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A Good Girl in Hell
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Expected 13 Oct 26Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 14:14:14
1 copies available
U.S. only
The Handmaid's Tale meets Alchemised meets Katabasis—with Lucifer as a found-family matriarch and a slow burn that takes the whole book to earn.
________________________
Lena never learned to advocate for herself—and she dies without hearing the gunshot that kills her.
In a patriarchal Heaven, souls are auctioned at a claiming ceremony. Lena is bought for a small fortune by the highest figure in Heaven's political hierarchy, Vincent. While searching for the mother she lost, Lena connects with another angel — her future betrothed, Haris—too well. Their romance blooms, and Vincent's jealousy sends Lena straight to Hell.
Hell's queen, Lily—who goes by Lily, Lilith, Lilypad, and Lucifer—offers Lena a if she survives a brutal trial system, she will gain access to the living world in exchange for helping to dismantle Heaven's repression.
Now, the girl who died without a voice must use it to ask for the person she loves to follow her, on her terms, to her world.
________________________
Lena never learned to advocate for herself—and she dies without hearing the gunshot that kills her.
In a patriarchal Heaven, souls are auctioned at a claiming ceremony. Lena is bought for a small fortune by the highest figure in Heaven's political hierarchy, Vincent. While searching for the mother she lost, Lena connects with another angel — her future betrothed, Haris—too well. Their romance blooms, and Vincent's jealousy sends Lena straight to Hell.
Hell's queen, Lily—who goes by Lily, Lilith, Lilypad, and Lucifer—offers Lena a if she survives a brutal trial system, she will gain access to the living world in exchange for helping to dismantle Heaven's repression.
Now, the girl who died without a voice must use it to ask for the person she loves to follow her, on her terms, to her world.
344 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Elle Kaelee
5 books74 followersElle Kaelee is a first-generation American author and mother who lives in the Pacific Northwest. After graduating with her B.F.A in musical theater, she gets inspired by people, relationships, and unique settings. This gives her an excuse to travel frequently.
She also had raised an orange cat who yells like a seagull with her husband.
She also had raised an orange cat who yells like a seagull with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 6, 2026
Wow, i really liked this!
We follow Lena, who died to young. She arrives at the gates of heaven where she will be 'auctioned' off to a Seraphim in heaven. Will this be her life in heaven or will it feel like hell?
There is a lot happening, found family, a bit of romance and a story about heaven and hell.
The pacing was good, the writing grabbed me from the start to the ending. I can't wait to see if there is more to the story!
We follow Lena, who died to young. She arrives at the gates of heaven where she will be 'auctioned' off to a Seraphim in heaven. Will this be her life in heaven or will it feel like hell?
There is a lot happening, found family, a bit of romance and a story about heaven and hell.
The pacing was good, the writing grabbed me from the start to the ending. I can't wait to see if there is more to the story!
August 13, 2026
“The world that trained you to be a good girl deserves to burn, and your anger should be the thing that does it.”
After reading this book, I feel like I can conquer the world.
Here we go Elle, creating yet another masterpiece for me to make my entire personality!
But for realz, this book healed something in my soul that I needed. Lena’s story was beautiful and devastating and inspiring and magnificent. Our side characters played such crucial roles and I need more of them! And also Haris - literally an angel (hehe)
The entire concept of this book is incredible and plays into a role I, as a woman, often see and hear in life. Hell being a place for empowerment was not on my bingo card, but I’m glad it was! I sobbed reading the last few chapters and ugh, these characters have my heart.
Elle has such a way of story telling that leaves me reeling from the immersion. I can’t wait for book two and quite frankly anything else Elle writes.
Thank you for writing a story that makes me feel like I can do anything.
After reading this book, I feel like I can conquer the world.
Here we go Elle, creating yet another masterpiece for me to make my entire personality!
But for realz, this book healed something in my soul that I needed. Lena’s story was beautiful and devastating and inspiring and magnificent. Our side characters played such crucial roles and I need more of them! And also Haris - literally an angel (hehe)
The entire concept of this book is incredible and plays into a role I, as a woman, often see and hear in life. Hell being a place for empowerment was not on my bingo card, but I’m glad it was! I sobbed reading the last few chapters and ugh, these characters have my heart.
Elle has such a way of story telling that leaves me reeling from the immersion. I can’t wait for book two and quite frankly anything else Elle writes.
Thank you for writing a story that makes me feel like I can do anything.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🔥 ARC REVIEW 😈
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“On your own, you can get lost in someone else’s story. Art is powerful in that way.” That is what I did in this story…I got lost and immersed into Lena’s story! 😍 Thank you Elle for allowing me to read this story early and fall in love with Lena. 🫶🏼
❤️🔥 I really enjoyed this story! I found it to be super unique and empowering. 💪🏼 💁🏻♀️ burn the patriarchy downnnn 🔥🔥🔥 Such a great story and I am eager to read book 2! Absolutely you should add this to your TBR 💯🔥
A few/many of my favorite quotes…🤭
🔥“Beneath the calm lived something deliberate and enduring, a power shaped by women who had learned when to wait and when to strike.” “It screams empowerment…we are the ones who cannot be obedient, we are the ones who cannot worship blindly. We are the ones who question it all.” “You feel everything. You feel anything. It’s liberating to sit and let it all manifest.” “Lean into the fear.”
🔥 “The only kind of protection Heaven offered was a man deciding that I was worth keeping.” “We weren’t fighting darkness. We were enforcing obedience, protecting those who already had power, regardless of the cost…” “Burn every rule they wrote for you.” “Power belongs to the ones who speak after being told they shouldn’t.”
🔥“No one stopped her. No one asked if she was okay. The world always looked away when girls bled quietly.” “Power is the room of most problems…it turns daily life into a performance.” “Imagine being cast away because you were simply a woman who took what she needed.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“On your own, you can get lost in someone else’s story. Art is powerful in that way.” That is what I did in this story…I got lost and immersed into Lena’s story! 😍 Thank you Elle for allowing me to read this story early and fall in love with Lena. 🫶🏼
❤️🔥 I really enjoyed this story! I found it to be super unique and empowering. 💪🏼 💁🏻♀️ burn the patriarchy downnnn 🔥🔥🔥 Such a great story and I am eager to read book 2! Absolutely you should add this to your TBR 💯🔥
A few/many of my favorite quotes…🤭
🔥“Beneath the calm lived something deliberate and enduring, a power shaped by women who had learned when to wait and when to strike.” “It screams empowerment…we are the ones who cannot be obedient, we are the ones who cannot worship blindly. We are the ones who question it all.” “You feel everything. You feel anything. It’s liberating to sit and let it all manifest.” “Lean into the fear.”
🔥 “The only kind of protection Heaven offered was a man deciding that I was worth keeping.” “We weren’t fighting darkness. We were enforcing obedience, protecting those who already had power, regardless of the cost…” “Burn every rule they wrote for you.” “Power belongs to the ones who speak after being told they shouldn’t.”
🔥“No one stopped her. No one asked if she was okay. The world always looked away when girls bled quietly.” “Power is the room of most problems…it turns daily life into a performance.” “Imagine being cast away because you were simply a woman who took what she needed.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
"The world always looked away when girls bled quietly."
This quote sums up the book. But if you need another...
"We weren't fighting darkness. We were enforcing obedience, protecting those who already had power, regardless of the cost."
In this battle between Heaven and Hell, be prepared for all of your preconceived notions of what is "good" to be pushed, rocked, and then crumbled into pieces. As you follow Lena on her afterlife journey, you will feel uncomfortable, sad, enraged, sad, enraged, (yes I repeated those for a reason), and then you will feel vindication, happiness, and chaos. And then probably some rage again. At least I did.
Elle Kaelee delivers a book that made me feel everything while reading it. I felt unspeakable sadness at the pain and suffering of some of our side characters, not even to mention our main baddie Lena. I wanted to hug Lily and fight her battles for her, but I know she doesn't need that. And I absolutely want to see more of Harris in his slutty little Angel outfit... but you'll figure out all about that when you read it.
A Good Girl in Hell does not hold back on religious trauma, feminine rage, and the suffering of women in a world built on patriarchy. And if that doesn't sound like a book you want to read, that's okay. But if it does... let's be friends babe. We can banshee shriek together.
Thank you, EK, for the book. All thoughts, feelings, and ramblings about this work are my own.
This quote sums up the book. But if you need another...
"We weren't fighting darkness. We were enforcing obedience, protecting those who already had power, regardless of the cost."
In this battle between Heaven and Hell, be prepared for all of your preconceived notions of what is "good" to be pushed, rocked, and then crumbled into pieces. As you follow Lena on her afterlife journey, you will feel uncomfortable, sad, enraged, sad, enraged, (yes I repeated those for a reason), and then you will feel vindication, happiness, and chaos. And then probably some rage again. At least I did.
Elle Kaelee delivers a book that made me feel everything while reading it. I felt unspeakable sadness at the pain and suffering of some of our side characters, not even to mention our main baddie Lena. I wanted to hug Lily and fight her battles for her, but I know she doesn't need that. And I absolutely want to see more of Harris in his slutty little Angel outfit... but you'll figure out all about that when you read it.
A Good Girl in Hell does not hold back on religious trauma, feminine rage, and the suffering of women in a world built on patriarchy. And if that doesn't sound like a book you want to read, that's okay. But if it does... let's be friends babe. We can banshee shriek together.
Thank you, EK, for the book. All thoughts, feelings, and ramblings about this work are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had an interesting premise but ultimately was not for me.
This story follows our main character, whose life is cut short unexpectedly one day. She wakes up on an examination table, being prepared for the auction block into heaven. In this reality, all souls who die and go to "heaven" must be bid on by the Seraphim in heaven or risk disappearing from reality. Because our fmc is a virgin, she is high value. Through the process of entering heaven, she realizes not everything is as it appears to be. This leads to an eventual trek into the underworld, where our fmc meets "Lily" or lucifer, the queen of hell and starts embracing her inner demons.
While I thought that this was a good commentary on the performance that you can often fall into with society in general and abusive relationships, I found the world and the character hard to follow. I often didnt have a full grasp of what exactly was happening or why these things were happening. The pacing was also a bit of a struggle for me as things were either too fast (happening out of nowhere) or very slow. I also didnt feel the chemistry between our fmc and the mc. Her connection to him felt more out of necessity for surviving this strange world than actual genuine connection.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
This story follows our main character, whose life is cut short unexpectedly one day. She wakes up on an examination table, being prepared for the auction block into heaven. In this reality, all souls who die and go to "heaven" must be bid on by the Seraphim in heaven or risk disappearing from reality. Because our fmc is a virgin, she is high value. Through the process of entering heaven, she realizes not everything is as it appears to be. This leads to an eventual trek into the underworld, where our fmc meets "Lily" or lucifer, the queen of hell and starts embracing her inner demons.
While I thought that this was a good commentary on the performance that you can often fall into with society in general and abusive relationships, I found the world and the character hard to follow. I often didnt have a full grasp of what exactly was happening or why these things were happening. The pacing was also a bit of a struggle for me as things were either too fast (happening out of nowhere) or very slow. I also didnt feel the chemistry between our fmc and the mc. Her connection to him felt more out of necessity for surviving this strange world than actual genuine connection.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got an advanced reader copy of this book but I DEFINITELY need a physical copy now 😭
Okay, for starters, this book didn’t make me cry but it did make me crash out the way all good books do.
The pictures didn’t do the characters enough justice, in my opinion obviously, but I just loved how they were both so different and fit so well together. She this trapped chaos in a shell and he’s some lucky ass mf.
Thankfully this book wasn’t complicated like some other books I’ve read before and I’ve stayed up all night reading this book in this disgusting heat because I couldn’t go to sleep without knowing what happens next.
I hate the fact that I’m an ARC reader and what I’ve read is before the actual book gets released so I’m gonna have to wait even longer for book 2. GURL I’LL BE WAITING
Please please PLEASEEEE GET BOOK 2 DONE SOON 😭 I NEED to know what happens next
It’s a five stars for me, not because I’m being too nice because I’m a bitch especially when it comes to reading. Genuinely, this book was so my type and I need more books like this.
Again, I received a digital advanced reader copy of this book, I did not pay for it.
Okay, for starters, this book didn’t make me cry but it did make me crash out the way all good books do.
The pictures didn’t do the characters enough justice, in my opinion obviously, but I just loved how they were both so different and fit so well together. She this trapped chaos in a shell and he’s some lucky ass mf.
Thankfully this book wasn’t complicated like some other books I’ve read before and I’ve stayed up all night reading this book in this disgusting heat because I couldn’t go to sleep without knowing what happens next.
I hate the fact that I’m an ARC reader and what I’ve read is before the actual book gets released so I’m gonna have to wait even longer for book 2. GURL I’LL BE WAITING
Please please PLEASEEEE GET BOOK 2 DONE SOON 😭 I NEED to know what happens next
It’s a five stars for me, not because I’m being too nice because I’m a bitch especially when it comes to reading. Genuinely, this book was so my type and I need more books like this.
Again, I received a digital advanced reader copy of this book, I did not pay for it.
July 15, 2026
Thank you, Elle for this eARC!
“To anyone who grew too big for the cage they were born into.”
Her whole life, Lena put herself into a box to become what everyone needed her to be. Then her life abruptly ends and finds herself in heaven - which is not what she expected it to be. However, Lena doesn’t have what it takes to stay in heaven and gets sent to hell.
Ohhhh the found family that forms in hell is now one of my favorites!! I need so much more of our side characters.
The trial Lena went through were interesting and I’m very interested to see her “powers” more as well as all her friends in her head.
I do felt the actual plot was lacking in some aspects and pages were taken up with too much of Lena either confining herself in her own mind or emotional speeches as to why she shouldn’t be contained. The point was clear and I feel we were starting to beat a dead horse at some points.
I am excited to see what happens in book two bc that last page was perfection 🙌🏻
“To anyone who grew too big for the cage they were born into.”
Her whole life, Lena put herself into a box to become what everyone needed her to be. Then her life abruptly ends and finds herself in heaven - which is not what she expected it to be. However, Lena doesn’t have what it takes to stay in heaven and gets sent to hell.
Ohhhh the found family that forms in hell is now one of my favorites!! I need so much more of our side characters.
The trial Lena went through were interesting and I’m very interested to see her “powers” more as well as all her friends in her head.
I do felt the actual plot was lacking in some aspects and pages were taken up with too much of Lena either confining herself in her own mind or emotional speeches as to why she shouldn’t be contained. The point was clear and I feel we were starting to beat a dead horse at some points.
I am excited to see what happens in book two bc that last page was perfection 🙌🏻
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If this is heaven then I do not want to go there. This is the first thing though when our female main character Lena died and went to heaven. This is a story of a girl who ends up in hell to be auctioned of to the highest bidder. Sounds fun, but the story takes a turn towards the darker side. This was something in the plot I did not expect. The plot overall was captivating and interesting, nevertheless it could have been done in more detail. Sometimes I felt like I was just watching what was happening in a time laps and not from within the story. The writing style is fluent and easy to read, therefore making the book flow well. The romance between our fmc and mmc was only hinted on I wish we would have had some more moments together to feel and see their love develop.
Overall this story was enjoyable and easy to read it just lacked some depth to it. I am rating this book a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this book as an arc from the publisher and am very grateful and thankful for this.
Overall this story was enjoyable and easy to read it just lacked some depth to it. I am rating this book a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this book as an arc from the publisher and am very grateful and thankful for this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Elle Kaelee for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
This was a very unique story and I loved the message and the empowerment that was written in to this book, especially the way it tackled patriarchy. The trials in this book were very different from all the trials I’ve read and I absolutely loved them!
Lena’s character development was so good to see, how she finally accepts who she is and doesn’t let anyone put her in a cage. The slow burn and romance between Harris and Lena was amazing. And can we talk about the found family in this book??? It was so wholesome and I loved the relationship between Lena, Ophelia, Saginaw and Silas.
I can’t wait to read more about Lena and Harris in the next book!
This was a very unique story and I loved the message and the empowerment that was written in to this book, especially the way it tackled patriarchy. The trials in this book were very different from all the trials I’ve read and I absolutely loved them!
Lena’s character development was so good to see, how she finally accepts who she is and doesn’t let anyone put her in a cage. The slow burn and romance between Harris and Lena was amazing. And can we talk about the found family in this book??? It was so wholesome and I loved the relationship between Lena, Ophelia, Saginaw and Silas.
I can’t wait to read more about Lena and Harris in the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved this book, finished it in 2 sittings! All those out there who have ever tried to make themselves smaller to fit in, this is for you!!
Turns out being kicked out of heaven and sent to hell might not be as bad as Lena thought... she must complete 4 trials to earn her place in one of the demesnes of hell, each one she passes moves her closer to Demesne 1, where the queen resides. Along the way she becomes acquainted with many versions of herself who were locked away from her during her time in heaven, and finally learns to break the chains that were holding her back in life. She also finds herself with some new friends that are desperate to help her succeed and find her power.
Turns out being kicked out of heaven and sent to hell might not be as bad as Lena thought... she must complete 4 trials to earn her place in one of the demesnes of hell, each one she passes moves her closer to Demesne 1, where the queen resides. Along the way she becomes acquainted with many versions of herself who were locked away from her during her time in heaven, and finally learns to break the chains that were holding her back in life. She also finds herself with some new friends that are desperate to help her succeed and find her power.
August 1, 2026
Review of an ARC copy received from the author
As always Elle Kaelee really excels in weaving emotions into her writing, so every little thing felt by the characters translates through to the reader. I really enjoyed the new twist on heaven and hell, and how what we think we want isn’t always what we need. The journey Lena goes on to find herself and who she can be is brilliantly written, and one I think about of readers will be able to identify with. Definitely looking forward to the sequel!
As always Elle Kaelee really excels in weaving emotions into her writing, so every little thing felt by the characters translates through to the reader. I really enjoyed the new twist on heaven and hell, and how what we think we want isn’t always what we need. The journey Lena goes on to find herself and who she can be is brilliantly written, and one I think about of readers will be able to identify with. Definitely looking forward to the sequel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved this book. Writing was really good. Its a little fast paced, so a lot happens fast. Several moments took me by surprise. Was not at all what I imagined, but in a good way! I got completely lost in this book and read the whole thing in just a few days. Will be a a book I read several times for sure, and one i pre-orderedfor my kindle. Already excited to read the next book. I need more of this story! Cant wait to get a hard copy for my shelf since this was a free advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lena is not prepared for the afterlife!
Omg, this book had a death grip on me from start to finish, I found myself cussing, laughing, cheering, and ready to throw a tantrum all at once. Elle really knows how to have you feel the deepest emotions while reminding you it is okay to feel, to take up space, and to be heard!
Thank you so much for having me on the arc team, I absolutely can't wait for the next book!
Omg, this book had a death grip on me from start to finish, I found myself cussing, laughing, cheering, and ready to throw a tantrum all at once. Elle really knows how to have you feel the deepest emotions while reminding you it is okay to feel, to take up space, and to be heard!
Thank you so much for having me on the arc team, I absolutely can't wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy
A story that places Heaven and Hell in a different light. Elle brings us Lena, a girl who has died unexpectedly, and ends up in Heaven. She's sold at an auction and ends up getting involved with some wrong beings. Then she is sent to hell, where Lilith has given her a task to complete. The writing and world building is awesome. The characters are well drawn, and the plot keeps you invested the whole way. Can't wait to read more from her.
Review of advance copy
What a fun read! I was hooked from start to finish. Character development was so fun to witness, and you couldn't help but love the unlovable. I was not expecting to fall in love with the characters i did, this book had me questioning everything and the bonus chapter oh my goodness i was not expecting that!
August 27, 2026
If this is hell…. Count me in! This book mixed the familiar with the new and there was always something to learn and explore. Part of me was a little disappointed I was an ARC reader because it just meant I have to wait longer for the second book!
Lena’s story is powerful and inspiring. Elle has done it again with a strong female lead in an environment she has the power to change. If you have ever wanted to take control of your own life (and not in a self help book kind of way) then this book is for you.
Lena’s story is powerful and inspiring. Elle has done it again with a strong female lead in an environment she has the power to change. If you have ever wanted to take control of your own life (and not in a self help book kind of way) then this book is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I beta read this beauty. Elle's writing is so beautiful, and the story is such an unapologetic punch to the gut. She shows the Patriarchy with the mask completely pulled away, and how different women choose different ways of surviving in that shit hole world (aka heaven). And the take on past lives... like Elle... Completely original and such a breath of fresh air.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another banger by Elle Kaelee. I love how unique all her stories are, and the writing is gorgeous. But don't get me started about that ending! Where is book 2?!?!?
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews