just could not muster up the energy to look for someone who looked like Sam! Actually, I can think of someone I can use….
Most of you probably know what I think of this fella … Yeah, you're right, about as much as I thought of the book!
Now, I wouldn’t go so far as to say I HATED the book, but it did not
FOR ME!
Most of the time I was just plain bored…
Well for all that I did not like the book, I sure as Heaven and Hell spent enough time reviewing it.
The reason I did not give it any stars was because I DNF!
September 25, 2012
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.
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.
September 21, 2013
UPDATE: Rating edited September 21, 2013. From 5 stars downgraded to 4 stars.
*************************************************
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."
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 no matter what footwear he was wearing and since his job meant he had to wear steel-toed boots, I'd learned a sock was far, far better.
While on vacation in Italy Kia meets her secret crush, former football star Sampson Cooper. Sam is a loyal and caring man. Kia acted kind of shy and reserved and I could relate since we know what she had to undergo with her ex. Moreover, you don't meet celebrities all the time. It's the beginning of a beautiful love story.
Kia is mentally scarred and even though Sam had to deal with his own demons, he is helping her to find her self-esteem and self-confidence. It's a very bumpy road back to a happy and fulfilling life, and Kia needed to process her violent marriage. Healing is always a matter of time but then again, sometimes it's also a matter of opportunity. Sam offers this opportunity and is right there to catch her when she's falling. He comforts her but he is also there to give her inner strength. Yes, Sam has a way with (meaningful) words:
"There are very few, very fuckin' few people, Kia, who get what's precious in this world. They work their asses off for pure shit and think they'd fight and die to keep it. You don't fight and die for shit. You fight and die for things that matter. You are the first woman I've met outside a life that leads you to understand that shit who gets that. And straight up, baby, you gotta know, I like that a fuckuva lot."
Wow, wow, wow!!! Heaven and Hell is another gem and wonderfully penned by Kristen Ashley! She delivers in spades! Sam strongly reminds me of Tate. Sampson Cooper (what a name!) is another badass, no-holds-barred-I'm-in-charge-and-protecting-what's-mine hero. A wonderful specimen of male miracle who sparkles his very special magic! Wow, I feel dizzy! I'm drooling and I am meeeelting away here! He is an alpha male who pushes every right button of a woman's mind and body, and I think he gives the female population a tingly feeling in their tummies. Mmmm…I can feel the butterflies! Sam and Kia had such great chemistry! As always there is a superb cast of secondary characters and Kristen did a fine job in developing the main and the secondary characters through very good dialogs and emotions. The plot was good and as always I just love Kristen's ability to create so much intimate moments!
Kristen is such an incredibly gifted story-teller! She makes me smile and laugh, she renders me speechless at times. And she makes me cry. Moreover, it's always such a pleasure reading and reviewing her stories; I feel deeply content.
Heaven and Hell is a powerful and emotional story and I think it's a shout out to everyone to stand up against abuse. We mustn't tolerate it in any form. Sam mentioned "Fearless" and "I'm there". So little words and they mean the world in Heaven and Hell. This story touched me to my very core!
Kia was in hell and ultimately found her heaven. On top of that, she brought Sam a piece of heaven, too. She said:
"Anywhere is heaven as long as it's an anywhere with you."
Thank you, Kristen, for offering the reader a piece of heaven! Very highly recommended!
*************************************************
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."
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 no matter what footwear he was wearing and since his job meant he had to wear steel-toed boots, I'd learned a sock was far, far better.
While on vacation in Italy Kia meets her secret crush, former football star Sampson Cooper. Sam is a loyal and caring man. Kia acted kind of shy and reserved and I could relate since we know what she had to undergo with her ex. Moreover, you don't meet celebrities all the time. It's the beginning of a beautiful love story.
Kia is mentally scarred and even though Sam had to deal with his own demons, he is helping her to find her self-esteem and self-confidence. It's a very bumpy road back to a happy and fulfilling life, and Kia needed to process her violent marriage. Healing is always a matter of time but then again, sometimes it's also a matter of opportunity. Sam offers this opportunity and is right there to catch her when she's falling. He comforts her but he is also there to give her inner strength. Yes, Sam has a way with (meaningful) words:
"There are very few, very fuckin' few people, Kia, who get what's precious in this world. They work their asses off for pure shit and think they'd fight and die to keep it. You don't fight and die for shit. You fight and die for things that matter. You are the first woman I've met outside a life that leads you to understand that shit who gets that. And straight up, baby, you gotta know, I like that a fuckuva lot."
Wow, wow, wow!!! Heaven and Hell is another gem and wonderfully penned by Kristen Ashley! She delivers in spades! Sam strongly reminds me of Tate. Sampson Cooper (what a name!) is another badass, no-holds-barred-I'm-in-charge-and-protecting-what's-mine hero. A wonderful specimen of male miracle who sparkles his very special magic! Wow, I feel dizzy! I'm drooling and I am meeeelting away here! He is an alpha male who pushes every right button of a woman's mind and body, and I think he gives the female population a tingly feeling in their tummies. Mmmm…I can feel the butterflies! Sam and Kia had such great chemistry! As always there is a superb cast of secondary characters and Kristen did a fine job in developing the main and the secondary characters through very good dialogs and emotions. The plot was good and as always I just love Kristen's ability to create so much intimate moments!
Kristen is such an incredibly gifted story-teller! She makes me smile and laugh, she renders me speechless at times. And she makes me cry. Moreover, it's always such a pleasure reading and reviewing her stories; I feel deeply content.
Heaven and Hell is a powerful and emotional story and I think it's a shout out to everyone to stand up against abuse. We mustn't tolerate it in any form. Sam mentioned "Fearless" and "I'm there". So little words and they mean the world in Heaven and Hell. This story touched me to my very core!
Kia was in hell and ultimately found her heaven. On top of that, she brought Sam a piece of heaven, too. She said:
"Anywhere is heaven as long as it's an anywhere with you."
Thank you, Kristen, for offering the reader a piece of heaven! Very highly recommended!
November 24, 2012
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 vacationing Europe.
I spent a lot of this book saying "poor Kia oh poor Kia." Totally unaware that I would soon be saying "poor Sam, oh no, Oh God no, poor Sam." This book was soooo amazing I recommend it for all romance lovers. Yes it is emotional and yes you may shed a tear but it is so worth it. Every good love story is.
Kia Clementine has just ended a seven year stint in HELL. With a husband who would beat her whenever he felt like it. Now he is gone. Her life changes and suddenly she gets a windfall. Five million to be exact. What's a girl to do?! Why travel the world of course! And so she does.
While on vacation in Europe Kia cross paths with Sampson Cooper. A well known famous guy loved by many including Kia. He is an ex-football player who left the NFL to join the military. Sampson Cooper is known as a hero to the world. Once Sam lays eyes on Kia he decides she is gonna be his. And so she is his. Sam then makes it very clear that this is not a "vacation fling." And Kia agrees.
Sam knows that Kia has been hurt he knows that she experienced pain no one should have to endure. And he intends to show her what it should really feel like to be loved by a man. Kia starts to give Sam everything. Ever so willingly, but she soon realizes that Sam is not giving her his all in return. He has secrets. And those secrets torment him daily. When Kia wants answers Sam does not give them. This causes trouble in paradise. Leaving Kia feeling left out when he fails to share that piece of himself.
Thoughts
I loved it! I even had to bust out the use of the highlighter on this one. This book did not just give you a sentence or a phrase that would rock your world. Oh no, this book was filled with spoken one word answers that sped up my heart as i read them. So of course i had to highlight them.*Grins*
SAFE, FEARLESS, ONWARD, INSEPARABLE, GENTLE, DRIFTING & PATIENCE. Some were used more than once and every time my heart sped up just a little at the implications they meant for Kia. I loved the secondary love story built in to Heaven and Hell. And I loved all the secondary characters they brought a lot of spunk, drama and laughs.
Phrases that caused me to GASP say "Awwwww" or Smile, mind you sometimes I did all three at the same time!
“You got one life, never use it just to breathe.”
“Anywhere is heaven as long as it's with you.”
“Fuck me, how a woman can be so transparent and so full of shit at the same time is beyond me, but, baby, you got it down to an art”
“I’m gonna take care of you,” Sam whispered against my lips.
“Okay,” I whispered back.”
"Two choices I eat you then fuck you in bed then we shower or I eat you in bed then i fuck you in the shower."
Fave Scene was when Kia was talking to her dad over the phone after announcing that she has a new man in her life. Check it out
"Dad, all the things you might think he is, he is but he's more. He's very wise and he's very protective and he can be gentle-"
"Gentle," Dad whispered and i felt my throat close. "My girl deserves gentle."
My Ratings
Characters- Amazing and Lovable
Writing Style- Excellent
Plot/Storyline- Highly Emotional, Savory and Sexy
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- I LOVED IT!!! READ IT!!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us all about it on Goodreads!
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 vacationing Europe.
I spent a lot of this book saying "poor Kia oh poor Kia." Totally unaware that I would soon be saying "poor Sam, oh no, Oh God no, poor Sam." This book was soooo amazing I recommend it for all romance lovers. Yes it is emotional and yes you may shed a tear but it is so worth it. Every good love story is.
Kia Clementine has just ended a seven year stint in HELL. With a husband who would beat her whenever he felt like it. Now he is gone. Her life changes and suddenly she gets a windfall. Five million to be exact. What's a girl to do?! Why travel the world of course! And so she does.
While on vacation in Europe Kia cross paths with Sampson Cooper. A well known famous guy loved by many including Kia. He is an ex-football player who left the NFL to join the military. Sampson Cooper is known as a hero to the world. Once Sam lays eyes on Kia he decides she is gonna be his. And so she is his. Sam then makes it very clear that this is not a "vacation fling." And Kia agrees.
Sam knows that Kia has been hurt he knows that she experienced pain no one should have to endure. And he intends to show her what it should really feel like to be loved by a man. Kia starts to give Sam everything. Ever so willingly, but she soon realizes that Sam is not giving her his all in return. He has secrets. And those secrets torment him daily. When Kia wants answers Sam does not give them. This causes trouble in paradise. Leaving Kia feeling left out when he fails to share that piece of himself.
Thoughts
I loved it! I even had to bust out the use of the highlighter on this one. This book did not just give you a sentence or a phrase that would rock your world. Oh no, this book was filled with spoken one word answers that sped up my heart as i read them. So of course i had to highlight them.*Grins*
SAFE, FEARLESS, ONWARD, INSEPARABLE, GENTLE, DRIFTING & PATIENCE. Some were used more than once and every time my heart sped up just a little at the implications they meant for Kia. I loved the secondary love story built in to Heaven and Hell. And I loved all the secondary characters they brought a lot of spunk, drama and laughs.
Phrases that caused me to GASP say "Awwwww" or Smile, mind you sometimes I did all three at the same time!
“You got one life, never use it just to breathe.”
“Anywhere is heaven as long as it's with you.”
“Fuck me, how a woman can be so transparent and so full of shit at the same time is beyond me, but, baby, you got it down to an art”
“I’m gonna take care of you,” Sam whispered against my lips.
“Okay,” I whispered back.”
"Two choices I eat you then fuck you in bed then we shower or I eat you in bed then i fuck you in the shower."
Fave Scene was when Kia was talking to her dad over the phone after announcing that she has a new man in her life. Check it out
"Dad, all the things you might think he is, he is but he's more. He's very wise and he's very protective and he can be gentle-"
"Gentle," Dad whispered and i felt my throat close. "My girl deserves gentle."
My Ratings
Characters- Amazing and Lovable
Writing Style- Excellent
Plot/Storyline- Highly Emotional, Savory and Sexy
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- I LOVED IT!!! READ IT!!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us all about it on Goodreads!
September 15, 2013
I was in a bit of a book rut and this title was suggested to me by one of my awesome GR friends (Thank you, Crystal!!). Since this book was already on my Kindle (for months!), listening to Crystal and reading it this weekend was
Let me tell you what I liked about it:
And here is what I didn't like:
Yep. That pretty much sums up this book in a nutshell. For me, anyhow.
THIS is Kristen Ashley at her best, IMO! Even though At Peace still remains my #1 book of hers, this one just took the #2 spot and Sam [easily] made it onto my "top 5 KA alphas" list!!!
I am in LOVE with both characters in this story! So much so that this book also made it onto my "best couple award" shelf.
Kia is one of the most lovable heroines of Kristen's since Lexie of Lady Luck. I can't pick a single thing she did/say to get on my nerves and that usually NEVER happens!
Sam is just ... Sam. I mean, the guy is just perfect in every way. Stuff he says, does, feels ... OMG!
I love the supporting cast. I love the cameos by somes of my favorite characters from other books of Kristen's (Joe, Ryker, Lee ... need I go on??) I love this story. I cried so much in this book but they were sad AND happy tears as well.
I must say that I should have learned a long time ago to stop judging books by their covers (literally!), especially when it comes to Kristen's books. I think that's part of the reason it took me this long to get into her books to begin with - the covers never really "spoke" to me.
I am sure I'll add some more to this review once I stop reeling ... but that's all for now.
If you are a fan of Kristen's and haven't read this book yet, do yourself a favor and give it a shot! I don't think you'll regret it.
Cheers!
Sam
Kia
May 25, 2017
Re-read: 3/15/15
I love this one.
I love this one.
April 6, 2012
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, heavenly 5 stars!
Sam in all his sexy, swoonalicious glory:
Kia in casual glamour mode:
Kia lounging around Sam’s beach house in North Carolina:
Memphis going for a walk on the beach:
On a side note...I’ve been to Lake Como in Italy and it’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful, heavenly places I’ve seen. So I especially loved all the Lake Como scenes.
Lago di Como è bellissima!
This emotional, heartfelt scene pretty much sums up the book.
**********spoiler warning**********
My favorite badass alpha, yowza dirty talkin’ Sam quote:
**********explicit language and spoiler warning**********
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, heavenly 5 stars!
Sam in all his sexy, swoonalicious glory:
Kia in casual glamour mode:
Kia lounging around Sam’s beach house in North Carolina:
Memphis going for a walk on the beach:
On a side note...I’ve been to Lake Como in Italy and it’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful, heavenly places I’ve seen. So I especially loved all the Lake Como scenes.
Lago di Como è bellissima!
This emotional, heartfelt scene pretty much sums up the book.
**********spoiler warning**********
My favorite badass alpha, yowza dirty talkin’ Sam quote:
**********explicit language and spoiler warning**********
January 16, 2016
Re-read December 2014.
August 14, 2021
3 Stars (Originally Read 1/25/2017)
3.5 Stars (Re-Read 8/14/2021)
Overall Opinion: Well, I'm a little underwhelmed with this one. Its no secret that I'm a KA fan, so I'm sad to rate this one so low. I just couldn't get into the H at all -- and that is usually my favorite part of KA's books! Yes, he had the typical jerky, alpha attitude...but he was also too secretive, and I didn't like the way he pushed the h away. I also wasn't satisfied with the level of grovel here. I wanted more! The epilogue was cute. But for the queen of HEAs, again, I was underwhelmed. I know that some people loved this, but it just wasn't my favorite -- but keep in mind that for me 3 stars ain't bad ;)
Re-Read Note: I was looking for a KA re-read that wasn’t my typical re-read and this came up while browsing my shelf. I’m glad I re-read it because I liked it better this time, but I still didn’t love it. I agree with my initial assessment and that I didn’t get into the H as much as I would’ve liked. I got emotional for the h and how he was keeping secrets that ended up hurting her and I didn’t think he groveled nearly enough. I did, however, like the epilogue here even though I would’ve liked some time between the conflict resolution and the epilogue. So! I’m not sure this will be one I re-read again tbh, but I’m raising my rating some because I think I liked it more this time round.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Kia and Sam's story. Kia is released from her Hell of an abusive marriage when her husband is murdered. She takes off to travel Europe, and is shocked when she is seated next to her celebrity crush. She tries hard to ignore him, but Sam won't let that happen and asks her out. They end up in a whirlwind romance that follows them back to the states. They both have some major baggage that they have to work through in order to find their HEA (which they do).
POV: This was told in Kia's POV. I think the story would've benefited greatly by letting us get some of Sam's POV! It might've made him more relatable/likable and would help us understand his reasoning for his behavior/secrets.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. The ending felt a little abrupt, but otherwise it flowed well and I never skimmed. In typical KA fashion, this is on the long side @ 712 pages in my scribed app.
Instalove: Kind of. Instalust, and an instant attraction. They don't share ILYs until later in the book though.
H rating: 2.5 stars. Sam. Sadly, I think he's one of my least favorite KA heroes. He said nasty things (which isn't all that unusual for KA), he kept secrets, and he pushed the h away too much for my liking. I get that he finally shared with her, but I didn't feel like it was enough for what he did.
h rating: 4 stars. Kia. I liked her. She was pretty strong considering all she went though. I liked her loyalty and sense of humor.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I cried a few times, but not so much I needed tissues or it to turn into an ugly cry.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some good chemistry and scenes, but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had pretty good closure. Not the best KA ending, but still better than a lot of books. I would call it a HEA.
How I got it: It was part of my scribed subscription.
Safety: This should probably be either Safe or Safe with exception depending on personal preferences.
3.5 Stars (Re-Read 8/14/2021)
Overall Opinion: Well, I'm a little underwhelmed with this one. Its no secret that I'm a KA fan, so I'm sad to rate this one so low. I just couldn't get into the H at all -- and that is usually my favorite part of KA's books! Yes, he had the typical jerky, alpha attitude...but he was also too secretive, and I didn't like the way he pushed the h away. I also wasn't satisfied with the level of grovel here. I wanted more! The epilogue was cute. But for the queen of HEAs, again, I was underwhelmed. I know that some people loved this, but it just wasn't my favorite -- but keep in mind that for me 3 stars ain't bad ;)
Re-Read Note: I was looking for a KA re-read that wasn’t my typical re-read and this came up while browsing my shelf. I’m glad I re-read it because I liked it better this time, but I still didn’t love it. I agree with my initial assessment and that I didn’t get into the H as much as I would’ve liked. I got emotional for the h and how he was keeping secrets that ended up hurting her and I didn’t think he groveled nearly enough. I did, however, like the epilogue here even though I would’ve liked some time between the conflict resolution and the epilogue. So! I’m not sure this will be one I re-read again tbh, but I’m raising my rating some because I think I liked it more this time round.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Kia and Sam's story. Kia is released from her Hell of an abusive marriage when her husband is murdered. She takes off to travel Europe, and is shocked when she is seated next to her celebrity crush. She tries hard to ignore him, but Sam won't let that happen and asks her out. They end up in a whirlwind romance that follows them back to the states. They both have some major baggage that they have to work through in order to find their HEA (which they do).
POV: This was told in Kia's POV. I think the story would've benefited greatly by letting us get some of Sam's POV! It might've made him more relatable/likable and would help us understand his reasoning for his behavior/secrets.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. The ending felt a little abrupt, but otherwise it flowed well and I never skimmed. In typical KA fashion, this is on the long side @ 712 pages in my scribed app.
Instalove: Kind of. Instalust, and an instant attraction. They don't share ILYs until later in the book though.
H rating: 2.5 stars. Sam. Sadly, I think he's one of my least favorite KA heroes. He said nasty things (which isn't all that unusual for KA), he kept secrets, and he pushed the h away too much for my liking. I get that he finally shared with her, but I didn't feel like it was enough for what he did.
h rating: 4 stars. Kia. I liked her. She was pretty strong considering all she went though. I liked her loyalty and sense of humor.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I cried a few times, but not so much I needed tissues or it to turn into an ugly cry.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some good chemistry and scenes, but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had pretty good closure. Not the best KA ending, but still better than a lot of books. I would call it a HEA.
How I got it: It was part of my scribed subscription.
Safety: This should probably be either Safe or Safe with exception depending on personal preferences.
March 3, 2019
Loved Kia and Sam. I got a little annoyed with Sam not talking and letting Kia in but this heroine was so wonderful, amazing, sweet, patient but once she realized that Sam wouldn't open up she knew there was only one way forward - that took major cojones and willpower. Sam made up for his fuck-ups and that epilogue was so worth the heartache.
Totally a favorite. Maybe one day when I re-read I'll write a proper review!
Totally a favorite. Maybe one day when I re-read I'll write a proper review!
June 26, 2021
Reread on 6/25/21
So good!!! Definitely still a favorite, love Sam, Kia, and their inner circle of friends!!!
5 Huge Emotional Stars!!
I've read this one a couple of times, it's definitely a KA favorite. I absolutely love both Kia & Sam!
Kia is a beautiful young woman who is battered and beaten down by her abusive husband. Kia has a loving, loyal family and close group of friends who want to help, but, she shuts them down, retreats, and endures. When Kia's circumstances change she decides to get away for awhile, and takes a long vacation in Italy.
Sam is a ex-professional football player who left the game and joined the military after a family tragedy, Sam's well known and needless to say he's a national hero but Sam has his own demons and sadly they run just as deep as Kia's.
While on vacation in Italy she thrown together with her fantasy crush Sampson "Sam" Cooper and they spend some time getting to know one another. They get along great and Sam decides he wants this beautiful women with the haunted look in her eyes, so he sets out to make her his and Kia doesn't understand how "The Sampson Copper" can actually want her……
Sam & Kia both have baggage and deep rooted issues, and Kia's troubles are far from over since someone out there seems to want her dead. Upon learning this Sam who is still involved in covert operations uses all his formidable might and influence to keep her safe.
"Learn from them, baby." He whispered. You got one life, never use it to just breathe."
Sam & Kia both have secrets and trust issues, it's a bumpy road to their HEA, but what a ride!!! Great secondary characters including Kia's Lake Como bud elegant & classy Celeste, Sam’s friends Hap & Lucy, and let’s not forget Memphis, Kia's "baby" a King Charles Spaniel.
Kristen Ashley just so you know, I along with many other fans are hoping and praying for Hap & Luci's book!!!! I need a HEA for Luci!!!
March 10, 2016
Review written February 12, 2016
2 1/2 Stars - Longish and a lot lot lot of KA style stuff
More than two years in my e-reader, and slightly dusty, it was at last time for me to test this (500 pages) KA romance. ~ I read 200 pages (40%) and then I downloaded the new audiobook a week later. — 19:45 hrs narrated very well by Felicity Munroe.
Summary: Sorry to say but NO this wasn't for me.
*********************************************
Heaven and Hell is the story about Kia Clementine a widow after a her highschool sweetheart, a man who turned out to be a weak horrible husband (). Luckily is he at last gone () ....for ever.
A couple of months later, on a much needed long Europe trip vacation (now when she got all those insurance money), is Kia spending time on the same luxury hotel in Lake Como, Italy as Sampson Cooper. The Sam, the admired American who isn't just a very famous former football star but nowadays also a Irak war hero. Since long Kia's —and many more women's— celebrity crush.
...A gorgeous, sexy, alpha MAN. Too very good to be true?
Heaven and Hell isn't a bad contemporary "hot monosyllabic alpha man wanting a weak mumbling beautiful blonde woman" romance BUT it was at least 250 pages too long. I just couldn't enjoy it fully. First of all did I never truly like this hero (he didn't do it for me). Second was I in very long parts mostly annoyed about this heroine. — She was just too much mumbling, whispering and ridiculously innocently stupid. OMG, we're talking about an adult 27 year old woman. !!!! — Third, this plot was poorly and nothing really happened.
Fortunately, was the epilogue , in best Kirsten Ashley style, very good. Those last 45 minutes kept it up in the end for me.
Just the same did this narrator. She was simply great. A warm applause to her. (The audiobook edition makes me have to round up to three stars.)
I might be whiny and critical. But sometimes is it just to much for me. I can't accept caveman manners and a poor doormat-like women as here in a overpowering 500 pages dose. It wasn't sexy or even charming, it was just so sad. I want stronger women and more likeable men in my reads.
Glad and kind of impressed I finished anyway.
*********************************************
I LIKE - ...no, not this time
2 1/2 Stars - Longish and a lot lot lot of KA style stuff
More than two years in my e-reader, and slightly dusty, it was at last time for me to test this (500 pages) KA romance. ~ I read 200 pages (40%) and then I downloaded the new audiobook a week later. — 19:45 hrs narrated very well by Felicity Munroe.
Summary: Sorry to say but NO this wasn't for me.
*********************************************
Heaven and Hell is the story about Kia Clementine a widow after a her highschool sweetheart, a man who turned out to be a weak horrible husband (). Luckily is he at last gone () ....for ever.
A couple of months later, on a much needed long Europe trip vacation (now when she got all those insurance money), is Kia spending time on the same luxury hotel in Lake Como, Italy as Sampson Cooper. The Sam, the admired American who isn't just a very famous former football star but nowadays also a Irak war hero. Since long Kia's —and many more women's— celebrity crush.
...A gorgeous, sexy, alpha MAN. Too very good to be true?
“Fûck me, how a woman can be so transparent and so full of shit at the same time is beyond me, but, baby, you got it down to an art”
Heaven and Hell isn't a bad contemporary "hot monosyllabic alpha man wanting a weak mumbling beautiful blonde woman" romance BUT it was at least 250 pages too long. I just couldn't enjoy it fully. First of all did I never truly like this hero (he didn't do it for me). Second was I in very long parts mostly annoyed about this heroine. — She was just too much mumbling, whispering and ridiculously innocently stupid. OMG, we're talking about an adult 27 year old woman. !!!! — Third, this plot was poorly and nothing really happened.
Fortunately, was the epilogue , in best Kirsten Ashley style, very good. Those last 45 minutes kept it up in the end for me.
Just the same did this narrator. She was simply great. A warm applause to her. (The audiobook edition makes me have to round up to three stars.)
“You know, Sam, it’s beginning to pïss me off how you figure me out. How the heck am I supposed to be intriguing and mysterious if you keep figuring me out?”
I might be whiny and critical. But sometimes is it just to much for me. I can't accept caveman manners and a poor doormat-like women as here in a overpowering 500 pages dose. It wasn't sexy or even charming, it was just so sad. I want stronger women and more likeable men in my reads.
Glad and kind of impressed I finished anyway.
*********************************************
I LIKE - ...no, not this time
September 11, 2022
2022 audiobook reread. This is over 19 hours of KA listening greatness right here. I think this is one of the first KA’s I ever read. I loved it so much I went on to read the other 50 or so! Added bonus is that it’s been so long since I read this, I’ve forgotten the story. Glorious.
When I find a gem like this story I remember why I read.
It gave me a happy tingling feeling, the sex scenes were great , it was romantic, funny, gut wrenching, uplifting and entertaining.
Can't recommend this highly enough , this is a must read.
Can't wait to read all the others by this author
When I find a gem like this story I remember why I read.
It gave me a happy tingling feeling, the sex scenes were great , it was romantic, funny, gut wrenching, uplifting and entertaining.
Can't recommend this highly enough , this is a must read.
Can't wait to read all the others by this author
August 15, 2024
November 5, 2022
4th re-read. Still a favorite 😍
April 24, 2014
Just finished my 3rd re-read of one of my favorite KA novels.
Once again I have been touched by these fantastic characters.
Kia's strength to not except anything but everything inspires, encourages, and motivates me.
Even though she has lived in Hell for seven years, she has the strength to heal and move on. Once she gets her chance at Heaven she doesn't settle for anything but EVERYTHING from Sam.
Sam has so many demons he has buried, and it takes him until it's almost too late to realize that he can trust his heart with Kia, and that she'll treasure it and keep it safe.
The secondary characters in this story are amazing!
I love Céleste & Thomas, and Luci & Hap.
** On this re-read, this song
http://youtu.be/-2U0Ivkn2Ds
was continually playing in my head for the last 30% of the story...it just seemed like such a perfect song for this story**
Once again a 5 star rating!
September 27 - October 1, 2012
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!!
4th re-read. Still a favorite 😍
April 24, 2014
Just finished my 3rd re-read of one of my favorite KA novels.
Once again I have been touched by these fantastic characters.
Kia's strength to not except anything but everything inspires, encourages, and motivates me.
Even though she has lived in Hell for seven years, she has the strength to heal and move on. Once she gets her chance at Heaven she doesn't settle for anything but EVERYTHING from Sam.
Sam has so many demons he has buried, and it takes him until it's almost too late to realize that he can trust his heart with Kia, and that she'll treasure it and keep it safe.
The secondary characters in this story are amazing!
I love Céleste & Thomas, and Luci & Hap.
** On this re-read, this song
http://youtu.be/-2U0Ivkn2Ds
was continually playing in my head for the last 30% of the story...it just seemed like such a perfect song for this story**
Once again a 5 star rating!
September 27 - October 1, 2012
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!!
September 5, 2012
“Learn from them, baby,” he whispered. “You only have one life, never use it just to breathe.”
Oh.
My.
God.
Ohmigod!
Oh.My.God!
Fuck do I love Kristen Ashley. Seriously no one writes like her.
I may start a cult just dedicated to her.
Or maybe to her Men.
I def don’t have a favourite
Maybe just all KA Alpha’s. Who’s joining?!
Ok Heaven and Hell where to start…..
Things that are awesome about this book.
• Sampson Cooper – how fucking hot is that name! he is just AMAZING. Ex pro footballer, ex Army forces. The way he talks, walks, looks, grins, fucks. The man is just oozing charisma… I love to get me some of that! But there is the sweet side to him, the protective side.** Mmmm excuse me while I wipe drool off my keyboard! **
• Kea Clementine – What a strong heroine! she was a victim of domestic abuse. Her dead husband tried to have her killed. She became a millionaire made lifelong friends and got the man of her dreams. I loved that she loved Sam Cooper and also Sampson Cooper, but also that she loved herself enough to start standing up for herself. I have not been so happy for a heroine in a long long time! Oh and she was hot too! A dork but hot. Adorkable
• Celeste – What an amazing secondary character. I just thought she was the SHIT!
• Skip – Good lord did he make me laugh!
• Luci – oh the poor thing. My heart broke for her soo many times. I wanted to hug the shit out of her. I was super happy with her ending.
• Hap – he made me giggle a lot too.
• The guest appearances- I know Lee Nightingale from the Rock Chick Series. Can someone tell me who the others were and if they are H from other books I haven’t read yet?
• The epilogue. Man NO ONE writes an Epilogue like KA.
Things that aren’t awesome about this book.
That I finished it and now its over.
Oh.
My.
God.
Ohmigod!
Oh.My.God!
Fuck do I love Kristen Ashley. Seriously no one writes like her.
I may start a cult just dedicated to her.
Or maybe to her Men.
I def don’t have a favourite
Maybe just all KA Alpha’s. Who’s joining?!
Ok Heaven and Hell where to start…..
Things that are awesome about this book.
• Sampson Cooper – how fucking hot is that name! he is just AMAZING. Ex pro footballer, ex Army forces. The way he talks, walks, looks, grins, fucks. The man is just oozing charisma… I love to get me some of that! But there is the sweet side to him, the protective side.** Mmmm excuse me while I wipe drool off my keyboard! **
• Kea Clementine – What a strong heroine! she was a victim of domestic abuse. Her dead husband tried to have her killed. She became a millionaire made lifelong friends and got the man of her dreams. I loved that she loved Sam Cooper and also Sampson Cooper, but also that she loved herself enough to start standing up for herself. I have not been so happy for a heroine in a long long time! Oh and she was hot too! A dork but hot. Adorkable
• Celeste – What an amazing secondary character. I just thought she was the SHIT!
• Skip – Good lord did he make me laugh!
• Luci – oh the poor thing. My heart broke for her soo many times. I wanted to hug the shit out of her. I was super happy with her ending.
• Hap – he made me giggle a lot too.
• The guest appearances- I know Lee Nightingale from the Rock Chick Series. Can someone tell me who the others were and if they are H from other books I haven’t read yet?
• The epilogue. Man NO ONE writes an Epilogue like KA.
Things that aren’t awesome about this book.
That I finished it and now its over.
March 18, 2021
3.5 stars
i would say there was a balance between Heaven and Hell in this book (?!), but i didnt like how secretive and incapable the H was of showing the same courtesy to be as transparent as the h. loved the narration. the narrator had the thickest Southern twang in comparison to others of KA ive listened to and nailed the French English & Italian English accents.
(read as an audiobook)
i would say there was a balance between Heaven and Hell in this book (?!), but i didnt like how secretive and incapable the H was of showing the same courtesy to be as transparent as the h. loved the narration. the narrator had the thickest Southern twang in comparison to others of KA ive listened to and nailed the French English & Italian English accents.
(read as an audiobook)
March 25, 2015
I somehow have some strange urge to start every KA review with WOW.
And this one deserves it.
Wooow.
Every time I expect to read something normal, and it turns outstanding! Thank you Kristen Ashley :) I don't think I've ever been so emotionaly involved while reading books untill I started reading KA. This was no exception. I had tears in my eyes, for the good and the bad parts. Sam and Kia were beautiful, both emotionaly scarred, but found a way past that. And I liked that during the whole book there was that constant giving, from both parts, and in the end from Sam (oh I sobbed at that one). Just a wonderful story worth every minute of reading it <3
And this one goes to my waaay favorite shelf <3
And this one deserves it.
Wooow.
Every time I expect to read something normal, and it turns outstanding! Thank you Kristen Ashley :) I don't think I've ever been so emotionaly involved while reading books untill I started reading KA. This was no exception. I had tears in my eyes, for the good and the bad parts. Sam and Kia were beautiful, both emotionaly scarred, but found a way past that. And I liked that during the whole book there was that constant giving, from both parts, and in the end from Sam (oh I sobbed at that one). Just a wonderful story worth every minute of reading it <3
And this one goes to my waaay favorite shelf <3
September 16, 2017
3.5/5 stars
Wow!! I went into this book knowing nothing except for my love for the author, and everything turned out so much better than expected! This was an emotional, romantic and heartwarming love story, it was truly beautiful. I especially loved all the familial love and friendship that was included, as well as the swoonworthy romance. I've been in a reading slump for a while now, and I'm so glad that I chose this book to get me out of it. In saying that, this book seemed to be missing a bit of the usual KA charm.
Kia Clementine has found herself in hell. She married hear high school sweetheart, thinking life would only get better, but she was wrong. Now, more than a decade later, Kia is trapped in an abusive marriage with no way out. By suddenly, her life is husband dies and she is suddenly free from this Hell she has found herself living in. Desperate to let go of the past and find her real self, Kia uses her husband's insurance to take herself on a luxurious holiday, one that she totally deserves. All Kia wants is to the her life back on track, she never expected to find or even want love.
Whilst in Italy, Kia sees Sampson Cooper, her celebrity crush sitting across from her in a restaurant. Not only that, but when they are made to sit together in the same booth, Sampson seems to be showing interest in her too. Despite her being terrified of these new blooming feelings she has, Kia decides to take a risk and start opening up to Sam. The more that she opens up to him, the more Sam wants to completely earn her trust. Sam is leading Kia out of her hellish life and into heaven with him, but it seemed that his life isn't as great s he makes it out to be. The more they spend time together, the more Kia realises that she wants all of Sam. But that might be more than he can give.
I was instantly hooked to this book, that's why I'd say that the first third of this book is the best. There was so much emotion in those first few chapters, it really set up for a magnificent story. And when Sam and Kia first met, that connection itself could have kept me fully engaged. It was passionate, electric and mysterious all at once. I was fully prepared to give this a five star rating, but the rest of the book just kind of plateaued for me. That's not to say the rest of the book was bad, it just couldn't compare to those first fiery and completely addictive chapters.
For the most part, I really loved Sam and Kia's relationship. Sam was smart, protective and completely caring towards Kia. He also offered her so much support during her hard times, and she did the same for him. As I said before, their chemistry was completely electric, especially at the beginning, I could practically feel the sparks burning off the pages, especially when they first started getting to know each other. That wasn't it though, because there was so much passion and emotion behind their relationships which really made it strong.
What I didn't like was the lack of communication between the two. Early on we came to realise that something wasn't quite right with the relationship because Sam wasn't sharing and was being very closed off. This in itself was a whole subplot, but it threw off the entire dynamic of the relationship. I couldn't fully love their relationship because from the beginning, I knew something was wrong. I wish that this subplot was introduced a bit later in the story, so I could have at least enjoyed moments when there were no unspoken issues between this couple. I also felt like this book was lacking something, but I can't quite put my finger on what it is. I think that KA hadn't quite found her unique voice yet in this book, because it was lacking that KA charm that I've grown to love. Again, I can't quite identify what it is, but this book was definitely missing some character.
I did really love the big focus on family and friends in the healing process. The friendships and family relationships seemed just as important as the romance, especially in Kia's healing journey. I loved this aspect, especially with all the fun and bubbly characters which were the friends and side characters. Their interactions often left me with a smile on my face. In saying this, I did have to overlook the fact that these relationships formed unbelievable fast. Some of these characters only knew each other for a week or so before they were poring out their heart and soul to each other. Despite this, these relationships were some of my favourite in the book and really brought more depth to the story.
“Anywhere is heaven as long as it’s with you. .”
Wow!! I went into this book knowing nothing except for my love for the author, and everything turned out so much better than expected! This was an emotional, romantic and heartwarming love story, it was truly beautiful. I especially loved all the familial love and friendship that was included, as well as the swoonworthy romance. I've been in a reading slump for a while now, and I'm so glad that I chose this book to get me out of it. In saying that, this book seemed to be missing a bit of the usual KA charm.
Kia Clementine has found herself in hell. She married hear high school sweetheart, thinking life would only get better, but she was wrong. Now, more than a decade later, Kia is trapped in an abusive marriage with no way out. By suddenly, her life is husband dies and she is suddenly free from this Hell she has found herself living in. Desperate to let go of the past and find her real self, Kia uses her husband's insurance to take herself on a luxurious holiday, one that she totally deserves. All Kia wants is to the her life back on track, she never expected to find or even want love.
Whilst in Italy, Kia sees Sampson Cooper, her celebrity crush sitting across from her in a restaurant. Not only that, but when they are made to sit together in the same booth, Sampson seems to be showing interest in her too. Despite her being terrified of these new blooming feelings she has, Kia decides to take a risk and start opening up to Sam. The more that she opens up to him, the more Sam wants to completely earn her trust. Sam is leading Kia out of her hellish life and into heaven with him, but it seemed that his life isn't as great s he makes it out to be. The more they spend time together, the more Kia realises that she wants all of Sam. But that might be more than he can give.
“And it was then I knew I was wrong. I wasn’t falling in love with Sam. I was already there.”
I was instantly hooked to this book, that's why I'd say that the first third of this book is the best. There was so much emotion in those first few chapters, it really set up for a magnificent story. And when Sam and Kia first met, that connection itself could have kept me fully engaged. It was passionate, electric and mysterious all at once. I was fully prepared to give this a five star rating, but the rest of the book just kind of plateaued for me. That's not to say the rest of the book was bad, it just couldn't compare to those first fiery and completely addictive chapters.
For the most part, I really loved Sam and Kia's relationship. Sam was smart, protective and completely caring towards Kia. He also offered her so much support during her hard times, and she did the same for him. As I said before, their chemistry was completely electric, especially at the beginning, I could practically feel the sparks burning off the pages, especially when they first started getting to know each other. That wasn't it though, because there was so much passion and emotion behind their relationships which really made it strong.
“There were smiles, chin jerks, head nods, handshakes and so much hot guy hormone floating in the air around them it was a wonder every female in a two block radius didn’t instantly become pregnant.”
What I didn't like was the lack of communication between the two. Early on we came to realise that something wasn't quite right with the relationship because Sam wasn't sharing and was being very closed off. This in itself was a whole subplot, but it threw off the entire dynamic of the relationship. I couldn't fully love their relationship because from the beginning, I knew something was wrong. I wish that this subplot was introduced a bit later in the story, so I could have at least enjoyed moments when there were no unspoken issues between this couple. I also felt like this book was lacking something, but I can't quite put my finger on what it is. I think that KA hadn't quite found her unique voice yet in this book, because it was lacking that KA charm that I've grown to love. Again, I can't quite identify what it is, but this book was definitely missing some character.
I did really love the big focus on family and friends in the healing process. The friendships and family relationships seemed just as important as the romance, especially in Kia's healing journey. I loved this aspect, especially with all the fun and bubbly characters which were the friends and side characters. Their interactions often left me with a smile on my face. In saying this, I did have to overlook the fact that these relationships formed unbelievable fast. Some of these characters only knew each other for a week or so before they were poring out their heart and soul to each other. Despite this, these relationships were some of my favourite in the book and really brought more depth to the story.
“I’m gonna take care of you,” Sam whispered against my lips.
“Okay,” I whispered back.”
January 6, 2012
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.
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.
April 15, 2019
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 time internet stalking him, she developed quite a crush on him.
The strange thing - he seems to be attracted to her as well. Sometimes, fate seems to be on her side. :-)
So, the whirlwind romance begins.
They spend a lot of time together. Just walking together
Or taking boat rides on the lake
And they slowly fall in love.
Of course nothing can be so easy. It seems that the hit on her wasn't cancelled, which means that there's an assassin out there who wants her dead. That kinda breaks the mood. :-)
I liked the first half of the book a lot. The lake, Crete and Heartmeadow, Indiana (where does she get the town names Gnaw Bone, Carnal and now Heartmeadow? :-)) were damn near perfect. I like her friends (both old and new, especially Luci) and her family (sans her dead husband). Her parents are awesome, and so is her brother. I like Sam's mother and his friends as well. So basically, I like 99% of the characters. IMO, that's the thing Ms. Ashley writes the best, most of her characters are amazing.
And Memphis is an amazing dog, friendly to everyone, but it turn out, a good guard dog as well.
I like their romance, Sam's so patient and gentle, but doesn't let her hide from him or her feelings. Kia's so open and friendly and people simply can't help but love her.
But then came the second half. Sam started to annoy me to no end. All the secrets he keeps, the walls he put up. He expects complete honesty, but doesn't give it in return. It got old fast.
I would really love to read Luci's story. She's great, and after everything she's been through she deserves her HEA.
Rating:
3 stars
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 time internet stalking him, she developed quite a crush on him.
The strange thing - he seems to be attracted to her as well. Sometimes, fate seems to be on her side. :-)
So, the whirlwind romance begins.
They spend a lot of time together. Just walking together
Or taking boat rides on the lake
And they slowly fall in love.
Of course nothing can be so easy. It seems that the hit on her wasn't cancelled, which means that there's an assassin out there who wants her dead. That kinda breaks the mood. :-)
I liked the first half of the book a lot. The lake, Crete and Heartmeadow, Indiana (where does she get the town names Gnaw Bone, Carnal and now Heartmeadow? :-)) were damn near perfect. I like her friends (both old and new, especially Luci) and her family (sans her dead husband). Her parents are awesome, and so is her brother. I like Sam's mother and his friends as well. So basically, I like 99% of the characters. IMO, that's the thing Ms. Ashley writes the best, most of her characters are amazing.
And Memphis is an amazing dog, friendly to everyone, but it turn out, a good guard dog as well.
I like their romance, Sam's so patient and gentle, but doesn't let her hide from him or her feelings. Kia's so open and friendly and people simply can't help but love her.
But then came the second half. Sam started to annoy me to no end. All the secrets he keeps, the walls he put up. He expects complete honesty, but doesn't give it in return. It got old fast.
I would really love to read Luci's story. She's great, and after everything she's been through she deserves her HEA.
Rating:
3 stars
February 19, 2020
So very Kristen Ashley.
Shoes ✓
Big hair ✓
Big eyes ✓
Chin lifting ✓
Fashion porn ✓
All the feels ✓
The bomb ✓
Monosyllabic one word sentences ✓
This started out very promising where the heroine's husband and his skanky mistress want her dead and it went downhill from there into romance between a woman in need of therapy and a bossy hunk. How and why, if she's SO gorgeous and sweet and winsome did her husband want her dead? And why did she stay with his abusive rear end for seven years?
Maybe I'm having Valentine's burnout or something, but not a good sign when you want more evil OW action.
Shoes ✓
Big hair ✓
Big eyes ✓
Chin lifting ✓
Fashion porn ✓
All the feels ✓
The bomb ✓
Monosyllabic one word sentences ✓
This started out very promising where the heroine's husband and his skanky mistress want her dead and it went downhill from there into romance between a woman in need of therapy and a bossy hunk. How and why, if she's SO gorgeous and sweet and winsome did her husband want her dead? And why did she stay with his abusive rear end for seven years?
Maybe I'm having Valentine's burnout or something, but not a good sign when you want more evil OW action.
June 25, 2020
4 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kristen Ashley books are like comfort food, they are nostalgic and sentimental...you know what to expect.......and that you are going to enjoy reading them and will be savoring every bite!!!!
I loved this one. It was "Delicious". ❤
Kristen Ashley books are like comfort food, they are nostalgic and sentimental...you know what to expect.......and that you are going to enjoy reading them and will be savoring every bite!!!!
I loved this one. It was "Delicious". ❤
November 16, 2015
This was my VERY first KA read and it was the reason I fell in love with her writing. So excited to re-read and fall in love with Sam all over again!
January 6, 2016
3.5 Stars
This book is a bit different than some of the other books I’ve read by KA because there really much of a bad guy plot going on the side. This is more of a straight up love story where two people with extremely broken pasts meet and fall in love.
The tension is more in following their story. Initially I thought that only Kia was broken and that Sam was the strong one helping her heal from her past. But later it comes to light that Sam also needs someone to heal him too. The push and pull of the story was entertaining, heartfelt and interesting.
It was easy to like Kia. She made some mistakes when young married the wrong man and paid a very heavy price for that. But we get all that in the prologue and then move onto her recovery. She is a woman coming into her own and still a bit unsure of herself but ready to take life by the horns. I liked the way she stood up to Sam when he went a little overboard and really held her own in their growing relationship.
I enjoyed how this explored in a more serious way how knowing about someone through fame was different than getting to know someone in person. Sampson Cooper is a famous man that many people think they know but that isn’t all of who he is.
As always in a KA book some of the side characters really help to make the book. This is no exception between Kai’s girlfriend’s fangirling over Sam, Luci (the widow of Sam’s military friend) and Celeste there are plenty of great sometimes funny sometimes tender moments that just make this work.
My only issues were with the amount of time we are told how beautiful Kai is. Yes she never knew it but apparently she is stunning and we read about that a lot. I also got a little extra frustrated with Sam. He was so good with Kai and discovering all her secrets that I thought he might be better at sharing his. But it took a long time to get to the revelations of his past and while they made his actions a bit more understandable I was still a little frustrated with him in general.
Even though this is pretty much a standalone it looks like eventually there will be a book with Luci and Hap. I’m very interested in this since Luci was such a heartbreaking character in Heaven and Hell.
This book is a bit different than some of the other books I’ve read by KA because there really much of a bad guy plot going on the side. This is more of a straight up love story where two people with extremely broken pasts meet and fall in love.
No woman should ever make the mistake of sharing any of her secrets with a man who does not prove he deserves to have them.<?i>
The tension is more in following their story. Initially I thought that only Kia was broken and that Sam was the strong one helping her heal from her past. But later it comes to light that Sam also needs someone to heal him too. The push and pull of the story was entertaining, heartfelt and interesting.
It was easy to like Kia. She made some mistakes when young married the wrong man and paid a very heavy price for that. But we get all that in the prologue and then move onto her recovery. She is a woman coming into her own and still a bit unsure of herself but ready to take life by the horns. I liked the way she stood up to Sam when he went a little overboard and really held her own in their growing relationship.
I enjoyed how this explored in a more serious way how knowing about someone through fame was different than getting to know someone in person. Sampson Cooper is a famous man that many people think they know but that isn’t all of who he is.
“I liked Sampson Cooper not because he was hot and rich and cool. I liked Sampson Cooper because my husband was a dick who treated me like shit and I knew Sampson Cooper was a good man, a decent man, a loyal man and I preferred to spend my time with that man, not with my husband.” It was Sam’s turn not to speak. I kept talking. “But I like Sam Cooper better.”
As always in a KA book some of the side characters really help to make the book. This is no exception between Kai’s girlfriend’s fangirling over Sam, Luci (the widow of Sam’s military friend) and Celeste there are plenty of great sometimes funny sometimes tender moments that just make this work.
My only issues were with the amount of time we are told how beautiful Kai is. Yes she never knew it but apparently she is stunning and we read about that a lot. I also got a little extra frustrated with Sam. He was so good with Kai and discovering all her secrets that I thought he might be better at sharing his. But it took a long time to get to the revelations of his past and while they made his actions a bit more understandable I was still a little frustrated with him in general.
Even though this is pretty much a standalone it looks like eventually there will be a book with Luci and Hap. I’m very interested in this since Luci was such a heartbreaking character in Heaven and Hell.
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