Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

San Diegan #3

Damaged Heart

Rate this book
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.


Book three in the San Diegan Series, a series of Standalone novels.

ebook

Published August 1, 2018

31 people are currently reading
693 people want to read

About the author

S.M. Soto

24 books2,473 followers
S.M. Soto was born and raised in Northern California where she currently resides with her son. Her love for reading began when she was a young girl, and has only continued to grow into adulthood. S.M. lives for reading books in the romance genre and writing novels with relatable characters. She refers to herself as a bit of a romance junkie. S.M. loves to connect with readers and eat copious of donuts that will surely lead to her demise (carbs are life).

Follow links:
Instagram.com/authorsmsoto
Twitter.com/AuthorSMsoto
Facebook.com/romanceauthorsmsoto

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
75 (38%)
4 stars
54 (27%)
3 stars
40 (20%)
2 stars
9 (4%)
1 star
15 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.2k followers
Want to read
August 1, 2018


Stand-alone.
Release: August 20, 2018
Pre-order: | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO |
Blurb:
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.
Profile Image for Livros A Go-Go ~Joyci ~.
467 reviews25 followers
August 20, 2018
4,5
Damaged Heart não possui uma história fácil e sua sinopse pode parecer comum mas justamente ela não ceder ao amor que sente por Alex é que eu quis ler e entender o motivo disso tudo.

Sam é uma personagem muito complexa e ela foi muito bem construída pela autora S. M. Soto. Ela é quebrada e não acredita que possa ser feliz, não com o peso e as cicatrizes herdadas pelo seu triste passado. Ela faz todos ao redor sofrerem, graças a sua rota ininterrupta de autodestruição e é gostosamente frustrante acompanhar seus erros e acertos.

Alex é aquele mocinho ansioso e determinado em mostrar a Sam que o passado dela não irá determinar o futuro que eles podem ter juntos. Ele é o único que possui o poder de destruí-la completamente e o medo disso ocorrer faz com que ela se machuque e o machuque muito.

A história aborda abusos, vício em drogas e negligencias no sistema de acolhimento/adoção de forma bem crua e sem floreios. Não conhecia a autora e fiquei interessada em ler os outros livros dessa série, com certeza devem prender como esse.

Arc gentilmente cedido pela autora e Give-me Books. Obrigada.😍
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,493 reviews61 followers
August 21, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this story. Such a raw and gritty read. Full of emotions and decisions that had me throwing my IPad on the bed & swearing up a storm... plenty of chest pains, crying and ranty PMs.

This is not a sweet love story. So many times I wanted to reach into the story & shake the characters. The next minute I wanted to hug them. Told over a decade of their lives I felt really invested in these two people. Even if I didn't agree with every decision, I understood them and my heart broke for them.

My beautiful Sam. The story of a girl who couldn't see her true worth & the boy who loved her anyway... Gah! Everyone needs an Alex to love them that fiercely.

This will definitely not be everyone's cup of tea but for those who take the time to see what drives the characters and their behaviours will see it for the honest, angsty goodness it is. Definitely recommend.

Beta read.
Profile Image for Chloe reads.
454 reviews42 followers
August 21, 2018
4 damaged stars

“Happily ever afters don't exist for women like me.”


Damaged Heart is my first book by S.M. Soto and it certainly won't be the last. It's no secret that I LOVE a good dark romance, and I was definitely not disappointed. I was drawn to this book from the very first page. It took my heart on an emotional rollercoaster and ripped me open to the very core. I even shed a few tears, and I weirdly loved every minute of it.


description


Samantha Paisley is a broken girl who didn't grow up with any kind of love. She has a troubled, tragic past and has never learned how to be loved or even give love. The only constant thing she has is her friends (with benefits), Alexander Clark. She has feelings for him, but because of her past, she doesn't think she's good enough for him. My heart broke for her so many times. Samantha is feisty, strong but also stubborn and frustrating as fuck. She cannot help but ruin everything good in her life. Thankfully for her, Alex doesn't want to give up on her.

“I'm reckless.
I'm toxic.
I'm careless.
I'm so fucking damaged.”


Alexander Clark is one hot, handsome man. I couldn't love him more if I tried. He's been in love with Samantha for years and years (I think it's 9 years, 9 fucking years) and he still has to endure watching her self destruct. He doesn't want to admit his feelings because he knows it would only push her farther away. Therefore, he keeps being a good friend and fuck buddy to Samantha. He gives her what she needs, when she needs it. Until he can't help but want MORE.


description


Samantha and Alex are literally soulmates. The chemistry is instant and their relationship is a constant back and forth. The chase is exciting , and even if Samantha is extremely frustrating at times, I very much enjoyed the push and pull between them. I seriously couldn't get enough. Ugh, I just love them so much.

“He was everything I ever wanted, everything I ever needed- but he deserved better than someone as damaged as I was.”


Overall, Damaged Heart is a heartbreaking, hopeful, emotional, raw, painful romance. There are a lot of ups and downs will make you sad, frustrated, heartbroken and happy. Samantha and Alex 's story is tough, beautiful, and full of feels.
I really, really recommend.


description


*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*



San Diegan series:

The Darkest Hour (The San Diegan, #1) by S.M. Soto Aliza & Chase's story
Scoring the Quarterback (The San Diegan, #2) by S.M. Soto Natalia & Luke's story
Damaged Heart (The San Diegan, #3) by S.M. Soto Samantha & Alex's story
Profile Image for Helen M.A.
210 reviews21 followers
August 18, 2018
How to describe this book I just read? Besides stating how simply amazing it is, I was in awe with how powerful S.M Soto was able to convey such feelings from the pages onto my heart.
Oh, god. My heart broke so much for Samantha. This poor girl that had THE WORST upbringing full of neglect, a drug addicted parent, starvation, the horrible, ugly, and hidden side of foster care... and many more things that had Sam truly thinking she was damaged beyond repair.
How can she love someone when never once in her life was she given or shown that affection?
It was so hard reading the story of this beautifully broken woman, dead set on a path of self destruction, knowing in her mind, it was all she deserved. And, I loved every single bit of it.
Then we have Alex. *le sigh*
I could not fall faster for that man if I tried.
He was absolute perfection in this book. Vying for a woman’s heart, who deemed herself unlovable, for nine whole years.
The ups and downs, the push and pull, the love and hate... it was just all so beautifully written.
I cried like a baby. I didn’t want this story to end. I wanted an infinite amount of pages. I could read S.M Soto for hours on end and never get tired.
I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us!! I must now go back and read Scoring the Quarterback!!
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,228 reviews41 followers
August 20, 2018
5 RAW EMOTIONAL STARS!! Get ready to jump aboard the emotional rollercoaster ride that doesn't let you off until the last word. This ride for Samantha and Alex is tough, raw and full of all the feels you could ever want. This author's writing is PERFECTION, she can turn hard subjects into a thing of BEAUTY. It is hard to believe this is only her third book. I can't wait to see what she brings us next. Oh my goodness, please 1-click this phenomenal book.
Profile Image for Irma *Irma The Book Whisperer*.
1,682 reviews142 followers
November 21, 2018
“Happily ever afters don't exist for women like me.”

My first S.M. book. I loved it. I could feel the heroine, that's how god this story was written.
I wanted to jump into the book and make it all good for her.

I have to admit though, my favourite parts of the story were parts that described her childhood.
The darker the better.

description
Profile Image for Christine~justlovemybooks.com blog~.
1,161 reviews60 followers
April 9, 2019
5 Stars...

First I will tell you that this book is not a stereotypical romance. It's dark. It's sad. It is not sugar and spice and everything nice. There are triggers related to child abuse. Truthfully, I had my doubts about a happy ending. But fear not because the last chapters were perfect. Damaged Heart was an amazing story written by an amazing storyteller. Author S.M. Soto can grab your attention and keep you engaged all the way to the end.

Most of my friends know how I don't like reading a book if it is written in a single perspective. For me, there just feels like so much is missing. I don't feel like I'm understanding both perspectives when only one is told. I like, no I need, to be intimate with each protagonists inner thoughts. I dislike guessing. That said, this book is written in a single perspective, told by Samantha, the heroine. Was I worried when this book came to me? Yup. However, since I read the prior book in this series, I was already familiar with this author's writing style. So I dove right in. Actually, if I'm being honest, and I am of course, I felt everything. Every emotion. The writing was so perfect that I did not feel like anything was missing. I absolutely adored the hero, Alex. I felt I knew him well enough to understand his feelings. Saying that, you can infer I was not disappointed.

Samantha and Alex.....
I won't get into specifics here because this book has so much going on. Samantha has been through hell in her past. Because of that, she believes she can never allow herself to accept the love of a man. Sam thinks she is no good. I'll admit, for a lot of this book I did not like her actions at all. But I did understand them. However, I have never been put in the situations she found herself in at a young age so I won't criticize her behavior even if I hated it.

Sam is tough and does not allow people too close. It is how she has survived up til now. When she met Alex, years prior, she still didn't give her heart away. Alex and Sam go back and forth with their relationship throughout the whole book. Sam has many memories of the past that give us glimpses of her traumatic childhood. Alex was an amazing hero. To be honest I don't know how he put up with her for so long. But even the most patient men have their limits. And you will see that while Alex is perfect for Sam, he does finally reach his limit.

What will Sam do now?

I really did love this book! Every moment, except for the horrible ones. This book is three in The San Diegan series. I have read books two and three. The first book is on my TBR and as soon as I have a chance I want to read it. I want to read how Alex and Sam's friends found their HEA. I already know that is another tragic story. If you love books that will tug at your heart, tempt your anger and is written by a very talented author, I highly recommend this page turner, Damaged Heart by S.M. Soto.

This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)

184 reviews69 followers
August 25, 2018
wow, where do I start --- the writing was fantastic, kept me reading nonstop!
I have to say this was a different take on the whole man ho scenario in that the h was the "woman ho" in this story. The story started in a way that left a very bad taste. This is not double standard, I don't like scenario whether its the H or the h,.. ok on second thought maybe a bit of double standard cause I did find it distasteful being the h and the had such a mental imagery of the whole thing LOL.
My heart broke for this broken h, what she went thru as a child, sorry but not sure I would have been so quick to forgive mother or have her in my life.

Fair warning - this book is not safe! So even though h/H were casual fuck buddies I still consider this cheating
Lots of triggers folks:
-- child abuse (physical and sexual involving the h
-- cheating on both h/H side even though they both supposedly love each other
-- lots of push/pull mainly from h due to her being "broken/damaged"
-- horrible parents ( h has absent father, druggy mother / H high society bitchy/witchy mother
-- h went thru some horrible things but no therapy (therapy was booze and lots of men she picks up at bars even while keeping H as fck buddy
on the plus:
-- H that mostly doesn't give up - at least until h did finally push too far to push him away
-- book was well written, felt the characters ( POV from H would have helped though - felt that I didn't get to know H very well)
-- kick ass forgiving friends (h's from first 2 books that i'm gonna read now)!
-- h was strong to survive what she went thru
Would have been 4* if H was more fleshed out I think, we didn't really "see" H's life or thoughts or what he was really up to without the h so that was disappointing. We hear that he was also seeing others, at end he had g/f after h pushed him away but nothing from his perspective or experience so that was a negative for me.

The book was well written, loved the characters, flow of the story despite the stupid mistakes the h kept making over and over but I get why just wanted to slap sense into her sometimes when she hurt her friends and H needlessly but sometimes in life we have to fall to really see who is there to help us up at our worst.
Even though not safe I will be reading more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Camila Matuella.
582 reviews
August 23, 2018
Não sei muito bem o que escrever sobre esse livro.
Eu não sei se gostei ou não da Sam, tinha momentos que queria seriamente matar ela, outro que queria bater palmas pra ela, então não sei ainda o que de fato sinto por ela...
Já o Alex eu adorei. ♡
Profile Image for Liz.
3,638 reviews63 followers
August 19, 2018
Full review to come...
1,499 reviews21 followers
July 24, 2018
Damaged Heart is not an easy story to read. You are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will make you happy, sad, angry, frustrated, heartbroken - honestly I don't think there is a single emotion I didn't feel while reading this story. But, I absolutely loved it. Such a powerful story of survival, beating the odds, forgiveness, and most of all.....love. Highly recommend this one!!

Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
August 20, 2018
description
Talk about angst! This book had it from start to finish. I felt like my emotions were constantly twisted up in knots and my heart hurt for Samantha. Every flashback to her tragic past. Every time she showed questionable behaviour in her present or lashed out at the ones she loved to protect. It all just made me ache for her and wish so desperately for something to change, to make things better for her. And I wanted that better to stick.

The bright beacon of light for me in this story consistently was Alex. He wasn't perfect, no character should be. It's annoying when they are or when they think they are because life and real people aren't perfect. But Alex was a good guy where it mattered, and he was a rock for Samantha even when her words and actions were enough to grind him into dust.

I felt extremely emotional all throughout this book, but in the end I was left so very satisfied with the way it all turned out. This should definitely be on the TBR list of any angsty romance fans.
Profile Image for Imani Blake (Enamored Reads).
308 reviews113 followers
August 10, 2018
If you’re up for a rollercoaster ride, Damaged Heart is more than the book for you! It’s packed with tons of steaminess with just as much if not more, emotion!

While this book was a bit much for me, one thing I can say is the authors writing was impeccable for this being her third novel! I was more than entertained but her writing is what kept me going!
Profile Image for Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora).
2,386 reviews299 followers
August 10, 2018
Rate: 3,5 / 5 stars

This was my first book by S. M. Soto. I'm not much of Dark Romance girl but I do live for angst so I gave this book a read but I'm gonna be honest it was a bit too much for me.
Looking past the dark parts though, I so rooted for Sam to get her head out of her ass and just be with Alex. She was very frustrating but I did root for them from the get go. Now the writing was amazing and the steam in this was pure fire. Alex and Sam had the best chemistry and even when she fought tooth and nail, the love was always always there. It was heart wrenching and frustrating watching her ruin everything good in her life because of her tragic past and because she didn't think she was good enough for Alex.

I did love the twist in the book and honestly it really saved the plot, if it hadn't happen I honestly don't know how Sam would have ended up... she was being ridiculous letting all the things happening to her and not doing anything about it and then letting out her anger on the only people who loved her. That was the worst. She had a long way to go and a lot to work through and she did.

That ending so made up for all the darkness though. It was so sweet and I loved reading it. The ending made me pretty happy. Now I am so looking forward to reading Aliza and Natalia's stories. Can't wait to see how those two ended up where they are!

➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.

➳ Order at: Amazon UKAmazon US

➳ Follow me on: BlogInstagramFacebook Twitter
Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,157 reviews44 followers
August 19, 2018
5 Stars
Review by Amy W.
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog


I was drawn to Damaged Heart from the blurb. I just knew that I had to read it and that I would love it. S.M. Soto did not disappoint. I did not know that this was part of a series, it doesn't read like it is. And now I feel like I should apologize for taking this from another reviewer, the one that had read her previous books. But honestly I'm not sorry.

I'm reckless.
I'm toxic.
I'm careless.
I'm so fucking
damaged.

Samantha is a broken girl and has been for some time. The only constant, unwavering thing she has is Alex. Alex is a great friend and fuck buddy to Samantha, but he wants more. He tries to only give her glimpses of his feelings, knowing that when she sees the reality of how he feels, she'll run. And she does.

Emotional and heartbreaking from the beginning. Soto's tale of 'a lost girl and overconfident asshole' shows that you are more than your past, that you are more than worthy of a lasting love. Samantha is broken, damaged and though she thinks she is, she is not beyond finding love. Alex is steadfast in his love and friendship. He gives her what she needs, when she needs it.

I fell hard and fast for these two, rooting for them to find their to forever together. I cried, a lot, while reading, but it wasn't all overwhelming heartbreak. There was laughter and good times, and some super hot moments between these two. I mean come on they are friends with benefits ;)

I am kicking myself for not reading S.M. Soto before now. If you haven't read any of her novels yet I highly recommend that you start now and from the beginning, because hey that's how things should be done. But if you're wild and crazy like me, go ahead and start here. Just know that you will want to go back and read the others too.

**ARC provided for an honest review**
Profile Image for Caitlin Audet.
466 reviews62 followers
August 18, 2018
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog

Damaged Heart by S.M. Soto glued itself to me and didn't let go til the final page. I read this book in literally one day, something I haven't done in a very long time, and boy was that a way to get acquainted with an author. Book three in the San Diegan series of standalone novels, her words chewed me up and spit me back out and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Looking up the definition of survivor you will see Samantha Paisley. Mouth like a sailor and tough as nails, her childhood was horrendous and traumatic. Finding herself in San Diego never seemed more appealing til coming face to face with Alex Clarke. The chemistry was instant and the chase was even more exciting. Two people couldn't have been made for each other more than Sam and Alex but the odds were severely stacked against them no matter what the heart or body wants.

A nine year long friendship with benefits starts turning ugly when too many feeling bubble to surface and the past comes back with a vengeance. Not believing she deserves anything good, Sam dives head first into the darkness and goes on a hurtful mission to push everyone away. Damaged Heart was such raw, heartbreaking read that had me tearing up quite a few times. Such a rare occurrence so I clap to you, S.M. Soto, for bringing them out of me. Beautiful storyline with excellent characters, I see Damaged Heart sticking with me for a very long time.
Profile Image for Michelle Brace (Wicked Babes Blog Reviews).
1,736 reviews15 followers
August 26, 2018
Oh Samantha how I wanted to shake some sense into you but as I read more and more of you story I truly understood the feelings you were feeling and I just wanted to hug you. The emotional turmoil, the love, the wall you tried to build around your heart to protect it and everything else in this book broke my heart many times.

S.M. Soto did such a wonderful job conveying the heartbreak, betrayal, anguish, the imploding Samantha's life goes through, and so, so much more. I was left in tears more and more as the story went on and was still wanting to shake some sense into Samantha for putting Alex through such heartbreak but at the same time when you go through the crap she went through how can you judge? I have no idea how she has gone through life as well as she has without any sort of mental help. Sometimes people have to hit rock bottom in life in order to be able to come back stronger or with an open heart and mind.

If I wasn't already a fan of S.M. Soto's work before this one would have for sure won me over. It was such a raw, gritty and at times tragic story of one person wanting to love the other desperately and the other trying to protect what's left of their heart. Learning to deal with your past, face your problems, accept people for who they are, learning to find the good in life and to accept it as well and so much more. I highly recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Jenny Mae.
5 reviews
July 20, 2018
I read this book in one sitting! the second it landed on my kindle I dropped everything in my life to read this and let me just say now, THIS BOOK WILL BREAK YOU. In the best ways, Samantha's story will rip your heart to shreds and have you on the sideline screaming at the top of your lungs rooting for her.

The angst was spot on in this one. I don't think ive ever had so many chest pains in one sitting. there's no doubt some readers will be angry while reading because of Samantha's decisions but by god did i love that ending. these characters were everything especially Alex.

Alex was a man who loved the same girl for years, endure years of watching her self destruct because he knew getting closer to her would only push her farther away. this man had my heart aching for him. his strength and sweetness and at times his alpha tendencies almost had me looking to marry a man named alex.

And Samantha...sam, sam, sam, where do I even begin with character and her strength. her strength to endure and keep living. even though sam was so broken, I still felt like she saved herself. alex didn't need to be her prince charming, she needed to slay her own demons in order to move forward with him.

if I could give this story a million stars I would. YOU NEED THIS STORY IN YOUR LIFE PEOPLE. READ IT!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
11.4k reviews92 followers
August 20, 2018
Samantha survived a devastating childhood which has left emotional scars that she hasn’t been able to heal. Her only experience with love has shown her that it only brings pain and that something must be wrong with her as the people who should have loved and protected her couldn’t or wouldn’t.

She has been involved in a friends with benefits arrangement for Alex for the last nine years and he has been patiently waiting for her to want more as he knows that pushing her will only scare her away. He is no longer content to be just friends, but will he be able to convince Samantha that he will be the one person that won’t let her down?

This is an emotional and painful journey as Samantha must deal with her past while Alex must try to deal with the emotional upheaval as she allows him closer then pushes him away never knowing if he will ever be able to break through the walls she has built around her heart. These characters will break your heart but the incredible ending will put it back together again. If you haven’t started this series what are you waiting for? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Annette Brignac.
203 reviews52 followers
September 14, 2018
A wonderful and heart wrenching conclusion to The San Diegan trilogy. I have been waiting to get Alex and Sam's story and holy hell did we get their story!

The writing had me captivated from the first sentence. The author has this way of bringing you into the story and making you part of it. She takes you on this amazing roller coaster that keeps you begging for more. And with every story she writes, she just keeps getting better and better.

I felt everything... All of the love, pain, happiness, sadness, heartbreak. I yelled, I screamed, I laughed and I cried.

Sam is so strong, but her full story breaks your heart. It's obvious she need's Alex's stubborness to balance her own and to keep her level. We get to see each character grow in their own way, though each decision they made to get to their happy ever after...

It has to be said that one of my favorite things about this author is that she has absolutely no fear when it comes to writing. She writes the stories that need to be written. This is definitely one of those tales...

I HIGHLY recommend this phenomenal book!
651 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2018
Damaged Heart is the first book I've read by SM Soto and wow what an emotional rollercoaster ride. This book rips you open to the very core. It is raw and painful. There are so many words to describe Samantha. Feisty, strong, infuriating and stubborn are just some! I felt for her and her unfair life, but, ehh, I was so frustrated and furious with her at times. I wanted to smack some sense into her to open her eyes and see all she had in front of her. Alex should be a saint! His love for Samantha is some of the strongest I've ever read and it was impressive considering how harsh Samantha was towards him. Their relationship was a constant back and forth, mainly because of Samantha. I thought she kinda got off easy, I wanted her to grovel more! Alex had every right to make her do so!
I thought the words and storyline flowed nicely. The characters were written and developed well. I do wish there were chapters that had Alex's POV. Despite some references and characters from the first two books this can definitely be read as a standalone. I did not feel lost at all, but was curious about those characters! I definitely plan to read the first two books!!
Profile Image for Kimberly Anne.
3,167 reviews184 followers
August 19, 2018
Damaged Heart by S.M. Soto is the third book in the San Diegan series, but the first book I have read. This was a push and pull story that will take your heart on a crazy ride! Samantha Paisley loves Alex Clark. He is more than just her friend with benefits, but her history does not allow her to accept letting love in. Instead she wants things to stay the same, nice and easy. But when Alex wants more, will she just end up pushing him away for good? Not if Alex has anything to say about it.

Samantha’s childhood was not an easy one and it shaped the woman she became. Because of this, she always seems to be on the wrong path and making wrong decisions. How does a broken woman open her heart and let love in? Alex could not have been a better choice for her. He was such a patient and caring man, even when pushed to his limits. I absolutely loved him!

Damaged Hearts by S.M. Soto was such an emotional read. Sam and Alex were perfect together, even as she tried to deny opening her heart. The characters and story will capture you from start to finish.

~ Liz
Profile Image for Behind Closed Doors Book Review.
1,243 reviews167 followers
August 20, 2018
Amount of sex 4 / 5
How explicit is the sex scenes 3 / 5
Story 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5

Wow!

Damaged Heart is simply an amazing story! This is the third book in the San Diegan series from author S.M. Soto. The story can be read as a standalone romance although the characters from the first and second books do play parts within the story. Therefore, you may want to read the other books in the series first! Just know that it’s not necessary to understand the story.

Damaged Heart is such an emotional book full of so much drama and angst. The storyline was gripping that I could not put my Kindle down! The characters are so rich and well developed. I felt like I was one of the girls going through all the drama with them. The characters definitely helped to make this book so much more amazing. It was like the cherry on top of an already fabulous storyline.

I’m not sure how else to describe this story besides saying it was Epic!

One of my favorites and a must read series!

*Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy*
561 reviews
August 29, 2018
Oh my goodness, I love this one as much as book 2 😍.

This is book three in the San Diegan series and this story broke my heart.

Yes, I needed a lot of tissues because Samanthas life shocked me and made me sad. But after all of her self-destruction this amazing, strong woman found a way to show and receive love. She's a loveable bitch. Sometimes I wanted to punch her in the face but the next moment I felt the need to cuddle her so hard, to help her pick up the pieces of her shitty life.

And then there are her wonderful friends, who support her, whatever happens. And of course there's a knight in shining armor who has to endure a lot of shit from Sam. But Alex is the bigger person, he knows something's very wrong, but he loves Sam so much, he can't throw her away. I love him for his patience, his big heart and that he's willing to suffer for Samanthas love.

Very well done, I can't wait to read more mooks by S.M. Soto 😍. Fucking amazing (sorry for cussing but I learned from the best 😉).
Profile Image for Emily Goodman.
1,070 reviews38 followers
August 15, 2018
SM Soto packs a punch with this emotionally driven roller coaster ride between Samantha and Alex. Soto drives you into near emotional chaos with her raw, fearless, and heavy romance. From the moment you begin this novel Samantha will find a place in your heart and leave you begging for more with each turn of the page.

With this being Soto’s third release, she continues to astound me with her angst ridden dramas that plague me from cover to cover. Her ability to reach into the readers heart and mind as she takes you on the journey along with her characters is not something most authors can do. She enamours me with each turn of the page.

Damaged Heart is one of those stories that you just can’t separate yourself from long after reading. Samantha and Alex have long since stayed on my mind and captured my heart. I hope you take a chance on Soto and allow her to do the same with yours.
Profile Image for Christi Fowler.
1,572 reviews18 followers
August 19, 2018
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.
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,815 reviews167 followers
August 19, 2018
What a great read! What a rollercoaster ride! The feels in this book! WOW! There were so many; love, hate, anger, angst and I found myself wanting to throw my kindle a few times and bawled like a baby. SM kept me on the edge of my seat through this one. It was a hard book to read and can have some triggers.

My heart broke reading everything that Samantha endured throughout her whole entire life, especially her childhood. Alex was such a sweetheart and would fly over the moon for Samantha but with everything in her life that has happened she just shuts everyone down especially Alex even with the chemistry between the two of them. I love the determination that Alex has for wanting to take what he wants and that is Samantha but she is one stubborn a*s and won’t stop fighting those feelings for him.

This is my second read by S.M. Soto and have loved both. Damaged Heart is the third book in The San Deigan Series. I am looking forward to reading more of S.M’s books.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,495 reviews53 followers
August 24, 2018
Wow!

A woman, starved of love, keeps refusing love even when it's shoved in her face because she feels she doesn't deserve it. A man, determined to make her see she deserves better than what life has already handed to her. Alex & Sam's story will break your heart then put it back together.

The author - through Samantha - warns us quite early that it' not going to be a very pretty story. This story is a complex, harsh, painful story. More so because you know that this fiction is likely someone's reality - and without Sam's happy ending.

There were times I wanted to reach in and hug Samantha so hard to soothe the pain she had inside her. Then, there were times that I wanted to shake her so hard! The author did a great job reminding us that, even with our ugly parts, we are deserving of love. Alex was perfect - loving and seeking out Samantha, even when she hid from their love. Gorgeous inside & out, he never gave up on Sam. I liked their banter and the tug-of-war of feelings between them. There was no question of chemistry; it was only a matter of Sam wanting their love enough to stay.

This book is one of those NA novels that manages to touch several emotions in you as you read. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves." - Victor Hugo

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Rmederios.
97 reviews3 followers
Read
August 4, 2018
Soto starts you off on this raw story the horrific childhood of Samatha Faye. She's an unapologetic heroine for her choices because she feels its the best way to survive. She's not comfortable with love or decency because she was never shown none.
Alex is the exact thing she doesn't want or need. He's rich, good looking and everything is easy for him. He's never had to make tough choices. But first impressions are not always the correct ones. When one of them is tired of playing the friends with benefits role and things start getting to real, its just the beginning. This is not a love at first sight. This is a tale that includes the most damaged heart can heal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.