Beneath

Heven and Hell #3.5

by Cambria Hebert

Heven and Hell #3.5
Where I came from everything is perfect. Everything is beautiful and predictable. Life isn’t measured by days, but by infinite joy that never ends.
But it did.
When I fell in love with a man who was perfectly imperfect.
The price for forbidden affection was steep and my beautiful white wings withered and died around me.
I was fallen. I am fallen.
Years have passed, and I’ve learned the true meaning of time. I’ve learned to build a wall around myself and exist alone. Yet, when he looks at me… the heart beneath my armor trembles.
But I must remember.
I must remember that I might not have anything left to lose, but he certainly does. And risking him is something I won’t do. So I lock my feelings where they belong.
Beneath.

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

63 pages, ebook

First published March 27, 2013

About the author

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

Awards Cambria has received include:

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

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

Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
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Reviews

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful novella! I knew that it was going to be as Cambria's writing flows perfectly and her writing is original but as soon as I started reading I fell in love with it! It was only 63 pages so I read it quickly and in one sitting! The plot was so sad! It had moments where I grinned like an idiot and then the next minute I was crying! For being only 63 pages it had a massive effect and I am positive that all the Heven and Hell fans out there are going to love it! The plot had so much in it and it really shows the series' characters in a new light! I also really enjoyed that we got to go back to the past and also to the present of Gemma's life as we got to see how she really feels and also all the hardship that she had been through to be the character that she is! This novella was about Gemma who plays a massive role in the Heven and Hell series! I was really looking forward to discovering more about Gemma and delving into her head as I adore her in the series! I cried like a big baby at a certain scene that I am sure all of you guys are going to cry at as well! I wasn't expecting to go into this novella and cry so it was a bit of a shock! I didn't expect Callum at all so it was amazing to see Gemma in that sort of light with a male character that she was in love with until tragedy struck! I didn't want that tragedy to strike at all because Gemma and Callum's relationship was beautiful but I am also loving Gemma's relationship development with Cole as well and after reading this novella I think that their relationship is definitely going to develop even further! I also really enjoyed that characters from the Heven and Hell series has small roles in this novella as well! This novella has sort of cured my craven for the next book in the Heven and Hell series but not fully! I am definitely still desperate for the next book! I also love the cover! Big thank you to Cambria for an ARC of Beneath!

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

It is no secret that I adore Cambria's Heven and Hell series, so much so that I get excited whenever I know there is going to be another book or novella out in the series.

But this novella, I was really excited about. This one is all about Gemma and I have been dying to know her story. She is one of my favorite characters because she is so mysterious. She is a strong fighter, has a tender heart but a tough girl exterior. She been there for Sam, Heven and Cole numerous times and you can just see that she is good. Everything about her screams it and I really wanted to know the whole story of why she was fallen.

I loved her and Callum's story. It was beautifully tragic.

But Cole and Gems? That one truly makes me melt. I love Cole, I always have and seeing him with Gemma, the tenderness he shows her, the love he has for her, that is beautiful.

I am rooting for these two all the way and I can't wait to get more of them (and Sam and Heven) in the next book. It will be really hard to see this series end. I don't want it to end.

I am so glad Cambria gave us this look into Gemma because, I really do feel like I understand her more now and I love her all the more for it. I want her and everyone in this series to have their happily ever after.

[Nikki Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cambria did it again with her spin off..Every one Love Gemma How she a kick ass.And we wanting to no.How she got stuck on earth Gemma had a sweet life in heven. doing her duty as told. but comeing to earth has her feeling stuff she don't understand..She meet a human that get her feeling all up in a bunch .that when she finish her misson she will go see the human her feeling for him more and more and she feel; she should only love god but she do. love god. not the way she love a human
but Gemma story has no happy ending She paid for loving her human.. but she till keep some of her power.. Beneath, is good edition to the story cambria writing keep geting better.. she on rasie look out for her.

[Shambhawi P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole x Gemma <3 :)

Callum >:(

And exactly when did Callum have a chance to sire spawns of hell? WHEN?!

Also, Kimber sucks. But we already knew that.

This novella is a bit longer than others, but is just as good. It shows us Gemma's head and works as a bridge between Tirade and Renegade. And in the same Hebert manner raises more questions that what it answers.

3.5 Stars

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cambria, you did it once again!!! You drew me in, took me along with the characters and you made my emotions run freely!!! I absolutely loved this book & can't wait for the next!!!
Why does it have to end? :( lol

[Cassie McCown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review coming soon!

Another fantastic novella by Cambria!! I love getting to learn all about Gemma. So sad the series is soon coming to an end :-(...

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma has the perfect life. She lives in perfection: Heaven. She is an angel after all. If everything is so perfect, why does she feel drawn to Earth with all of its imperfections and complexities? After completing a mission, Gemma lazily idles by a stream. Watching the water whirl and swirl as it whispers across the river bed. Butterflies flit and float all around her, and Gemma cannot help but enjoy this stolen time. A sharp snap of a branch breaking startles Gemma from her quiet reverie. An unknown man stands watching her. Gemma decides to check it out. A bad decision as she is attacked by a large hellish hound with red eyes. After scuffling, Gemma stabs the creature in the heart with her dagger and escapes back to the stream. A quiet voice asks if she is harmed, and Gemma sees another human. Terrified, she attempts to flee, but something holds her back and she lets this man help her. Back in heaven, Gemma finds her thoughts turning back to the stranger, and before she knows it she is sneaking back to see him. Unfortunately, a relationship between an angel and a human is forbidden, and Gemma will soon face dire consequences. What will the price be for losing her heart to the wrong man?
What I Liked:
*Gemma has always been of the most enigmatic characters of the Heven and Hell series. Since her introduction in Charade, she has remained elusive and tight lipped and there has been very little revelation about her past and her former existence as an angel. Finally, the reader is able to get inside her head and learn her secrets and gain an understanding as to why she is emotionally scarred and reclusive and see what motivates her. Her story is sad, as we learn she is punished for a forbidden love. It makes you stop and think: What would you be willing to give up for love? What price would you pay?
*I liked that this novella takes us back to the past, and then brings us forward to present day, where Gemma is still struggling with her past. She is unable to forget and unwilling to open her heart to Cole. Knowing her backstory, it is now easy to understand why she is so afraid why she continues to push Cole away. Thankfully, Cole doesn't take rejection easily, and he is willing to prove just how far he will go to be with her. Of course, we are left in breathless agony wondering about the couple's fate, and it won't be revealed until the final installment, Renegade, releases in May 2013.
*It was interesting to get a glimpse into Heaven. We have taken a trip to Hell in the previous books, and this time around it was nice to gain a perspective on the heavenly realm.
*Cambria's writing is lovely as usual. This novella especially was packed full of wonderful descriptions and plenty of emotion. I always enjoy Cambria's unique voice and this was my second favorite novella in the series, behind Bewitched. What can I say? I like Kimber's sassy personality.
*Usually, I am disappointed in the short length of a novella, but this time around, I thought the little story packed plenty of punch and I got all the information I needed and was left satisfied. That is saying something because usually I want more. This novella was like a tasty little snack that tided me over until Renegade.
And The Not So Much:
*I was a bit confused over the time period of Gemma's story. It revealed that she is very old, and that she has been wandering the Earth for a long time since her fall, but her story regarding her fall seems to take place not that long ago, as the love interest Callum has a motorcycle and wears jeans. I was under the impression that the events in the past had occurred a long time, since Riley is a descendant and he is older, again this indicates that quite a few years have passed.
*I was a bit perplexed that when Gemma's wings were stripped that she wasn't given any kind of way to redeem herself. Her punishment is swift and harsh. Humans always have a chance to redeem themselves, why can't an angel? I am hopeful that in the final book Gemma will receive her redemption.

Beneath is a revealing and heartbreaking look at how a young angel fell for falling in love with the wrong person. This is a quick, satisfying read that will hold you over until the final novel of The Heven and Hell Series: Regenade is released in May.

Favorite Quotations:
"This doesn’t have to damn you. What you did... you changed... out of love, not out of darkness. That is what will save you. That is what will save us.”
"I didn’t say anything. I was afraid to. I was afraid if I opened my mouth, then all the feelings that were swimming around inside me would escape and once the truth was out, it would change everything."
"From everything I’ve seen and heard from Kimber, she wasn’t just one crayon short of a full box; she was just the empty box."
“Tell me what the price is to love you. I’ll pay it.”
"I would hear those words in my sleep. I would hear them in the sunrise and when the stars sparkled in the sky. They would be there always, whispering directly to my heart, following me wherever I would go, and even if I spent eternity alone, those words would forever wrap around my soul and keep me from ever feeling alone. To him, those words had been a plea, but to me... they were everything."
"The passion that erupted between us was unlike anything I’d ever known, and I would never be the same again. When I could think again, I would realize that I would never again miss my wings, I would never again miss heaven, because this kiss, his hands, his skin, and his body were the only things I would ever want again."

I received a copy of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

[Autumn Breier · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 Stars

Beneath is book 3.5 in the Heven and Hell Series. I really enjoyed Beneath and can't wait to continue with the series. I love Gemma.

[Maghon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start by saying this will be my favorite of the shorts so far. I have always loved Gemma tremendously as a character. She has to be one of the most complex, yet simple characters I’ve ever read. See by that I mean she stands for her very few rules and she doesn’t break them. Or at least that’s what you see on the outside. She’s much more complex and deep on the inside. She’s not just a fallen angel, she’s a friend, she’s a warrior, she’s a protector, she’s got heart and bravery and a beautiful soul. I will continue to say that I think *next to Riley of course* that he is my favorite character of this whole series. And I immediately emailed Cam after Beta reading and told her its one of her best yet…. And then I not so nicely told her there better be a happy ending for her and Cole! Hahahaha You see, you finally find out Gemma’s past. How she fell, who she fell in love with, and how she knows so much about Hell Hounds and how Riley’s curse works. You also find out why Gemma is having such a hard time with her present… Don’t you know the past always gets in the way! I am so amazingly proud of Cambria for her accomplishment on this one! I am also humbled to call her my friend, that she is amazingly talented and extremely gifted. She has surpassed my expectations by letting me get to know Gemma even better, and I loved her POV! There’s is absolutely NO ONE better to write this story! And yes I know that my scale only has 5 paws, but today, it will be special because even though it’s a short story, I am going to give out one of my very rare 6 PHENOMENALLY BRILLIANT PAWS!!! Cam- if you ever think about quitting your writing, I hope you read this review and then remind yourself that your favorite Stalkee will be royally pissed!!!

[Danielle Smiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a between-the-novels short story (60ish pages) giving us insight into one of the more mysterious characters, Gemma. Immediately we hit the trademark Hebert descriptions. She's just so amazingly gifted in making her readers truly experience her books! This is what she opens with:

"The water here was cold. It rushed through and around my fingers with eagerness, like it was flowing somewhere important and couldn't be interrupted. The sound it made as it rolled over rocks and against the uneven bank was almost rhythmical, so beautiful that everything else around it grew quiet to leave more room for the song it was singing."

Once the story got going, I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't like it. I was distracted trying to figure the era. From the other books, I got the impression Gemma's experience with Callum happened long, long ago (she is an angel afterall), but Callum is wearing jeans and a t-shirt and riding a motorcycle. I was also confused about why she gave chase to the dark stranger at the beginning, when she states that's not her gig. There was just a bit of lack of clarity in her job responsibilities. Despite these hiccups, the story really grabbed me as I continued reading. The story of Callum, the depth of their feelings for one another, Gemma's heartbreak, the amazing connection and even-deeper feelings for Cole. I was left breathless. What a love story!!! I'm really looking forward to the rest of the Heven & Hell story and am so glad to have gotten this peek into Gemma's mind!

[Natshane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection was sometimes boring.

That was one of the phrase that caught my eye when I was reading Beneath.

I have been a loyal fan of Cambria works since her first novella Before was published, and to say as much as I am anticipating for her Heven and Hell series, I am also as excited to read her novellas! (which are prequels to her books). Each novellas are approximately 60+ pages, but 60 pages is all it took to reel me in. Beneath was no exception.

Gemma was one of the unique character that I have grown to love, Beneath gave me a better insight on her history and her relationship with Cole, I was utterly swoon, and to be honest, I thought Gemma was one of the kindest character I've ever known.

I fell in love with Sam and Heven, but Cole and Gemma's connection was equivalently explosive! Beneath made me teary, how is that even possible?!

Cambria just have her own way with words, sophisticatedly crafted, Beneath would do as great even if it is a standalone!

Cambria made Heaven and Hell sound much more interesting than I thought.

If you haven't read her series, make sure you do. And if you haven't read Beneath, what are you waiting for?!

Reviewed by,
Natasha Anne

[Melissa Stickney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this novella. I have always wondered about the story behind Gemma's fall from heaven. Cambria did a wonderful job of telling her story.

In this novella you learn the reasons why Gemma is the recluse badass that she is when we first meet her. All of the joy she had before her fall and why she tries her hardest to keep Cole at arms length.

Gemma has most definitely been through her own version of hell. She is a very inspiring character, because she hasn't given up. She is stronger than she was before she fell in many ways that would have not been possible otherwise. The only sad part about her is that she is so fickle with her heart.

We have all endured heartache at one point or another, so we know how she must feel. The fact that she lets that stop her from freely giving her love again is hard to watch. She is the type of character that you hope finally gets her happy ending, or as close to it as she can possibly get.

I cannot say enough how great this novella is. I love Gemma even more after hearing her story.

[Veronica Morfi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Beneath we learn Gemma's background story. A lot of things were mentioned in Tirade about the man she loved and how she then fell and he turned into a hell-hound but this time we get to actually hear the story from Gemma's point of view.

I really enjoyed her time in paradise and all the mentions about the different angels, I honestly wish we could see more of that. I also think that her first human love wasn't anything more than just love about earth and human kind, because once the past part was over and we came back to present where Cole is there was a huge difference. Now, Cole she loved. Really loved. It was heartbreaking to see those two together trying, Gemma trying to fight her attraction to him and Cole trying to fight his way in Gemma's heart.

This was sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. I was surprised to see that the story at the end was after the events of Tirade but that's always a good surprise.

[Amelie Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just KNEW I'd LOVE it !!!
Honestly, The Heven and Hell Series is just one of the most brilliant paranormal romance I've ever read. It's unique, captivating and emotional.

Beneath certainly shed some light on one of my favorite characters, Gemma. It was really refreshing to know more about her past.
I LOVED the story :)))))




“You cannot stop me from loving you, Gemma. I already do. I love you so much that sometimes I can barely see.”

Just AWESOME :D



Now, I really really cannot wait for Renegade , ahhhhhhhhhhh,waiting ...............

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, I haven't been disappointed by a single book or novella in this series and Beneath was no different. As with the other novellas (Except Before) its told by one of the secondary characters, this time Gemma, we find out how she became a fallen angel, what happened after and are then bought to a scene in the present that follows after Tirade. It was all really informative and I enjoyed this glimpse into Gemma's world, finding out what happened to her and about her feelings now was interesting and I'm glad I read this latest addition to the Heven and hell collection. While it might not be necessary reading for the main plot its still quick and enjoyable and good for a fix on the series while you wait for the last book.

[Tricia Kristufek · Rating 4 out of 5]

It felt a lot like love.

Gemma came from a place where everything was perfect, beautiful, and predictable. But that all came to an end when she fell in love with a human. For though she gained his love, she lost her white wings.

Gemma entered into the Heven and Hell series surrounded by mystery. She wormed her way into Cole's heart without even trying. Now, readers are treated to a bit of her back story, and though it's still a little vague, it puts her into perspective. From her strength to her sadness, Gemma is a unique character that adds a wonderful dimension to the series.

With the end in sight, Beneath delivers another facet an integral character in the Heven and Hell series. It is a quick read that will leave readers aching for the next book.

[Julie Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love reading these short novella's, they reel you right into the characters, almost finished the series, only Renegade left to read.

Gemma has always been a lovely person, once you got to know her a little, you really fall for her.

I have loved watching her break down her barriers, and really hope she gets a happy ending.

I thought the way she has interacted with Sam, Heven, Cole, Logan, even Kimber. she has always had the goodness from being an Angel.

I loved reading Gemma's back story, learning a little about Callum, he sounded like he was a gentleman, fighting the deals he made.

[Skyye Breeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing how Gemma is just one of my favorite characters from this series I was really happy when this book released! In "Beneath" we get to read how Gemma became who she is and what it took for her to get to where she is! You will experience love, heartbreaks, tragedy and friendships! It's a beautiful book worth reading and sharing with all your friends!

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story about Gemma and Cole.