Synopsis:
Happy ever after’s don’t exist for girls like me.

For the past nine years, Samantha Paisley has been playing a tiresome game of back and forth with her longtime friend with benefits, Alex Clark. Growing up in a toxic environment, Samantha never learned how to love or how to be loved.

So, when Alex tries to get closer to the fiery, foul-mouthed red-head, she cuts herself off from the only man she loves—not wanting to destroy the one stable relationship in her otherwise turbulent, troublesome life. But Alex will stop at nothing to have his woman by his side and in his bed, even if it’s the last thing he does.

My Review:
Genre: Romance – Dark, Friends-to-lovers
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Yes Book 3 of the San Diegan series
POV: Samantha
Steam Level: Mixed – Parts are hot and graphic, others are touched upon, for a good reason (may trigger some people)
5/5

Damaged Heart was amazing. It’s brutal and tragic and real. It brings up so many emotions-ones that are very real. Samantha’s journey of destruction and love was frustrating and heartbreaking yet the outcome was amazing. Learning to love yourself can sometimes be the hardest to lesson. Knowing that your past made you but that it doesn’t have to define you. If you’re looking for a book that’s both dark and light, real and amazing then pick up Damaged Heart. I’m so glad that I discovered S.M. Soto. Her books are brilliantly written emotional journeys through the fire and into the light.

I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my hones and voluntary review.

Favorite Quotes:

• In one way or another, we are all products of our childhoods.
• Alex is fuck-hot. Always has been, but I swear, the guy is like wine. He only gets better with age.
• “You’re not ruined, Samantha. You’re like that single wildflower that grows in the crack of the gritty pavement. With no water or nurturing, you’ve somehow still found a way to grow into a beautiful person, inside and out.”
• “You are not damaged, Samantha, you’re just fractured. With a litter care, that fracture will mend, but you have to let someone help you, or that fracture will only get worse.”
• So many people think they’re inferior because of where they came from, and how they lived, but at the end of the day, we’re all the same. When we die, we’re all buried the same way.

Click Here to buy Damaged Heart by S.M. Soto from Amazon.