Wrong Side of Heaven

Broken Wings Duet #1

by Gia Riley

We all have our vices.

Fear.
Betrayal.
Loss.

I’m trailer trash in the slums of Carillon.

Until I met him, the mysterious neighbor who speaks through handwritten notes. He never shows his face, only comes and goes late at night, and I’m drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

I shouldn’t want him.

I don’t need him.

But when I close my eyes, he’s all I see.

He’s my addiction. The secret I keep close to my heart.

But sometimes things aren’t what they seem, and secrets don’t stay secrets forever.

And together, we’re just two lost souls on the wrong side of heaven.

Genres: Romance, Abuse, New Adult, Forbidden Romance

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2018

About the author

Bestselling author Gia Riley has been in love with writing romance since high school when she took her very first creative writing class. From the small but mighty state of Delaware, she’s a country girl at heart, traveling back to her roots in Pennsylvania as often as she can.

She’d rather pick truth than dare, bake than cook, and will always choose coffee over tea.

Just like life, her stories are real and full of feels. You'll probably need some tissues. You might even want to throw your Kindle a couple times. But she promises to put your heart back together.

You can connect with Gia on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. She also has a reader group, Gia Riley’s Books, on Facebook. Stop by anytime, she loves hearing from readers!

www.authorgiariley.com
https://www.facebook.com/authorgiariley
https://twitter.com/AuthorGiaRiley
https://www.instagram.com/authorgiariley

Reviews

[Dri ✰ · Rating 1 out of 5]

★ 1 star! ★

I struggled with this one and unfortunately I couldn't connect with the story or the characters.
To be honest, this book was boring and flat for me.
I understand that Winnie's situation wasn't good, that her life was like hell and I even felt empathy for it, but I wasn't able to like her.

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo so, lo so. Ci ho messo un infinità di tempo, colpa mia. Non riuscivo a leggere, non avevo mai voglia e trovavo sempre di meglio da fare, anche fissare il vuoto. Questi periodi mi capitano purtroppo e quando arrivano non passano in fretta. Ora, spero di poter riprendere come si deve.

Wrong Side of Heaven era un uscita che aspettavo con tanta curiosità. Gia Riley è un altra delle autrici nuove che ho voluto provare per questa "reading challenge" personale che ho voluto iniziare. E' una storia difficile e abbastanza sofferta, perchè Winnie, la protagonista, non ha una vita per niente facile e ogni capitolo che leggevo riuscivo a sentire la sua sofferenza uscire dalle pagine e mettermi di malumore. Forse si, ci ho messo davvero tanto per leggerlo anche per questo. Non è una lettura facile, ve lo ripeto.

Winnie, 17enne, vive con la sua matrigna Tess dopo la morte del padre. Tess è una grandissima stronza. Pensa solo alla droga, a bere e a guadagnarsi dei soldi ballando al The Whip, il locale della piccola cittadina dove è ambientata questa storia, Carillon. Winnie deve stare continuamente all'erta perchè Tess, pur di guadagnare soldi per una dose, invita continuamente uomini a casa. Uomini che spesso e volentieri entrano anche nella piccola stanza di Winnie e non la lasciano in pace. La toccano, vogliono da lei ciò che hanno appena preso da Tess.
Ho apprezzato Winnie per la sua forza, nonostante la ragazza sia autolesionista. Nonostante tutto ciò che le succede, combatte e vive giorno dopo giorno. Senza un soldo, senza cibo nello stomaco e senza amore nella sua vita.

Entra in scena il meraviglioso Jasper. Jasper è il ragazzo che va a scuola con Winnie e anche se non si erano mai parlati lui spesso e volentieri la osservava incuriosito. Diventano amici durante l'estate e Jasper si innamora di lei, vorrebbe aiutarla a vivere più serenamente la vita difficile che lei ha. Ma per Winnie, purtroppo, Jasper non è abbastanza.

E qui mi dispiace, ma mi sono un po' arrabbiata.

Trey è l'altra punta del triangolo. Trey che ha il doppio della sua età ed era amico del padre di Winnie. Trey che si vede poco, non è stato sviluppato per niente bene e Winnie non ci pensa due volte a buttarsi tra le sue braccia. Tutto ciò che ci viene detto è che Trey c'era sempre per lei anche quando era piccola, e che è il suo nuovo misterioso vicino di casa.

Io non avrei mai buttato via Jasper per il nulla. Trey non è una certezza e dopo tutti i disagi che ha Winnie, io avrei scelto una vita più facile insieme a Jasper, un ragazzo che comunque la ama e la protegge in ogni momento. Leggerò comunque il seguito, visto il cliffhanger enorme che c'è stato e potrò dare un giudizio finale più accurato una volta concluso questo duet.

Real rating: 3½

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winnie is a 17 year old young woman who has dealt with more pain and heartache than you can imagine. Life has dealt her several bad hands and she’s surviving the best way she can. Jasper is a boy from school, working at the same place they become friends. Winnie has been captivated by a mysterious stranger who arrives at the trailer park where she lives.

Jasper has always had a crush on Winnie but he’s never plucked up the courage to make a move. Over time he turns into her protector and lets be honest she needs someone who looks out for her. However Trey is competition for Winnie’s affection.

There is no telling where the story could go, the good boy Jasper or Trey the older man who is keeping secrets. I need to find out more about both Trey and Winnie there is definitely more to be revealed in book two.

reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stayed up all night reading this.
Wow. Totally blown away. This is my first book ive read by Gia Riley and wont be the last. This book punched you with so much emotions. I felt so connected to the story and the main character Winnie. I cant wait to see where the next book goes. I need more

[Life on Readpeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot *

I honestly don't know if my heart can handle the books that I've been reading lately. As of now I'm pretty sure that my heart has found its forever home in the pit of my stomach especially if I keep torturing myself, a sweet torture nonetheless, with these kind of stories that capture you whole body and soul. You know the stories that not only give you all the feels, but somehow manages to keep a tight grip on your heart for long after you turn the last page.

If I had to describe this book in one word I think it would have to be SPEECHLESS. I am seriously at a loss for words right this moment because no matter what I say it will never convey the abundance of emotions that I experienced while devouring this extraordinarily captivating read. Gia Riley you have forever ruined me girl...RUINED ME! I don't know how I am going to wait for the conclusion, especially after that ending. That ending was pure perfection and the very definition of torture. Can we please just fast-forward to April because I don't think this intense feeling in my chest is going to disappear anytime soon.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for March 22 because you don't want to miss the release of Wrong Side of Heaven, the first book in the highly anticipated Broken Wings Duet!

[Zilpha Owens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first Gia Riley read. I was excited for this duet because the synopses were so intriguing. This starts out as a YA story and those are really tough to write and capture the real essence of being on the cusp of adulthood. Winnie’s thoughts are just a little too scattered for me and I had a hard time connecting with her. That being said, the story is still interesting enough to want its conclusion. She is living a nightmare with seemingly no immediate escape. Jasper wants to be her savior. Trey wants to be her protector. Book 1 lays the foundation for a bit of mystery, tough living, unrequited love and forbidden relationships. I’m thankful I don’t have to wait long for book 2. The Edge of Heaven releases April 12 and I need to know how all this ends.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/12/2020)! 🎁

[Bookjunkie_Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can I just be blunt and say that I didn't like the story? I tried to, I swear... In the beginning, like all angsty stories go, I thought it was slow because it's building up to something... and when I reach the middle, I still gave it a shot and tried to be positive...that its probably almost that time, that pivotal moment.. but no, it didn't come... So many times I thought about quitting the book... I was subjecting myself to too much angst and drama... I can deal with angst, I can deal with heavy drama... I'm an open-minded reader but in this one, it was all that until the end...

I did not connect with any of the characters—at all. I was exasperated mostly by the heroine... she was very indecisive... she was very confusing... she's not quite right in the head...

I mean I get it... she went through all these pain... she's scared about being alone, being put in the system... of being homeless etc... to be subjected to all the physical, mental and sexual abuse while growing up, on top of being surrounded by druggies as role models isnt easy... I know it'll f@ck you in the head in ways I can only imagine... But come on! She's 17, not a helpless 5-year old for crying out loud! She's not 100% helpless... everybody has a choice... everybody can make a choice... smh

She insinuated and thought about wanting to be free from the shi+hole she's in.. she wants love and all the nice normal things, but she's not doing anything about it...

I'm sorry... I really wanted to like this book. Why else would I finish it?? But I think it's just ridiculous how weak she is... There were two people who cares for her deeply, and yet she doesn't want their pity or help but she keeps on being her pitiful-self, indulging favors that she very well know she can refuse despite threats coz lets face it, its not like theres a gun being held to her head like its life or death... If she really, vehemently doesn't want to do something, nobody can force her... She basically has nothing to lose thats why she can call their bluff... If there's a will, there's a way... And in this one, she doesnt seem to have the will, even an ounce.

Aaaand she cuts herself, therefore strengthening the fact she really is not in the right frame of mind... that being said—this guy, who's twice her age, knew all about her troubles, knew everything coz he allegedly was just around, looking-out for her from a distance... this guy makes a move on her when what she really need is saving and years and years of therapy sessions... I mean I get it, we don't get to choose who we fall for, but still he shouldn't have indulged her. He should've known better...

That saying "same sh!t, different day"? That is her in this book... All I kept thinking was, this has gotta be the most annoying character ever! And I've read tons of books with annoying characters in them! I wanted to reach out in the book and shake her until she comes to her senses, but even I, myself, realize that it probably wont happen... Maybe book two will be better?? I don't know... but I hope so.

[EscapeNBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrong Side of Heaven by Author Gia Riley is a coming-of-age, for mature audiences, romance novel. It is part one of the Broken Wings Duet.

“I was never hiding,” I tell him. “I’ve just been invisible.”

Winnie lost it all one night. Her hopes. Her dreams. Her future. Now she’s digging. Fighting to survive. Fighting her demons. Fighting herself. Fighting to find the young woman who’s always just out of reach.

“What I needed was love—someone to show me that my existence wasn’t a burden and that I was worthy.”

Wrong Side of Heaven broke my heart. Winnie could be anyone you know. She had bad luck. She got stuck in horrible places. She didn’t have a constant support system. Gosh. I just wanted to hug her.

“I need everything about him. Each one of his qualities I want to keep in my pocket and pull out when I’m lonely and by myself. If I add them all up and tuck them close to my heart, maybe they’ll transfer over and give me the strength...”

I loved Jasper. I loved Trey. Good boy. Bad boy. Security and safety. Passion and pulse-pounding love. If I had to make a choice right now, I couldn’t do it. I was so verklempt with these males. I wanted them both.

“You’re capable of handling the world, Winnie, but you shouldn’t have to do it all alone. And, whether you want me to be or not, I’m here now. I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon.”

This book pulled me. Like claws on either side of chest, pulling it apart. Ripping out my heart. Stealing the air from my lungs. I was a blubbering mess. I’d just about gain some sanity, and then the rug would be forcefully ripped from under me again. I felt every word from page one until the end.

“When I think of safety, I see his face and hear his voice. He’s the calm in the storm. The center of a hurricane where all the rain and wind cease to exist.”

Wrong Side of Heaven was an emotional zinger for my heart, making me crave more in the face of my fear to move forward. I’m dying to get book two in this series.

#forbidden #emotional

[Ana Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lady had proven with each book that she's an author to follow. Her writing is simple yet powerful, super detailed and engaging. Each book is full of feelings and emotions that will be impossible for you to be indifferent about. You will get caught into the stories and there will be only one thing crossing your minds, that you have to devour it in no time because each word is consuming your soul.
Wrong Side of Heaven is her latest release and it's the first book for the Broken Wings Duet. This book explores the lifes of Winnie and Jasper.
Winnie is a teenager that had lost so much. Not only did she lost her dad but also her world crumbled out. But she needs to survive until she turns 18. That day will change her life and she will be free. At least it's what she hoped.
Jasper is Winnie's classmate. He has a soft spot for her and wants to keep her safe but her deamons get in the way. He doesn't back out because he can't. He will save her but...
I'm stunned, I'm speechless, I'm overwhelmed... So many emotions all at once and I can't get the proper words to come out.
The plot is superb, super engaging surrounded with darkness and madness as well as desire to survive and to find happiness.
There were parts of the story that I wanted to get into it and hold the characters and promise them that everything was going to be okay but there were others that I wanted to hurt someone.
It was a nerve rack reading but I loved every minute of it. I was hit with blow after blow but I was praying that good things would happen.
I can't talk more without spoiling so I'm going to shut it. But I need to scream at you to go and read it. Just do it.
Let's just say that you're about to enter into the most intense rollercoaster ride of your life.
Seriously Gia? It's over? Where's book 2? I knew this was the first of a duet but I didn't want it to end like this. I can't wait for the next one...
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wrong Side of Heaven is a gritty, emotional story from beginning to end.

Life dealt 17 year old Winnie Dawes a losing hand living in a trailer in Carrillon with a lady named Tess and her boyfriend Jax who creeps me out whenever he is around. My heart breaks for Winnie and her coping method for dealing with her situation and Gia Riley has you hurting right along with her.

There are two main men in Winnie's life, enter The Man in Leather, her mysterious motorcycle riding neighbor, and a boy from school named Jasper. I love how Jasper tries to help Winnie but he is just that, a teenage boy.

When Gia takes off the helmet of our man in leather, be prepared because the road is about to get bumpy and you are in for one hell of a ride.

Gia Riley's ability to paint her characters' personalities is amazing and she has the ability to make you feel so much while you are pulled into their storyline.

I can't wait for book two in this series to be released because right now my emotions are left a little raw and I need to be healed along with Winnie.

[K. Ramjohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this book was nothing like I expected. Wrong Side of Heaven is the 1st book in the Broken Wings Duet. This story was a slow burn but OMG it had you hooked from start to finish. Heart-breaking, riveting and to an extent tragic this story will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride and believe me you will feel all the emotions, as each character will evoke a different emotion from you.
Gia Riley was able to create such different characters in this novel, from the strong to the weak, from the good to the bad and they all played an important role to some extent in the story.
I thought I knew where this story was going, but I can safely say I really have no idea. What I do know is that it ends in a cliff-hanger and I can't wait for book 2. This was an excellent read and worthy of 5 stars.
**I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.**

[Kathy Coopmans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrong Side of Heaven is a Heartwrenching story about Seventeen-year-old Winnie. This young woman has endured more than most do in their life.
Gia has written a gripping story.
It's a swept up tail with Winnie, Jasper and the man in leather.
The good, the bad, the mystery this novel entails will grip your soul. It's dark, it's heavy, which makes for one heck of an emotional ride.
I can't wait to get the second book in my hands. Because, my God, that ending.
One-click guys, it's so, so worth the heart-pounding you will take.
Kathy Coopmans
USA Today Best-Selling Author.

[❤️Melanie G.📖💛 · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG...WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED????

This book gutted me more times than I can count. I was sucked in from the first page and now...CLIFFHANGER (fuck my reading life).

WOW, there's not much more to say about this story other than READ IT!!!!

Now, I'm going to play the waiting game for the next book and I'm super excited to see how this story plays out. My fingers are crossed fro Jasper & Winnie. Trey I want a HEA for him also. Jax & Tess, burn in storybook hell!!

Loved this book, MUST READ!!!

[Shyralf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Some touched. Some watched. Some just talked to me. They all had their vices. Fear. Betrayal. Loss. I am trial trash in the slums of Carillon. Until I met him, the mysterious neighbor who speaks through handwritten notes. He never shows his face, only comes and goes lat at night and I am drawn to him like a moth to a flame. I shouldn't want him. I don't need him. But when I close my eyes, he is all I see. He's my addiction. The secret I keep close to my heart. But sometimes things aren't what they seems, and secrets don't stay secrets forever. And together we are just two lost souls on the wrong side of heaven.

Wrong Side Of Heaven is the first book in Gia Riley's Broken Wings Duet. You should expect a cliffhanger. I will also warn you that some elements of this book are dark and dangerous and some are taboo but there are definite triggers for some people in this book. This is the journey of Winnie. A seventeen year old girl who tragically lost her father and is now stuck with his girlfriend Tess who I am going to tell you now has to be the most horrible person ever written about in a book. Good grief how I hate that woman!!! She needs to just go away. My heart broke so many times in this book for Winnie that it is not even funny. The only bright spot in her life is Trey, who brings the taboo and then Jacob who is so in love with Winnie but is basically her only friend. I went into this book basically blind and I think that is the way that you need to go into it too. I am however anxious for the next book and to see what is going to happen to all these characters.

Gia Riley has written a book that is about self harm and it is absolutely heart wrenching. But, with that said it is so worth reading as you will be so invested in these characters you do not want the book to end ever.

[April Symes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrong Side of Heaven is a story about a 17 year old girl named Winnie. Winnie has lived thru so much heartbreak and pain in her young life. Her determination to make it out of the holy hell she is living in once she turns 18 and graduates high school is profound. Winnie doesn’t think life can get any worse but it does. Enter Jasper. Boy from the other side of the tracks. He cares so much for Winnie and would do so much for her. He is like her knight in amour but wait—there is this older man, one who is her mysterious neighbor. Something about him calls to Winnie even though she has never seen his face. He is her mysterious dark knight in leathers. This is such a addictive read. It is emotional ,raw, at times dark. Winnie has trust issues and is dealing with demons yet she finds herself with two people who want to help her and care for her in their own way- Jared and her Dark Knight. OMG I was literally riding the edge with this book and on that rollercoaster of emotions here. This is book 1 of a duet and it ends with a cliffhanger. I am dying to know what happens especially after how it ended. I don’t want to give any spoilers away so I left this review vague. I can tell you this is so good and Ms. Riley delivers a true punch to the stomach with her writing and the epic ending. With writing showing the pain and turmoil Winnie is in…I have to know what is in store for her next book.. this is such a forbidden read, emotional read. I’m dying to get book two in this series.

My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

[Tyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read anything by this author but I'm glad that I picked up Wrong Side of Heaven. There were parts to this which are so utterly emotional. The feels are there in spades. There is no question. I felt for each character Jasper, Trey, and definitely Winnie.
Winnie...the poor girl just couldn't get a break. Her life didn't offer any type of breaks. It didn't play fair. She didn't have anyone to truly count besides two mainly a boy and a man. Jasper was a good old boy and wanted to fix every hurt Winnie had. Trey was a bad man that made you swoon and utterly protective of those he choose to love.

I need book two like right now. The ending to Wrong Side of Heaven left me on the edge. Next month can't come any sooner. I hope.... I hope Winnie finds love and some sort of peace. I know who I want her to be with.... I just don know it is going to go down.

[Rachel Beamin' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fucked up.
I started to read this book, got 33% through and decided I needed to know if the second book was already out.
So, I pull up amazon and BOOM, 2nd book is out.
I then proceed to read the description, in all its 8 total words glory.
I then scroll down.
And see all these 5-star reviews and low and behold a 1 star.
Which got me curious. I mean if you see 100 5s and 1 1, you start to ponder.
And obviously, curiosity got the best of me.
All I could think of in that moment was SONOFABITCH

Anyways, let’s begin.
This book sits on the line of NA and YA, there is no smut, just situations that make you shake your head and mutter damn.

There are so many things going on in this book, I don’t know where to focus my review on. Winnie is a cutter, being raised by her fanfuckingtastic step mother Tess.

”…no matter how many times I sliced my skin, I would still be on the wrong side of heaven—even if the blade made me the happiest girl in hell.”

Tess is a class A trailer queen, who dances for her next fix.

”She started living high to high, blackout to blackout.”

”She’s the happiest rock bottom I’ve ever seen.”

They live in Carilon, in a beautiful trailer park.


Every day is a struggle for Winnie. She lives in darkness that brings nothing but demons in the middle of the night, stealing her innocence.
Winnie is forced into working at the Whip, a lovely establishment that features strippers and addicts. There, Winnie, finds solace in Jasper.
Jasper wants nothing more than to protect Winnie; however, Winnie is holding out for the one person she knows will always protect her, Trey.
Trey is her late dads best friend, twice her age, and lives his life in a perpetual state of danger.

This is an intriguing book, nothing like what I expected it to be. The real-life struggle, unending torment, and everyday problems brings life to this book. If you are looking for romance, you will NOT find it in this book. However, you will find death, resentment, jealously, heartbreak and scars.

[Jeannine Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interview with Gia Riley as featured in my newsletter!
https://www.subscribepage.com/Jeannin...

The Wrong Side of Heaven and The Edge of Heaven are part of the Broken Wings Duet that had me up all night two days in a row! Author Gia Riley took me into the dark world of the slums of Carillion, a town riddles with drugs and lost tomorrows. Check out how she weaved an incredible love triangle into this gripping romance in this *spoiler free review.* I hid it in the spoiler tab just in case.... so click here -->

Jeannine Colette: This is a young adult romance with a taboo underscore and a love triangle that will give you whiplash! Where did inspiration for this novel come from?

GIA RILEY: I saw the picture of the girl on the cover of Wrong Side of Heaven while browsing on a stock site. I stopped scrolling and was captivated by her. I knew I wanted to write about her and that her story was a little dark and unlike my other books. 

Winnie, is only seventeen years old, yet she is thrusted into a life no-one wants for themselves. Because of her age, she is vulnerable, yet tough and the evolution of her character is remarkable. How did your personal experiences help create this gripping heroine?

I wanted her to be strong despite her age. Sure she was young and didn’t have life figured out. Not many adults do, so I didn’t expect that of her. But I wanted her to get up every day and keep trying. She might have had it rough, but she was determined to make more of her life than the awful hand she’d be dealt. The goal was total self-discovery, a fire inside of her, and I hope I achieved that in the end. 

This is a gritty and raw novel that centers around a trailer park, a strip joint and a picturesque house on the other side of the fence. How are the locations characters in and of themselves in this book?

I saw Tess so clearly in mind when I was starting the story. The beat up trailer and the club a couple blocks away. I wanted those who lived in Carillon to be tight knit, but in a non-traditional way. It wasn’t a cookie cutter community by any means. Most residents had little and would never see life beyond the park or the club. I knew the majority of the story would center around this. 

The house on the other side of the fence was a representation of just how close a brand-new life could be for Winnie. If she just hung on and stuck it out, she could be in a happier place surrounded by loving people. It was always a matter of time. 

Holy Love Triangle! Winnie is enamored by the mysterious neighbor with a hidden identity and Jasper, the boy who becomes her best friend and tries to win her heart. Did you know who she was going (or not going to) end up with in the end?

I thought I had it all figured out before I even started writing. I had a clear vision of the ending. That’s not at all how it went though. The more I wrote, the more my own heart was tossed around. I saw new sides to people and difference possibilities. I wanted everything and more for Winnie. But I couldn’t be selfish. 

If you were Winnie, who would you have chosen?

Here’s my dilemma, haha. I’m always a sucker for the sweet guy. And a piece of me likes to think about the possibilities with the bad boy. Some pretty heartbreaking circumstances played such a huge roll in how the story played out. In the end, I selfishly wanted both. Despite the bad, I saw good in both guys…qualities any girl would be lucky to have. 

From Tess to Jax and Ace, Alex and Melody... your side characters rage from angelic to evil! Who was your favorite to write?

They really do! I enjoyed writing Tess. She was so screwed up and off her rocker. Something about her bled out of me and I have no idea why. I’m obviously nothing like her, yet I connect with the troubled ones the easiest. 

I need more. Are you considering a follow-up novel? 

I went to the dark side for Wrong Side of Heaven and The Edge of Heaven. I did a standalone after that called Until We Are Gone that was equally dark and edgy. After those three heavy hitters, I thought I needed to lighten it up a bit and do something different. The book I’m working on is still untitled, but it’s sexy, a little funny, and full of angst. I can’t help it. I love the angst no matter what the book is about.  

Never say never about revisiting characters though. I don’t have any plans for more from this duet, but I do miss them. If this is your kind of read, I’d definitely check out Until We Are Gone and Stay Awhile. 

As a reader, what is your favorite troupe?

I love a good love triangle and anything taboo. Student teacher always grabs my attention, too. 

When do you write?

I mostly write while my kiddo is at school. The rest of the time I’m a special needs mom.

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I’m a total pantser. I get an idea in my head, usually a scene or two, and then build off of that. Most times I don’t know what’s going to happen down the road. I just take it as it comes to me and go from there. Too much plotting screws me up because I get random ideas along the way. 

What was the moment when you decide you were going to take the plunge into publishing?

It was 2013. I was immersed as a reader in the indie world, meeting all kinds of amazing authors. I wrote all the time and had so many stories to tell. In 2014, I finally took the plunge and set my first book free. Talk about the biggest rush of adrenaline ever! I was hooked and haven’t looked back since. I’ve even had the pleasure of co-writing. I’d like to do more of that in the future if the opportunity came along. 

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrong Side of Heaven by Gia Riley is the first in her Broken Wings Duet and it was heartbreaking and gripping. I was consumed by this story and could not put it down.

Winnie is a seventeen-year-old girl that lost it all and is now just fighting to survive. She has no one. She is counting down the days until she can leave. My heart broke for her. She meets Jasper where she works, and he has a crush on her. They go to the same school but were not friends. They become friends and he becomes her protector, but can she let him in?

This is a story you must experience. There are so many feels. Winnie is struggling. Jasper is sweet and caring and could be so good for her. Then there is Trey. What is right and what is wrong? There were so many emotions and heartbreak in this story. Winnie’s story is so tragic. I am so excited to read the next book, which will be out soon!

Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.

Happy reading.

[Cynthia Villarreal Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and Real to Life

This book left me in awe...so beautifully written and it captures your soul because of Winnie and her life, this book brought me into a glimpse of a bittersweet life.
Loved and Hated the characters but this is what a real book does and this book is real..
How can you fly when your wings are broken...

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Gia Riley has absolutely gutted me with the story of Jasper and Winnie. I immediately wanted to read this book after reading the blurb. My goodness, I haven't been so emotional during a book for such a long time! Winnie, my heart hurt for her.
Part One of this duet wasn't enough for me, I NEED Part Two right now!!! I need the conclusion.
Wrong Side of Heaven has left me absolutely speechless.
5 Phenomenal Stars! "

[Kali McQuillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* Oh Winnie, she broke my heart but she's such a strong woman. I know she's only 17 but she's so mature for her age. She's been through more than anyone should have ever been through and she's STILL going through bad times but she's waiting for the day she turns 18. She wants out and she'll do what it takes to do it.

Jasper, a boy she knows from school is working at the place she and is they strike up a friendship. It might be something, it might be nothing. He wants to find out but her heart has been taken for a while. He wants the best for her and is helping her out but what about his heart?

I cannot wait for the next part of this book!!

[Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gia Riley has absolutely gutted me with the story of Jasper and Winnie. I immediately wanted to read this book after reading the blurb. My goodness, I haven't been so emotional during a book for such a long time! Winnie, my heart hurt for her.
Part One of this duet wasn't enough for me, I NEED Part Two right now!!! I need the conclusion.
Wrong Side of Heaven has left me absolutely speechless.
5 Phenomenal Stars!

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gia Riley is one of my one click authors. I have read every one of her books. This one had a different feel to it then her previous one. Even though it felt different then her other works it was still an amazing read.
Winnie has a tough life. Her father has passed away and she is living his girlfriend, Tess. Tess is a druggy and a mess. I wouldn't give Tess a dog to raise and she definitely doesn't know what she is suppose to be doing with Winnie. Winnie is pretty much on her own. She had her Dad's friend Trey for a bit but he left for a while. I felt for Winnie. She is such a likeable character. I just wanted to scoop her up and bring her home with me. Jasper is a sweet nice boy. He has a completely different life from Winnie. He wants to be the friend and knight in shining amour that Winnie needs. I would love for him to be that for her. Winnie is closed off but she lets Jasper in a little bit. Trey is around too. Trey makes Winnie feel safe. I'm not completely sure how I feel about Trey. I think Trey has a lot more story then we got in this one. The ending has me on edge and I can't wait to read more.

[Kayla (kaylareads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me. When you’re having a pretty shitty week the last thing you want to do is crawl into bed with your kindle to read about a fictional shitty life.
I understand Winnie had a really bad time of it and obviously that’s going to leave some deep rooted emotion (and in her case physical) scars, but she came across as being completely unable to make a decision when it comes to the two men who care about her. She even portrayed herself as quite selfish and almost enjoying the situation where two guys liked her.
The only character I did like was jasper. Sweet, patient jasper and all Winnie could do was play him off against trey.
I’m giving this one 2 🌟 The writing in this book was very well done. The author really managed to capture the emotions and it made for a really sombre read. I think if this was an indie film instead I would have loved it! But reading this I felt like I was waiting for something to happen and it never did. It was just page after page of angst. The story got too lost in character emotion rather than progress. I’m not even sure why I kept reading. To top it off it ends on a cliffhanger so you don’t even get a full story. Safe to say I won’t be checking out the sequel.

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read any of this author's other books, but I have a few of them on my Kindle! I was looking for something new to read one night and I knew that the second book in this duet had just released, so I decided to give it a read because I could read both books straight after each other! The synopsis is also pretty vague, so I wasn't really sure what to expect! After reading, I can say that I had mixed feelings about this book lol! I actually enjoyed it, but I found the love triangle a bit frustrating! The plot did develop at a nice pace and it kept me intrigued and wanting to read on to find out what was going to happen next! There were a few tense and action and suspense scenes too! As I said, there was a love triangle in the plot! It did add to the plot and I did pick my side quite quickly lol! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Winnie was the main female character, and before the events of this book she had been through a lot! She then went through even more in this book and my heart completely went out to her! She lived in horrible conditions and was surrounded by drug addicts! Winnie had dreams though and she just wanted to be safe and happy! I did like Winnie, but I was frustrated with how she was so backwards and forwards with one of her love interests! I could understand why she was like this, but he had her best interests at heart! Jasper was the main male character and love interest of Winnie! I loved Jasper a lot in this book! He was there for Winnie and didn't have an ulterior motive for wanting to help her! This made me have a lot of respect for him! Jasper was also protective of Winnie and he just wanted her to be safe and to not be living in fear! Trey was another main male character and love interest of Winnie! Trey was sort of in and out of this book, so it was hard for me to forge some sort of connection with him! I could see that he cared a lot about Winnie and he tried his best to do his job as well as keep an eye on her! I would like to see Trey make some more appearances in next book, even though I'm Team Jasper lol! This book was mainly written from Winnie and Jasper's point of views, but there were a few chapters written from Trey's point of view too! The three different point of views allowed me to connect and understand all the characters more and they allowed for more things to happen in the plot too, especially as the all characters spent some time apart! I also can't wait to read the next book in this series! This book ended at quite a cliff-hanger, so I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next! I'm really happy that it's already released because I'm definitely going to be making it my next read! The cover for this book is also stunning! I love it as soon as I saw it and it suits the book! I love the cover image and the cover would definitely draw me to it and make me want to read the story behind it!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Broken Wings Duet was my first reading experience with author Gia Riley. I’m choosy when it comes to reading angst, so I was taking a leap of faith when I agreed to tackle the Wrong Side of Heaven, followed by The Edge of Heaven.

The books center on Winnie Dawes, a seventeen-year-old girl, who battles every day to survive. She fights for what few things belong to her and she has no one she can trust. A mysterious yet protective stranger moves into the trailer across from Winnie’s at just the same time she makes her first real friend, Jasper.

Although they recognize each other from school, Winnie’s friendship with Jasper is established when they end up working at the same place. He is kind, compassionate, and loyal. He offers Winnie nourishment, comfort, and safety whenever she needs it. But it’s the secretive neighbor across the way who captures her heart. What follows is a gripping and emotional love triangle between the three that put me on the edge of my seat.

I read the Wrong Side of Heaven last month, while flying home after a book signing, and loved it. Then real life interfered with my ability to sit down and compose my review. I felt awful for being late with it, but then within a few chapters of beginning The Edge of Heaven last week, it became clear that this was meant to be.

The Wrong Side of Heaven was an incredible read, ensuring that I would move on to the second book. The Edge of Heaven picked up right where the first book left off, and just when I thought the story couldn’t get any better, it exploded on me. By the time I devoured the opening chapters of the second book, I knew I was dealing with a 5-star series.

The Broken Wings Duet is not for the faint of heart. All of the characters are struggling with personal demons, some of which are more evil than others. Despite the tragedy, there is an unmistakable surge of hope that buzzes beneath the surface. This hint of anticipation keeps both the reader and the characters moving forward, in search of the elusive light at the end of the tunnel.

If you’re interested in learning what happens when the paths of these fascinating characters converge, I eagerly recommend this pair of books. This duet is for those looking for something mature, edgy, and suspenseful in their next read.

[KFForever · Rating 4 out of 5]

kfforever

Reviewed by Anna Green on behalf of KFF

This is the first book in a duet, a well written coming of age story.

Winnie is a seventeen year old girl, an orphan when her dad died of a drug overdose and she now lives with her stepmother Tess, a stripper and a hardcore drug addict. She is trapped in a hell-hole and can’t do much until she turns eighteen. Her life feels hopeless and her way of coping is trying to be invisible to others. There are two men in her life: Trey and Jasper.

Trey is Winnie’s anchor and he was her late dad’s best friend. He has dubious connections, he is twice her age and when his best friend died he took it upon himself to take care of Winnie as much as he can when he is around. He is very protective of her and they have a very deep bond and connection.

Jasper goes to the same school with Winnie but he only got to know her when she started working at The Whip. He is a devoted and protective friend and also loves her but he knows she loves Trey more. She feels she should give Jasper a chance but her connection with Trey has been there since she was a young girl. How can he compete with Trey when they only got to know each other recently?

This coming of age story involves a damaged heroine, one who is also strong enough to survive the hardship she has experienced.  Winnie’s life is so miserable but one marvels at her resilience. She is a mature seventeen year old with goals and dreams, she is only biding her time until she comes of age and can get out of the trailer home she shares with Tess. Amidst all the put downs, the physical and emotional abuse she gets from Tess, Winnie is a fighter and one can only root for her happiness. But between Jasper and Trey, who is the better choice? Be warned that this book ends in a massive cliffhanger but don’t despair as book two comes out in April 2018. I suggest that you have a box of chocolates by your side whilst reading this as it can be quite depressing.