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For Heaven's Sake: A Rosehill City Novel
When Shia Moore is released from prison after a five year bid, he expects his life to fall right back into place.
Instead of being welcomed back with open arms from the love of his life, he is met with betrayal and circumstances he didn't see coming. As he fights to gain control of his life and figure out a plan to get back to the top, he finds himself struggling with the humble reset, his bruised heart, and the temptation to return to his past ways.
Heaven Cortez is no stranger to starting over either. On a journey to re-invent herself and heal from her past, she spends most of her days building her bakery business and running away from anything close to love. That is until she meets Shia, whose charm and sharp tongue keep her on her toes. While the last thing she needs is another broken heart, Heaven is willing to risk it all despite those warning her of dealing with the notorious man.
In a tale of pure love, Heaven and Shia find solace in their addictive connection. When their past doesn't agree with their future, will their new love be enough?
Instead of being welcomed back with open arms from the love of his life, he is met with betrayal and circumstances he didn't see coming. As he fights to gain control of his life and figure out a plan to get back to the top, he finds himself struggling with the humble reset, his bruised heart, and the temptation to return to his past ways.
Heaven Cortez is no stranger to starting over either. On a journey to re-invent herself and heal from her past, she spends most of her days building her bakery business and running away from anything close to love. That is until she meets Shia, whose charm and sharp tongue keep her on her toes. While the last thing she needs is another broken heart, Heaven is willing to risk it all despite those warning her of dealing with the notorious man.
In a tale of pure love, Heaven and Shia find solace in their addictive connection. When their past doesn't agree with their future, will their new love be enough?
- GenresRomance
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2021
74 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 8, 2024
“You have this way about you that makes me feel normal around you. Like I don’t have to be mad at the world.”
There’s probably not a more eye opening experience out there than getting out of prison and realizing that life has continued right along without you. As the prisoner, you may have pressed pause on life while it appears that those on the outside have pressed fast forward. A once hopeful Shia finds his reality very different after serving a five year prison sentence.
The plans and dreams that he kept at the forefront of his mind are looking real different now that he’s on the other side of those bars. It is painstakingly clear that he is in a “what I asked for vs what I got” situation when everyone that was living high on the hog while he was at the top are now treating him like 💩 on the bottom of their shoe now that he has to rebuild from scratch.
Shia went from being everyone’s lifeline to not even being able to sleep on their couch upon his release. With only his brother willing to take a chance on him, Shia’s ego is now bruised and his spirit is crushed beyond recognition.
My heart always goes out to men attempting to get acclimated to life on the other side of a prison sentence because unless you have family to ride for you, the system is not designed to see you successfully rebuild. You’re thrown back into society with nothing to your name and expected to thrive. Shia definitely felt the effects of this and I loved how realistic this aspect of the story was. There was no mansion waiting, no “bag” that was being held for him and there was most definitely no one holding him down while his bid was being completed. He and to start from ground zero and the experience was a reality check.
Meeting Heaven happened at just the right time. She was his sister in law and one of the few people that saw him for his potential and not his past failures. Heaven took a chance on him when no one else would and he would forever be indebted to her.
🍪It was Heaven humanizing Shia and keeping his manhood intact for me
🧁It was Shai’s breakthrough moments for me because I’ve never rooted for a book character more fiercely
🥧It was Shia FINALLY coming to his senses for me
🍩It was Biscotti Boy for me 🤭
🍰It was the witty banter between Heaven and Shia for me
Through their shared pain, these two created a beautiful bond and it felt very natural and unhurried. I absolutely loved the start of this story and how well everything flowed. There was really good build up with the sub plots in the story however we were also left hanging with a few details in the storyline. What ever happened with Damien and Megan? That whole situation was left unresolved as well as the situation with Genie. The author set the scene perfectly then just left us hanging and that coupled with the rushed ending made for a less than perfect reading experience.
This review is clearly way too long now 🥴😩 so I’ll end by saying read the book.
There’s probably not a more eye opening experience out there than getting out of prison and realizing that life has continued right along without you. As the prisoner, you may have pressed pause on life while it appears that those on the outside have pressed fast forward. A once hopeful Shia finds his reality very different after serving a five year prison sentence.
The plans and dreams that he kept at the forefront of his mind are looking real different now that he’s on the other side of those bars. It is painstakingly clear that he is in a “what I asked for vs what I got” situation when everyone that was living high on the hog while he was at the top are now treating him like 💩 on the bottom of their shoe now that he has to rebuild from scratch.
Shia went from being everyone’s lifeline to not even being able to sleep on their couch upon his release. With only his brother willing to take a chance on him, Shia’s ego is now bruised and his spirit is crushed beyond recognition.
My heart always goes out to men attempting to get acclimated to life on the other side of a prison sentence because unless you have family to ride for you, the system is not designed to see you successfully rebuild. You’re thrown back into society with nothing to your name and expected to thrive. Shia definitely felt the effects of this and I loved how realistic this aspect of the story was. There was no mansion waiting, no “bag” that was being held for him and there was most definitely no one holding him down while his bid was being completed. He and to start from ground zero and the experience was a reality check.
Meeting Heaven happened at just the right time. She was his sister in law and one of the few people that saw him for his potential and not his past failures. Heaven took a chance on him when no one else would and he would forever be indebted to her.
🍪It was Heaven humanizing Shia and keeping his manhood intact for me
🧁It was Shai’s breakthrough moments for me because I’ve never rooted for a book character more fiercely
🥧It was Shia FINALLY coming to his senses for me
🍩It was Biscotti Boy for me 🤭
🍰It was the witty banter between Heaven and Shia for me
Through their shared pain, these two created a beautiful bond and it felt very natural and unhurried. I absolutely loved the start of this story and how well everything flowed. There was really good build up with the sub plots in the story however we were also left hanging with a few details in the storyline. What ever happened with Damien and Megan? That whole situation was left unresolved as well as the situation with Genie. The author set the scene perfectly then just left us hanging and that coupled with the rushed ending made for a less than perfect reading experience.
This review is clearly way too long now 🥴😩 so I’ll end by saying read the book.
June 2, 2022
Heaven x Shai
This was pretty good, despite some of the rachetery. Shai, just released from prison, is trying to get reacquainted with real life. What I liked was the realness of it. The author didn't make it seem like getting readjusted was gonna be easy. From financial burden, to the social aspect of it, to family. It was all what I imagined a felon's life would be like after being released. The hardship that Shai faced was real. He did give me some immature vibe when he played with the idea of returning to the same lifestyle that got him. Heaven had toxic tendencies. But I enjoyed getting to know her.
Some parts were incomplete IMO. Like what became of Damien, or Megan?
The end felt a bit a rushed to me. But overall, not a bad story. First one by this author and I'd definitely go back
This was pretty good, despite some of the rachetery. Shai, just released from prison, is trying to get reacquainted with real life. What I liked was the realness of it. The author didn't make it seem like getting readjusted was gonna be easy. From financial burden, to the social aspect of it, to family. It was all what I imagined a felon's life would be like after being released. The hardship that Shai faced was real. He did give me some immature vibe when he played with the idea of returning to the same lifestyle that got him. Heaven had toxic tendencies. But I enjoyed getting to know her.
Some parts were incomplete IMO. Like what became of Damien, or Megan?
The end felt a bit a rushed to me. But overall, not a bad story. First one by this author and I'd definitely go back
December 28, 2021
Loving thoroughly, read this book.
This is a work of art & I need these reviews to reflect it.
This story consumed me. I am always looking at reviewers and readers with the side eye when they have negative things to say about urban novels, because those type of comments feed into the dehumanization of black people that don’t fit the aesthetic society deems acceptable. One of the many aspects that makes this book art is there was no romanticizing the hustle or the struggle. The author gave us the real & did not sugarcoat or speed pass the pain & emotional toll of being incarcerated & rebuilding after being released from prison. It tells of the blooming love between Heaven & Shia, a couple that chooses to meet each other where they were at. It wasn’t all luxury & glamor & I know some people hate to see that, but watching the man that Shia started as shift and build himself into the man that HE chose/wanted to be (even though there were many external forces working against him)—priceless. The goal: Loving thoroughly— read this book.
This is a work of art & I need these reviews to reflect it.
This story consumed me. I am always looking at reviewers and readers with the side eye when they have negative things to say about urban novels, because those type of comments feed into the dehumanization of black people that don’t fit the aesthetic society deems acceptable. One of the many aspects that makes this book art is there was no romanticizing the hustle or the struggle. The author gave us the real & did not sugarcoat or speed pass the pain & emotional toll of being incarcerated & rebuilding after being released from prison. It tells of the blooming love between Heaven & Shia, a couple that chooses to meet each other where they were at. It wasn’t all luxury & glamor & I know some people hate to see that, but watching the man that Shia started as shift and build himself into the man that HE chose/wanted to be (even though there were many external forces working against him)—priceless. The goal: Loving thoroughly— read this book.
July 19, 2022
❤️
Shia and Heaven took me through the motions in, “For Heaven’s Sake”. I loved how they started as enemies and progresses to realizing how much they truly liked being around each other. The author did a great job showing readers a realistic view of a character that is transitioning from prison to making it in the real world. There was so much temptation that Shia had to overcome. His old lifestyle followed him for most of the book and unfortunately his friends and family would not let go of the past. I felt bad for him because he clearly was trying to turn the page and rewrite his story. Heaven surprised me; she held her own for the most part but she was kind of timid at times. She gave Tone two times too many chances in my opinion. I loved the chemistry and growth of both characters, overall. I was silently cheering for Shia at the end when he chose his girl over his old lifestyle. This was a true testament that not everyone wants to see their friends grow. Shia and Heaven overcame a lot but their love was deep. Another awesome read from this author.
Shia and Heaven took me through the motions in, “For Heaven’s Sake”. I loved how they started as enemies and progresses to realizing how much they truly liked being around each other. The author did a great job showing readers a realistic view of a character that is transitioning from prison to making it in the real world. There was so much temptation that Shia had to overcome. His old lifestyle followed him for most of the book and unfortunately his friends and family would not let go of the past. I felt bad for him because he clearly was trying to turn the page and rewrite his story. Heaven surprised me; she held her own for the most part but she was kind of timid at times. She gave Tone two times too many chances in my opinion. I loved the chemistry and growth of both characters, overall. I was silently cheering for Shia at the end when he chose his girl over his old lifestyle. This was a true testament that not everyone wants to see their friends grow. Shia and Heaven overcame a lot but their love was deep. Another awesome read from this author.
January 21, 2022
GIVE ME SHY!
Babyyyyy, there are SO many things I could say about this book. I chose it on a whim and was so pleasantly surprised by this new to me author. The story was well developed, the characters were flawed yet enjoyable, and there was just enough drama to keep things going without it being oversaturated.
She has a new reader for LIFE!
Babyyyyy, there are SO many things I could say about this book. I chose it on a whim and was so pleasantly surprised by this new to me author. The story was well developed, the characters were flawed yet enjoyable, and there was just enough drama to keep things going without it being oversaturated.
She has a new reader for LIFE!
April 3, 2023
“she was a double sword that would produce pain he didn’t mind feeling.”
“unfortunately, we all don’t get to experience people the same.”
ms. marie, you had me in a chokehold with this book! the writing flowed so effortlessly, i had no problem getting through the chapters and keeping myself engrossed with the story.
shia and heaven’s banter was funny as hell, they both had me laughing. i appreciate how soon their attraction for each other developed and the fact that neither of them denied it. their relationship dynamic was breezy, despite the drama. i didn’t like their inability to communicate clearly with each other though. especially about the problems that arose in their relationship.
shia’s character development was one of my favorite things to read, he leveled tf up in every damn aspect. also loved the inclusion of the friend group + family it made the book so much more special🫶🏾. but neveah and paul can choke! i wanted heaven to put them and anybody else who tried to play w her IN THEIR PLACE SO BAD!
i was enjoying the honeymoon phase of the book and then BAM! a very unexpected twist popped up and my brain short-circuited…i was flabbergasted. i couldn’t believe. i screamed. i was confused. i screamed some more. then went back to being confused!
for heaven’s sake, what i’m trying to say is i enjoyed the rosehill city world & its characters!
“unfortunately, we all don’t get to experience people the same.”
ms. marie, you had me in a chokehold with this book! the writing flowed so effortlessly, i had no problem getting through the chapters and keeping myself engrossed with the story.
shia and heaven’s banter was funny as hell, they both had me laughing. i appreciate how soon their attraction for each other developed and the fact that neither of them denied it. their relationship dynamic was breezy, despite the drama. i didn’t like their inability to communicate clearly with each other though. especially about the problems that arose in their relationship.
shia’s character development was one of my favorite things to read, he leveled tf up in every damn aspect. also loved the inclusion of the friend group + family it made the book so much more special🫶🏾. but neveah and paul can choke! i wanted heaven to put them and anybody else who tried to play w her IN THEIR PLACE SO BAD!
i was enjoying the honeymoon phase of the book and then BAM! a very unexpected twist popped up and my brain short-circuited…i was flabbergasted. i couldn’t believe. i screamed. i was confused. i screamed some more. then went back to being confused!
for heaven’s sake, what i’m trying to say is i enjoyed the rosehill city world & its characters!
December 8, 2021
First read by this author, and I was thoroughly impressed! So many gems were dropped here, I should have taken notes! 😂 I empathized with Shia right away. He got caught up in that fast life, until he was forced to sit down for a minute. After his bid, he comes out expecting to be welcomed with open arms, and nothing is the same! He is angry, bitter and sad for how his life has turned out; but still hungry to turn it around. Heaven! The ultimate people pleaser, but leaves herself emotionally bankrupt! She allows her father and sister to constantly talk about the bad decisions she has made in her life, and just eats it! Both Shia and Heaven have feelings of inadequacy and insecurities about their pasts, that people still judge them for. But, together they brought out the best in the other!
Their flaws were put out in the open and they called the other out on them. There was some serious drama going on with exes and family, but all the while there was the love brewing between Shia and Heaven. I was scared for a minute that Shia was going to allow Genie to get him caught up again. But glad that he got it right. Looking forward to Rubi and Ivery's story. Great read! 👍👍👍
Their flaws were put out in the open and they called the other out on them. There was some serious drama going on with exes and family, but all the while there was the love brewing between Shia and Heaven. I was scared for a minute that Shia was going to allow Genie to get him caught up again. But glad that he got it right. Looking forward to Rubi and Ivery's story. Great read! 👍👍👍
August 8, 2022
This was a good realistic story about the trials of getting out of jail and having to try to make a new life for yourself, not falling into old habits. I loved that it was dual point of view however it got kind of confusing because it would give you insights into what everyone in the scene was thinking. I think the ending was a bit rushed and left a lot of unanswered questioned. It was a good quick first read by this author.
January 28, 2023
nice and relatable
This was a good, wholesome story. It’s about second chances at life and love. I always appreciate when the MCs are regular people that have flaws. I’m glad the author showed that being an entrepreneur isn’t always what it’s painted to be. A lot of times it’s hard work and covering shifts.
Can felons go see prisoners?
This author writes solid, relatable books.
This was a good, wholesome story. It’s about second chances at life and love. I always appreciate when the MCs are regular people that have flaws. I’m glad the author showed that being an entrepreneur isn’t always what it’s painted to be. A lot of times it’s hard work and covering shifts.
Can felons go see prisoners?
This author writes solid, relatable books.
January 8, 2022
Sugar is so Sweet
Shai and Heaven... A love story with realistic vibes. I love For Heaven's sake Sabrea you wrote such a classic love story. I love me some Shai. He had a second chance to get this thing called life right the second time from jail. He comes home going through what I believe most trouble men battle the fast life and the right path to make a living.
Shai and Heaven... A love story with realistic vibes. I love For Heaven's sake Sabrea you wrote such a classic love story. I love me some Shai. He had a second chance to get this thing called life right the second time from jail. He comes home going through what I believe most trouble men battle the fast life and the right path to make a living.
October 2, 2023
Heaven and Shia were working my nerves...
I was holding my breath the entire time, the Tone and Megan drama had me heated but I guess it was necessary. I'm glad both Heaven and Shia got out of their own way to make things work. I would definitely recommend reading this book, this was my first book by the author but it won't be my last!
I was holding my breath the entire time, the Tone and Megan drama had me heated but I guess it was necessary. I'm glad both Heaven and Shia got out of their own way to make things work. I would definitely recommend reading this book, this was my first book by the author but it won't be my last!
February 11, 2024
LOOSE ENDS…..
Probably would’ve been a 5 without the nagging parents from both sides as well as Nevaeh’s judgement as well! Heaven was annoying also and what happened to Damien and what was significant about the necklace??? And I’m assuming those boundaries were put into place for Meagan?? No we got questions and need answers Sabrea lbvs
Probably would’ve been a 5 without the nagging parents from both sides as well as Nevaeh’s judgement as well! Heaven was annoying also and what happened to Damien and what was significant about the necklace??? And I’m assuming those boundaries were put into place for Meagan?? No we got questions and need answers Sabrea lbvs
December 14, 2021
Worth It
Great story. A few mistakes in editing but did not take away from the story. All the relationships felt authentic and not forced. I really enjoyed the progression of Shia and Heaven as individuals and a couple. Definitely recommend.
Great story. A few mistakes in editing but did not take away from the story. All the relationships felt authentic and not forced. I really enjoyed the progression of Shia and Heaven as individuals and a couple. Definitely recommend.
January 12, 2022
Good
You know a story is good when you are mad
at characters and yelling like they exist. Heaven gets a strong no from me. She did not grow at all to me. But Shia baby. He was honest loyal and I loved him. Great story
You know a story is good when you are mad
at characters and yelling like they exist. Heaven gets a strong no from me. She did not grow at all to me. But Shia baby. He was honest loyal and I loved him. Great story
November 17, 2022
Opportunity
Karma goes round and round, you never know who knows who living out life as we know. Forgive however we don’t have to forget forgiveness is for self to not be carried into other relationships.
Karma goes round and round, you never know who knows who living out life as we know. Forgive however we don’t have to forget forgiveness is for self to not be carried into other relationships.
March 1, 2023
very good read!
This book was very good. I enjoy reading realistic novels. I also enjoy reading stories where a black man shows positive progress. I would definitely recommend this to my book club, Booked and Busy Bookclub.
This book was very good. I enjoy reading realistic novels. I also enjoy reading stories where a black man shows positive progress. I would definitely recommend this to my book club, Booked and Busy Bookclub.
November 16, 2024
🌟 Beautiful! 🌟
I love Shia and Heavenly! I was a little worried at first about Shia and his decisions and the people around him but everything came full circle. I got to the ending and was wishing for more!!! You wrote these characters and the story beautifully amazing job!!!!
I love Shia and Heavenly! I was a little worried at first about Shia and his decisions and the people around him but everything came full circle. I got to the ending and was wishing for more!!! You wrote these characters and the story beautifully amazing job!!!!
December 12, 2021
A good first-time story by this author. It was a full-length love story.
January 14, 2022
So good 👍🏾
First time reading this author's work I truly enjoyed reading it love the story can't wait to read about Rubi and Ivery
Love a second chance story!
First time reading this author's work I truly enjoyed reading it love the story can't wait to read about Rubi and Ivery
Love a second chance story!
January 25, 2022
Second Chance
So glad to see Shia get a second chance at life and love with Heaven. Although, there were times in the book, I thought he would fold, a HEA was in store. Good read!
So glad to see Shia get a second chance at life and love with Heaven. Although, there were times in the book, I thought he would fold, a HEA was in store. Good read!
December 30, 2022
great love story
I really enjoyed this book. It was as just the right tempo. I can’t wait to read more of your books.
I really enjoyed this book. It was as just the right tempo. I can’t wait to read more of your books.
February 12, 2023
Good Story
This was a solid romance novel. I loved the evolution of the characters and the storyline. I was a bit nervous but in the end it didn’t disappoint.
This was a solid romance novel. I loved the evolution of the characters and the storyline. I was a bit nervous but in the end it didn’t disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews