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Seven Minutes in Heaven #1
Seven Minutes in Heaven: A Hood Love Story
Seventeen-year-old Taleah Morgan was an all-around good girl. All she wanted was to get into the nursing program of her dreams and make her parents proud. The last thing she had time for was guys, and especially not bad boys like nineteen-year-old Liam Maxwell. Liam had quickly risen from a corner boy to the heir-apparent of San Antonio’s most infamous drug runner. He didn’t have time for the distraction of a relationship—his main goal was proving himself worthy of inheriting an empire.
When Taleah and Liam’s paths cross one night at a house party, they find themselves reluctantly playing the game of Seven Minutes in Heaven. What they experienced that night in a dark closet change both of them. Unable to stay away from each other, Liam and Taleah decide to take a chance on love, but not everyone in their lives is thrilled. Will the young couple survive the forces arrayed against them?
When Taleah and Liam’s paths cross one night at a house party, they find themselves reluctantly playing the game of Seven Minutes in Heaven. What they experienced that night in a dark closet change both of them. Unable to stay away from each other, Liam and Taleah decide to take a chance on love, but not everyone in their lives is thrilled. Will the young couple survive the forces arrayed against them?
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2019
1379 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Elle Kayson
49 books1,444 followersPublished Author.
Exasperated Mother.
Southern Cook.
Angsty, Beautiful, Clueless Mess.
That's me, in short. I've been writing since elementary school and won my first prize in seventh grade. I am a romantic at heart and love a happy ending! Join me on this writing (and reading) journey--you won't be disappointed!
Exasperated Mother.
Southern Cook.
Angsty, Beautiful, Clueless Mess.
That's me, in short. I've been writing since elementary school and won my first prize in seventh grade. I am a romantic at heart and love a happy ending! Join me on this writing (and reading) journey--you won't be disappointed!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
August 7, 2023
Seven Minutes
This book had me in a chokehold from the very beginning. It reminds me so much of my youth, when I first became attracted to the opposite sex and when I thought I knew what was best for me. Taleah is a good girl, she’s focused on finishing high school and getting into one of the top two nursing schools. Her parents are strict and fearful that she’ll get mixed up with the wrong crowd. That includes her cousin Kelsey. Kelsey is also a good girl but with less restrictive parents. Kelsey has her sight set on Law school and the two are pretty much inseparable. One night at a party with Kelsey, Taleah loses a bet and has to play the game, Seven minutes in heaven. A game where you draw a name and you have to spend seven minutes in the closet with your selection. Liam, the host’s older brother, drug dealer on the rise and popular ladies man is dragged into the game against his wishes and better judgment. However if he has to play, he’s going to play his way. He’s going to choose first and he refuses to draw a name from the cup. Immediately his eyes are drawn to Taleah and even though she looks young and somewhat scared he chooses her. Poor Leah didn’t stand a chance. He turns her young behind out in that closet, so much so that he’s all she can think about. Unbeknownst to Taleah, Liam is taken by her too. Taleah sets out to find Liam and see what can happen between the two. Simultaneously, her cousin Kelsey has a thing for Liam’s best friend Chill. Love, life, loss and sacrifice are the obstacles in Liam and Taleah’s way along with the people who don’t want to see them together. This ends on a cliffhanger but I’m so glad book two is already out.
This book had me in a chokehold from the very beginning. It reminds me so much of my youth, when I first became attracted to the opposite sex and when I thought I knew what was best for me. Taleah is a good girl, she’s focused on finishing high school and getting into one of the top two nursing schools. Her parents are strict and fearful that she’ll get mixed up with the wrong crowd. That includes her cousin Kelsey. Kelsey is also a good girl but with less restrictive parents. Kelsey has her sight set on Law school and the two are pretty much inseparable. One night at a party with Kelsey, Taleah loses a bet and has to play the game, Seven minutes in heaven. A game where you draw a name and you have to spend seven minutes in the closet with your selection. Liam, the host’s older brother, drug dealer on the rise and popular ladies man is dragged into the game against his wishes and better judgment. However if he has to play, he’s going to play his way. He’s going to choose first and he refuses to draw a name from the cup. Immediately his eyes are drawn to Taleah and even though she looks young and somewhat scared he chooses her. Poor Leah didn’t stand a chance. He turns her young behind out in that closet, so much so that he’s all she can think about. Unbeknownst to Taleah, Liam is taken by her too. Taleah sets out to find Liam and see what can happen between the two. Simultaneously, her cousin Kelsey has a thing for Liam’s best friend Chill. Love, life, loss and sacrifice are the obstacles in Liam and Taleah’s way along with the people who don’t want to see them together. This ends on a cliffhanger but I’m so glad book two is already out.
October 8, 2022
Slowly making my way down the rabbit hole of all things Elle Kayson after finishing her masterpiece “Demon’s Dream”! I really enjoyed Book 1 in this series. The only thing that kept it from being a 5 star read was that it was very predictable. I knew exactly how the story would play out.
Seven minutes in heaven was a game that that High school teens Taleah and her friends played the summer going into her senior year of high school. With an uneven number of players, Dylan begged his older brother Liam to play and he and Taleah ended up in the closet together. That 7 minutes had Taleah turnt tf out!!! Baby was gone! But so was Mr Liam. She’s your typical valedictorian good girl and he’s the upcoming dope boy. They fall hard in love and sadly when Taleah is willing to give up her college dreams, Liam makes the ultimate sacrifice. Poor Taleah…. She doesn’t realize that Liam has to let her go so she can grow! I’m ready to see what happens when the growing is complete! On to book 2
Seven minutes in heaven was a game that that High school teens Taleah and her friends played the summer going into her senior year of high school. With an uneven number of players, Dylan begged his older brother Liam to play and he and Taleah ended up in the closet together. That 7 minutes had Taleah turnt tf out!!! Baby was gone! But so was Mr Liam. She’s your typical valedictorian good girl and he’s the upcoming dope boy. They fall hard in love and sadly when Taleah is willing to give up her college dreams, Liam makes the ultimate sacrifice. Poor Taleah…. She doesn’t realize that Liam has to let her go so she can grow! I’m ready to see what happens when the growing is complete! On to book 2
January 14, 2025
It's extremely rare for me to give 2 stars, but Liam ruined this book for me. Bro acted like he was the best thing since sliced bread. Also, I had a hard time believing a 19 y/o drug dealer with a condo, multiple cars, AND invest in stocks? In what world, bro? (Keep in mind this book takes place in 2014/15). This is the part of urban fiction I don't like 😭. At least make the shit sound believable. Elle ruined a good story with this unbelievable nonsense 🤦🏿♂️. Hopefully, book 2 will be more believable.
March 24, 2025
Another one 1️⃣
August 26, 2019
7 minutes of love
Whenever I see Elle Payson drop a book I have to grab it. Like always she brings the heat. Good girls love hood dudes but hate the life they bring. But hood dudes swear they can never get stuck in their feelings. 7 whole minutes in heaven brings about a whole different trail events. These 2 characters stress each other out and me, for being so emotionally indecisive. This was what I enjoyed about the story. At one point you think all hell will break loose but the heart patches it right back up. Then you turn to the next page only to get punched in the face, and now love has become a war of betrayal. Young love is the hardest because of so much pressure no matter what side of the track you're own. That ending was a heart breaking door slam, the outcome is going to be so crazy. I wonder if the author will skip a few years ahead, that would be interesting.
Whenever I see Elle Payson drop a book I have to grab it. Like always she brings the heat. Good girls love hood dudes but hate the life they bring. But hood dudes swear they can never get stuck in their feelings. 7 whole minutes in heaven brings about a whole different trail events. These 2 characters stress each other out and me, for being so emotionally indecisive. This was what I enjoyed about the story. At one point you think all hell will break loose but the heart patches it right back up. Then you turn to the next page only to get punched in the face, and now love has become a war of betrayal. Young love is the hardest because of so much pressure no matter what side of the track you're own. That ending was a heart breaking door slam, the outcome is going to be so crazy. I wonder if the author will skip a few years ahead, that would be interesting.
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July 1, 2020Good book
Great story line. This author never lets me down with her books i can read them over and over again. I love me some Liam he was a good mad to that taleah go and be great in school. Chill and Kels are something else as well. Can’t wait for part 2
Great story line. This author never lets me down with her books i can read them over and over again. I love me some Liam he was a good mad to that taleah go and be great in school. Chill and Kels are something else as well. Can’t wait for part 2
dnf
May 22, 2025I’m shelving this. A 22 year old checking for a 17-year old is not my cup of tea. The 17-year old MMC is young, naive and annoying lol. The fact she has to sneak outside and on to the porch to even talk to him is insane. No thank you
January 28, 2025
3.5⭐️ this was okay, just was kinda annoyed at her tantrums cause it’s like you knew what it was …lol
August 12, 2024
Welp my first book by Elle was demon’s dream and I can see now I’m gonna go down a rabbit hole reading all her books! She knows how to keep you turning the pages and wanting more! This was good and now I’m headed to start part two!
August 28, 2024
Seven Minutes in Heaven did not disappoint. I loved every page of this story, and it left me excited to read the second book. This story focuses on Taleah and her cousin Kelsey, and Liam and Chill. I loved the relationship between Taleah and Kelsey, they definitely had me laughing at their antics. Now when it comes to Liam and Chill although they have their faults and are out in the streets, I loved both of their characters as well. Taleah is innocent and sheltered, and when she spends a few minutes with Liam, she knows what she wants, and Liam is all for it. However, his current friends with benefits Sophia won't give him up so easily. Kelsey and Chill know what the deal is from the start, and all it takes is one phone change everything. These men are out to get what they want, and they don't care what anyone has to say about it. That cliffhanger ending left me wanting more and I know the next book has to be even better than this one. This story was funny, steamy, had both heartbreak and shocking moments, enemies, friends, love, romance and more. The only reason why I rated this book 4 stars was because there were times when the author repeated the same scenes with another character, and I didn't really need to read the same scenes twice. It seemed like a waste to me, and I find that a bit aggravating. Otherwise, I enjoyed this story a lot and will be recommending it to all of my romance book loving friends.
February 24, 2025
Who would have thought that seven minutes in Heaven would change you life. This was a coming of age young love lust story. You have Liam and Taleah and Kelsey and Chill. Both girls are younger that have older dudes into them because they are different than the girls they normally get. However the girls are cousins and live two different lives when is comes to parenting styles. The guys are best friends and live by the same code. Both girls have promising futures and do the guys as they don’t want to stay in the game forever and make moves to do just that. Taleah and Liam deal with her needing the approval of her parents only for her dad to hate Liam. The way they come about was endearing. I loved how Liam was bringing Taleah out of her shell and allowing her to set the pace of what she was ready for. Liam and chill were great at keeping there two worlds apart. Elle does no wrong in my book and to know that this girls are due to graduate and be ready for the world with the support but how Liam allows Taleah to leave hurt. All girls have been there when they had to do what’s best for them and still want the love they crave and deserve. Liam was wrong how he did her. Chill and Kelsey seem to be smoothly going through it all as they don’t care to really be with the titles and what not. It’s always your 1st if you’re in love that hurts the most.
February 4, 2025
excuse me 😳
Men get on my nerves!!!! This is childish high school reading at its best but I can’t stop reading it and need to know what happens next. For starters I don’t care for Liam. He is arrogant and so disrespectful. He is hot headed and too silly. He couldn’t even wait 9 months to be with Talia. Then he ends back with Sophia. All the reviews are saying that there was no explanation as to why he did what he did. I’m pretty sure he did what he did because he didn’t want her to change her career path for him. He didn’t want to hold her back. He probably felt like he wasn’t good enough for Talia and he would be right. The only thing I could say about Talia is that she should have heard him out first. On to the next book just to see how this plays out.
Men get on my nerves!!!! This is childish high school reading at its best but I can’t stop reading it and need to know what happens next. For starters I don’t care for Liam. He is arrogant and so disrespectful. He is hot headed and too silly. He couldn’t even wait 9 months to be with Talia. Then he ends back with Sophia. All the reviews are saying that there was no explanation as to why he did what he did. I’m pretty sure he did what he did because he didn’t want her to change her career path for him. He didn’t want to hold her back. He probably felt like he wasn’t good enough for Talia and he would be right. The only thing I could say about Talia is that she should have heard him out first. On to the next book just to see how this plays out.
September 11, 2025
Wow 😯
Ends on a cliffhanger.. and what a cliffhanger it ends on 😳 Taleah and Liam.. laawwwdddd.. lots of drama I didn’t see coming.. but I enjoyed it all.. a good girl who met a street guy the summer before her senior year.. he was used to getting his way with all the girls and in the streets, however when he met Taleah, she brought out something different in him and he was intrigued.. she was super smart and always had a plan on college and what she wanted, but after falling for Liam, she was questioning leaving.. he still wanted her to pursue her goals and I think made a bad decision to force her into keeping her focus.. also loved the interaction with her crazy cousin Kelsey and Chill.. they had a cute hookup story too.. can’t wait to see the drama unfold in book 2
Ends on a cliffhanger.. and what a cliffhanger it ends on 😳 Taleah and Liam.. laawwwdddd.. lots of drama I didn’t see coming.. but I enjoyed it all.. a good girl who met a street guy the summer before her senior year.. he was used to getting his way with all the girls and in the streets, however when he met Taleah, she brought out something different in him and he was intrigued.. she was super smart and always had a plan on college and what she wanted, but after falling for Liam, she was questioning leaving.. he still wanted her to pursue her goals and I think made a bad decision to force her into keeping her focus.. also loved the interaction with her crazy cousin Kelsey and Chill.. they had a cute hookup story too.. can’t wait to see the drama unfold in book 2
June 27, 2025
I recently read “Demon’s Dream” by this same author. I’m not sure which book was written first, but this is almost the same story. From the good girl with a bad boy angle, the slick talking father, the good girl jumping to conclusions without letting him explain because of his “bad boy reputation” believing the worse, also her cousin was dating his friend, just like in the other book her sister was dating the friend. I know there’s a part 2 to this book, but I’m sure it’s more of the same. 3 stars because it’s still a good read. Just hopefully you didn’t read the other book or it’ll feel like the same thing twice.
September 17, 2023
So Far So Good
It was good but I’m surprised her parents didn’t speak on the age difference and I hate when couples think whatever they want instead of talking it out. Don’t think you know what’s better for me but I guess if you love someone you gotta let them go. Chile I would hate for him to get Sophia pregnant during this break Lawd. Chill seeming too good to be true something going on with him idk but ain’t no man gonna be the way he was and settle with one girl only. Chile I hope they get back together and actually mature.
It was good but I’m surprised her parents didn’t speak on the age difference and I hate when couples think whatever they want instead of talking it out. Don’t think you know what’s better for me but I guess if you love someone you gotta let them go. Chile I would hate for him to get Sophia pregnant during this break Lawd. Chill seeming too good to be true something going on with him idk but ain’t no man gonna be the way he was and settle with one girl only. Chile I hope they get back together and actually mature.
December 27, 2024
🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽
This was a juicy read! You can’t help who you love ..you just have to love yourself more and know that you’re worthy of all good things! Taleah and Liam crossed paths and it was chemistry from that point on! I just felt for my girl Taleah at the end of this book I know she was heartbroken! Even tho I can understand why as far as Taleah schooling..It’s a certain type of way you can handle things and Liam didn’t handle that situation at the end in the right way he could’ve done better than that..I’m ready to see how things play out next between Taleah & Liam
This was a juicy read! You can’t help who you love ..you just have to love yourself more and know that you’re worthy of all good things! Taleah and Liam crossed paths and it was chemistry from that point on! I just felt for my girl Taleah at the end of this book I know she was heartbroken! Even tho I can understand why as far as Taleah schooling..It’s a certain type of way you can handle things and Liam didn’t handle that situation at the end in the right way he could’ve done better than that..I’m ready to see how things play out next between Taleah & Liam
July 12, 2025
Not your average teen love story
This book was super relatable and gave a raw but honest look into teen choices—from peer pressure to figuring out what love is really supposed to feel like. It was refreshing to see young girls shown in a positive light, not just the typical “fast lil girl” angle we see too often.
Taleah wasn’t going for just anything—her standards were clear, and I loved that for her. Levi surprised me, leaning in and learning what real love looks like. I’m locked in now—I need to see who grows, who fumbles, and how it all plays out.
This book was super relatable and gave a raw but honest look into teen choices—from peer pressure to figuring out what love is really supposed to feel like. It was refreshing to see young girls shown in a positive light, not just the typical “fast lil girl” angle we see too often.
Taleah wasn’t going for just anything—her standards were clear, and I loved that for her. Levi surprised me, leaning in and learning what real love looks like. I’m locked in now—I need to see who grows, who fumbles, and how it all plays out.
October 27, 2022
Young love
Leah and Liam undeniable chemistry from the very first page. I had trouble at first with rather I like or disliked Liam he seemed so mean and controlling for someone as green as Leah. He did grow on me though mean while I wanted to chime her daddy. I love the relationship between her and her cousin/best friend Kels. Keep is the oil devil on her shoulder saying shout cousin lol
Leah and Liam undeniable chemistry from the very first page. I had trouble at first with rather I like or disliked Liam he seemed so mean and controlling for someone as green as Leah. He did grow on me though mean while I wanted to chime her daddy. I love the relationship between her and her cousin/best friend Kels. Keep is the oil devil on her shoulder saying shout cousin lol
May 7, 2023
What Others Think You Should Do
Elle Kayson, good read. It's always the people that point fingers that need to look in the mirror. Lord, watching Liam and Taleah maneuver through this thing called life was very interesting.
Both had realized what was going on, and it was just a game neither knew how it would turn out. Now, after sacrifices were made let's see how it will go.
Elle Kayson, good read. It's always the people that point fingers that need to look in the mirror. Lord, watching Liam and Taleah maneuver through this thing called life was very interesting.
Both had realized what was going on, and it was just a game neither knew how it would turn out. Now, after sacrifices were made let's see how it will go.
October 16, 2024
A hot page turner. This book is Fire!
This book had me turning page from page. It reminded me of my younger days in high school but I wasn’t with a street thug. I like the story line which can have you laughing at times. The love seen is great but Laim has a lot of growing up to do. I don’t want to spoil the book for other readers but it’s a must read. I’m now going to dive into book 2 hope laim didn’t mess things ups up to bad.
This book had me turning page from page. It reminded me of my younger days in high school but I wasn’t with a street thug. I like the story line which can have you laughing at times. The love seen is great but Laim has a lot of growing up to do. I don’t want to spoil the book for other readers but it’s a must read. I’m now going to dive into book 2 hope laim didn’t mess things ups up to bad.
January 28, 2025
That ending was hella harsh!
I really did enjoy this read. Had me losing sleep just trying to get another chapter in! The storyline was very entertaining and engaging. This was a page turner for sure and I couldn’t get through it fast enough! The nerve of Leah’s dad though!!! The spice was 5/5 despite Leah’s lack of experience. I can’t wait to read book 2 because that cliffhanger had my heart hurting. Would definitely recommend
I really did enjoy this read. Had me losing sleep just trying to get another chapter in! The storyline was very entertaining and engaging. This was a page turner for sure and I couldn’t get through it fast enough! The nerve of Leah’s dad though!!! The spice was 5/5 despite Leah’s lack of experience. I can’t wait to read book 2 because that cliffhanger had my heart hurting. Would definitely recommend
February 5, 2025
I rated it four stars because it was predictable. A hood love tale. Street guy who falls for the smart girl. Different views and lifestyles, and they still managed to connect. Of course all love stories have drama. They went through many miscommunications, issues with pride, and family issues. It truly pissed me off. Liam was a hothead and clearly all over the place. Kelsey and Chill's relationship is the same way. The ending left on a cliffhanger. Excited to read part two.
August 16, 2025
This book did not disappoint. I loved the relationship and banter between Taleah and her cousin Kelsey. I enjoyed that two young girls, were enjoying life and focused on their education at the same time. Regardless of what happened in their lives, it did not deter them from their goals.
Now, you have the friendship/brotherhood between Liam and Chill. I loved to see how they had each others back and could depend on one another out in them streets. They knew what they wanted and wouldn't let anything or anyone stand in their way. They were both Alpha males, and believe me they showed it!!
Great story, kept me entertained and ready for book 2.
Now, you have the friendship/brotherhood between Liam and Chill. I loved to see how they had each others back and could depend on one another out in them streets. They knew what they wanted and wouldn't let anything or anyone stand in their way. They were both Alpha males, and believe me they showed it!!
Great story, kept me entertained and ready for book 2.
February 16, 2025
Loved it!
There aren't enough words to describe how this book made me feel! I've read Demon's Dream, so I knew this would be an awesome read. The dad & Sophia deserved what they got. Taleah worked my nerves a little bit. On to book 2 because I know the drama and fire will be brought!
There aren't enough words to describe how this book made me feel! I've read Demon's Dream, so I knew this would be an awesome read. The dad & Sophia deserved what they got. Taleah worked my nerves a little bit. On to book 2 because I know the drama and fire will be brought!
February 27, 2025
Demons Dream has me going on a deep dive reading the authors other work 🤣
This was a cute little hood love story! It was short and sweet. I wished the young girls had a bit more autonomy in stories like these. The men are very possessive and a bit aggressive.
I knew her daddy was in some mess with the way he was acting. Looking forward to reading part 2!
This was a cute little hood love story! It was short and sweet. I wished the young girls had a bit more autonomy in stories like these. The men are very possessive and a bit aggressive.
I knew her daddy was in some mess with the way he was acting. Looking forward to reading part 2!
October 6, 2025
it was on one from jump.
im glad Liam was mature enough to let her go and fulfill her dreams. even though his "business" wasn't quite legal/legitimate, his "mentor" taught him how to laundering his money. it's a bit much to be that young either money like that but they did have some blue on their payroll.
I enjoyed the book for the most part
im glad Liam was mature enough to let her go and fulfill her dreams. even though his "business" wasn't quite legal/legitimate, his "mentor" taught him how to laundering his money. it's a bit much to be that young either money like that but they did have some blue on their payroll.
I enjoyed the book for the most part
January 2, 2023
Great read. I was hesitant after the first couple of chapters but then it got better and better. The plot was really good. The author did a great job connecting the characters to the readers. Grammar and punctuation and spelling was perfect. I immediately went looking for book two.
November 14, 2023
SMH
Liam really p’d me off😡 They were both too immature to be in a relationship. I hate when men run back to the same chick they swore they didn’t want🙄 I hope Leah bosses up on him frfr!
Liam really p’d me off😡 They were both too immature to be in a relationship. I hate when men run back to the same chick they swore they didn’t want🙄 I hope Leah bosses up on him frfr!
March 5, 2024
excellent read
This was an excellent read, and if I could give it more that five stars I would. I love how Taleah and Liam come from two different worlds but they fall in love. The ending made me mad lol, but I can’t eat to read the next one!
This was an excellent read, and if I could give it more that five stars I would. I love how Taleah and Liam come from two different worlds but they fall in love. The ending made me mad lol, but I can’t eat to read the next one!
March 31, 2024
Well damn
Liam did all of that to get Taleah just to fumble the bag. Communication without comprehension leads to dysfunction. They need to get back together. Will Taleah ever find out about her dad?
Liam did all of that to get Taleah just to fumble the bag. Communication without comprehension leads to dysfunction. They need to get back together. Will Taleah ever find out about her dad?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews