What do you think?
Rate this book
Shattered Hearts
How can a love be so wrong! How can it possible rip one heart apart while healing another? Erin and Harriet are about to find out. Harriet stared open mouthed at the delectable Ashton the man who was her best friend’s father. Erin had no idea how her best friend felt about her father, they were only fifteen. At the age of eighteen Harriet got her wish, Ashton kissed her. Their love blossomed into something neither of them had foreseen. Ashton’s marriage broke down leaving Imogen, his wife desolate and Erin heartbroken losing the two most important people in her life in one go, her father and best friend. Erin could never forgive her best friend for a betrayal she never thought possible. The story follows Ashton and Harriet’s love along with Erin’s heartache and Imogen’s pain. Things will never be the same again for any of them. This is a story of a love that will never die and raw heart wrenching pain that will have you in tears.
- GenresRomance
469 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2015
20 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 14, 2016
I confess I was pretty cynical about this when I started it, middle age guy hooking up with the 18 year old who is his best friend's daughter. Kinda EWWW if you think about it.
So imagine my surprise when I really started liking them as a couple, they worked in multiple ways and this is probably the only book where I was sold on the world well lost for love trope. I felt sorry for every single character at one point or another in this story, but the ending was just really, really sad for me.
The original wife turns out to be not so much a nice person, yet there was a ton of pity for her in the end when she just couldn't let go and it made her fairly bitter because of it. The daughter who lost her father and her best friend was sad too, but she learns the hard way that sometimes life offers you some terrible choices and it is all too easy to take a path that destroys other people.
I honestly don't know how I would have felt had the woman who became the second wife not died at the end, still those scenes of illness and dying made a huge impact on whole tone of the book.
This isn't really a romance, more a slice of life story where good people make mistakes, questionable choices and cause themselves and each other a tremendous amount of damage. Yet there is a lot of love too, and the idea that some things are really worth it.
This book won't change the world, but it does allow us all to reflect on life, love and the nature of compassion and forgiveness - plus it is great way to spend a few hours reading.
So imagine my surprise when I really started liking them as a couple, they worked in multiple ways and this is probably the only book where I was sold on the world well lost for love trope. I felt sorry for every single character at one point or another in this story, but the ending was just really, really sad for me.
The original wife turns out to be not so much a nice person, yet there was a ton of pity for her in the end when she just couldn't let go and it made her fairly bitter because of it. The daughter who lost her father and her best friend was sad too, but she learns the hard way that sometimes life offers you some terrible choices and it is all too easy to take a path that destroys other people.
I honestly don't know how I would have felt had the woman who became the second wife not died at the end, still those scenes of illness and dying made a huge impact on whole tone of the book.
This isn't really a romance, more a slice of life story where good people make mistakes, questionable choices and cause themselves and each other a tremendous amount of damage. Yet there is a lot of love too, and the idea that some things are really worth it.
This book won't change the world, but it does allow us all to reflect on life, love and the nature of compassion and forgiveness - plus it is great way to spend a few hours reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2024
Harriet - the h
Ashton - the H
Erin - her bff, his daughter
Imogen - the ow, his wife
Ashton and Imogen were childhood sweethearts.
Imogen has been obsessed with her husband since she was 5. At year 7 he met Melanie and Imogen was “…forced to watch them giggling together sharing their lunch walking hand in hand everywhere they went, sharing a kiss the only way two eleven year olds could.”
She put a quick stop to that and promptly stole Ash from Melanie. They’ve been together ever since.
He works from their home studio as a wood worker, designing and manufacturing furniture. She has a thriving fashion design company. They had a truly great marriage; they loved their lives together, each other and their daughter with all their hearts. If they kept tiny secrets from each other it was only really to protect their partners.
Harriet was 15 when she first saw and fell in love with her bff's father.
She practically grew up in their household after that
A sweet, innocent, shy and sheltered girl who lived with her mom, dad and 2 brothers. She was loyal to her friend until the affair started.
Ashton noticed her interest in him just before she turned 17.
He was uncomfortable with her crush and mentioned it to his wife who laughed it off.
Nts: see private notes on numerous other characters
Ashton - the H
Erin - her bff, his daughter
Imogen - the ow, his wife
Ashton and Imogen were childhood sweethearts.
Imogen has been obsessed with her husband since she was 5. At year 7 he met Melanie and Imogen was “…forced to watch them giggling together sharing their lunch walking hand in hand everywhere they went, sharing a kiss the only way two eleven year olds could.”
She put a quick stop to that and promptly stole Ash from Melanie. They’ve been together ever since.
He works from their home studio as a wood worker, designing and manufacturing furniture. She has a thriving fashion design company. They had a truly great marriage; they loved their lives together, each other and their daughter with all their hearts. If they kept tiny secrets from each other it was only really to protect their partners.
Harriet was 15 when she first saw and fell in love with her bff's father.
She practically grew up in their household after that
A sweet, innocent, shy and sheltered girl who lived with her mom, dad and 2 brothers. She was loyal to her friend until the affair started.
Ashton noticed her interest in him just before she turned 17.
He was uncomfortable with her crush and mentioned it to his wife who laughed it off.
Nts: see private notes on numerous other characters
May 29, 2023
Diddling ... lots and lots of diddling! Everyone is diddling everyone, and most definitely, people they should not be diddling. However, the 1* is for the genuinely subpar writing, and the entire book reads like a bizarre fever dream (not an enticing one).
August 15, 2016
After several months hiatus Shattered Hearts is the first book I read after seeing a Goodreads friend having the book on her timeline . Upon reading the plot summary I knew I had to read this book as I am into taboo, age-gap love stories. I made sure not to read any spoilers for the book before I did so. I mostly read those books where the Hero has a “code of honor” or at least they have one after they meet their “true love” i.e. the heroine – the stories may make your eyes roll to the high heavens but I still enjoy them lol. Needless to say my review of this book may be biased because of that. The plot I got out of this book is that a “happily married man” embarks on an affair with her daughter’s best friend and this causes enormous consequences for everyone.
What I liked:
1. The pairing of the H and h
a. What can I say, I like taboo relationships. I have this fascination with those "love is so strong they will defy/give up anything – you and me against the world kind of thing" despite possible ickiness
2. h virginal status
a. in love stories I like it when the h is a virgin and her first time is with the man she loves and who loves her back
3. The ex-wife
a. Although I am pre-disposed to root for the H/h or should I say their “love story” I liked the ex-wife and absolutely felt sorry for her. She did not deserve what her husband has done to her. I liked the fact that she tried to mend her daughter’s relationship with her father or didn’t try to vindictively turn her against him. I totally understand why she couldn’t get over the H and really I felt for her.
4. h trying to fix things
a. I like that she made sure the H and his daughter’s relationship would be fixed.
5. The ending.
a. Usually I’d be angry and bawling and pissed off that the H/h were not together at the end. However this story I truly feel this was how it had to be. If this was the usual books I read i.e. Harlequin Presents/Romance or even the historical romances I would scream and rave and be depressed. These two had to understand the consequences of their action. If they were truly soulmates then they should be happy for the time they had together even though it turned out to be a short one. I like the fact that the H seemed to hold this quotation to his heart: “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Truth be told, I am NOT a fan of the H. The fact that he “cheated” on the h with the ex-wife and the excuse was a “grief” thing, I was ready to stamp H’s forehead with a ONCE A CHEATER ALWAYS A CHEATER! sticker. I also like that the H stayed devoted to h after she passed and that her “soul” seemed to be there in that epilogue.
What I didn’t like:
1. The H
a. Yes I know it is contradiction. What I mean by this is that the H, Ashton, was not really what you call a “hero” in the true sense - naturally the fact that he had the affair and succumbed to temptation. He is such cliché, the younger woman attraction. He seemed to have everything, a gorgeous wife who definitely did not skimp on her wifely duties and a daughter who loved him. And don’t get me started on the whole doing the wife AND the mistress at the same time, heck even on the same day, or just an minutes/hour after he did the other. And then he “cheated” with the ex-wife later on.
2. The h’s attitude to her parents
a. I don’t approve of the h’s attitude to her parents specifically towards her mom. Talk about pot calling the kettle black. Enough said about that.
3. The ex-wife’s situation
a. I really, truly sympathize with the ex-wife. I know it is selfish and deceitful but I wish she stayed with her new husband. I think they could have been happy together if only she could let go of the H. But the fact that that she didn’t want to subject her new husband, Justin to being 2nd place again and made sure father and son had a relationship despite the separation speaks volumes of her character.
4. The bestfriend/daughter, Erin
a. Same thing with her, pot calling the kettle black. I don’t understand how she fell for Alec so fast and just up and left her husband and daughter. She was so irresponsible when she got pregnant The fact that she didn’t want to have any more kids just goes to show her first time experience with her daughter was what “sealed the deal” with her decision to remain childless.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book. Heck I stayed up Sunday night until 230am to finish reading (always say this but must not do that again!!) My overall thoughts regarding the H and h and the ending is that it had to be that way. Honestly, if the h had lived, I really really don’t think they would have had a happy life together. I feel they would have had a tumultuous relationship. The H will always have baggage – i.e. his ex-wife and daughter. What really clinched that for me was when the H “cheated” on the h with his ex-wife. I really feel this would always be a point of contention between them as well as their age gap. My final question and answer is: Do I believe they were soulmates? I think…. Yes, yes I think so… At first I wasn’t sure because of the way they got together, the lies, the aftermath and the cheating. However it was only because of the illness and how the H and h took care of each other (with the H trying to fulfill her last wish, taking care of her, being so full of grief and staying devoted to her until his old age and the h still satisfying his “sexual needs” and making sure the H will have his family when she passes) made me say yes, they were soulmates. They love story wasn’t perfect, heck it was dirty, trashy and just plain despicable but I’ll try to go back to my one statement why I like these taboo stories, lol – Love conquers all, you can’t help who you love, and love is love no matter what. Now on to my vintage Harlequin Presents romance novels where my Heroes are more to my taste and the heroines are nice, pure and “usually” not the other woman ~_~
What I liked:
1. The pairing of the H and h
a. What can I say, I like taboo relationships. I have this fascination with those "love is so strong they will defy/give up anything – you and me against the world kind of thing" despite possible ickiness
2. h virginal status
a. in love stories I like it when the h is a virgin and her first time is with the man she loves and who loves her back
3. The ex-wife
a. Although I am pre-disposed to root for the H/h or should I say their “love story” I liked the ex-wife and absolutely felt sorry for her. She did not deserve what her husband has done to her. I liked the fact that she tried to mend her daughter’s relationship with her father or didn’t try to vindictively turn her against him. I totally understand why she couldn’t get over the H and really I felt for her.
4. h trying to fix things
a. I like that she made sure the H and his daughter’s relationship would be fixed.
5. The ending.
a. Usually I’d be angry and bawling and pissed off that the H/h were not together at the end. However this story I truly feel this was how it had to be. If this was the usual books I read i.e. Harlequin Presents/Romance or even the historical romances I would scream and rave and be depressed. These two had to understand the consequences of their action. If they were truly soulmates then they should be happy for the time they had together even though it turned out to be a short one. I like the fact that the H seemed to hold this quotation to his heart: “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Truth be told, I am NOT a fan of the H. The fact that he “cheated” on the h with the ex-wife and the excuse was a “grief” thing, I was ready to stamp H’s forehead with a ONCE A CHEATER ALWAYS A CHEATER! sticker. I also like that the H stayed devoted to h after she passed and that her “soul” seemed to be there in that epilogue.
What I didn’t like:
1. The H
a. Yes I know it is contradiction. What I mean by this is that the H, Ashton, was not really what you call a “hero” in the true sense - naturally the fact that he had the affair and succumbed to temptation. He is such cliché, the younger woman attraction. He seemed to have everything, a gorgeous wife who definitely did not skimp on her wifely duties and a daughter who loved him. And don’t get me started on the whole doing the wife AND the mistress at the same time, heck even on the same day, or just an minutes/hour after he did the other. And then he “cheated” with the ex-wife later on.
2. The h’s attitude to her parents
a. I don’t approve of the h’s attitude to her parents specifically towards her mom. Talk about pot calling the kettle black. Enough said about that.
3. The ex-wife’s situation
a. I really, truly sympathize with the ex-wife. I know it is selfish and deceitful but I wish she stayed with her new husband. I think they could have been happy together if only she could let go of the H. But the fact that that she didn’t want to subject her new husband, Justin to being 2nd place again and made sure father and son had a relationship despite the separation speaks volumes of her character.
4. The bestfriend/daughter, Erin
a. Same thing with her, pot calling the kettle black. I don’t understand how she fell for Alec so fast and just up and left her husband and daughter. She was so irresponsible when she got pregnant The fact that she didn’t want to have any more kids just goes to show her first time experience with her daughter was what “sealed the deal” with her decision to remain childless.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book. Heck I stayed up Sunday night until 230am to finish reading (always say this but must not do that again!!) My overall thoughts regarding the H and h and the ending is that it had to be that way. Honestly, if the h had lived, I really really don’t think they would have had a happy life together. I feel they would have had a tumultuous relationship. The H will always have baggage – i.e. his ex-wife and daughter. What really clinched that for me was when the H “cheated” on the h with his ex-wife. I really feel this would always be a point of contention between them as well as their age gap. My final question and answer is: Do I believe they were soulmates? I think…. Yes, yes I think so… At first I wasn’t sure because of the way they got together, the lies, the aftermath and the cheating. However it was only because of the illness and how the H and h took care of each other (with the H trying to fulfill her last wish, taking care of her, being so full of grief and staying devoted to her until his old age and the h still satisfying his “sexual needs” and making sure the H will have his family when she passes) made me say yes, they were soulmates. They love story wasn’t perfect, heck it was dirty, trashy and just plain despicable but I’ll try to go back to my one statement why I like these taboo stories, lol – Love conquers all, you can’t help who you love, and love is love no matter what. Now on to my vintage Harlequin Presents romance novels where my Heroes are more to my taste and the heroines are nice, pure and “usually” not the other woman ~_~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2016
I don't even know where to go with this. I was in a bad mood before I read this, now I'm catatonic.
It's difficult to review without a lot of spoilers.
Basic plot is 18 year old girl falls for her best friend's father. An affair ensues and kaboom.
Big time spoilers....
My other issue is I don't feel the author showed how desperate little home-wrecking Harriet and fucking asshole Ashton are soul-mates. At one point, he tells her no matter what his family will always come first. She also hears him have sex with his wife. Blegh. Soul mates. Yeah, sure. A novel full of vile and selfish people.
Crap, I need a Greek/Italian/Spanish/Sicilian tycoon with mommy issues and a revenge plot who is suspicious of all women and a mistress too stupid to figure out she's a mistress until her secret baby arrives via said tycoon's magic penis.
It's difficult to review without a lot of spoilers.
Basic plot is 18 year old girl falls for her best friend's father. An affair ensues and kaboom.
Big time spoilers....
My other issue is I don't feel the author showed how desperate little home-wrecking Harriet and fucking asshole Ashton are soul-mates. At one point, he tells her no matter what his family will always come first. She also hears him have sex with his wife. Blegh. Soul mates. Yeah, sure. A novel full of vile and selfish people.
Crap, I need a Greek/Italian/Spanish/Sicilian tycoon with mommy issues and a revenge plot who is suspicious of all women and a mistress too stupid to figure out she's a mistress until her secret baby arrives via said tycoon's magic penis.
June 15, 2016
A K/U book.
I Absolutely Love This Book! The Author did an amazing job bringing
this story together and delivering it in such a way that you can't help
wanting revenge to come swiftly. The characters were beautifully depicted
and what a pleasure to read a book that has been well edited. The story holds
your interest, there is an even flow to the story and all of the loose ends are tied.
The selfish acts of Aston and his daughter's 18 year old best friend Harriet completely
destroy his family. Aston is married and has an 18 year old daughter who has an 18
year old best friend named Harriet. Harriet has been in love with her best friends father
Aston since she was 15 years old, so when he makes a move, she is helpless to
resist.
Aston throws away his family for an 18 year old that he calls his soulmate. The fact
that he is about to destroy his family doesn't seem all that important to him. All that
he cares about is being able to spend time with Harriet. He not only loses his wife, but
he loses his daughter as well.
In the end KARMA has the last laugh and no one is left unaffected.
A MUST READ!!
I Absolutely Love This Book! The Author did an amazing job bringing
this story together and delivering it in such a way that you can't help
wanting revenge to come swiftly. The characters were beautifully depicted
and what a pleasure to read a book that has been well edited. The story holds
your interest, there is an even flow to the story and all of the loose ends are tied.
The selfish acts of Aston and his daughter's 18 year old best friend Harriet completely
destroy his family. Aston is married and has an 18 year old daughter who has an 18
year old best friend named Harriet. Harriet has been in love with her best friends father
Aston since she was 15 years old, so when he makes a move, she is helpless to
resist.
Aston throws away his family for an 18 year old that he calls his soulmate. The fact
that he is about to destroy his family doesn't seem all that important to him. All that
he cares about is being able to spend time with Harriet. He not only loses his wife, but
he loses his daughter as well.
In the end KARMA has the last laugh and no one is left unaffected.
A MUST READ!!
August 26, 2020
I am speechless.
Typically I hate the other woman, and side with the wife. But, the writing was beautifully done, causing me to switch sides.
When the H left his wife for the younger woman (I consider her the h), I didn’t think it would last. I figured he would come to his senses, and return for his wife and to repair his relationship with his daughter. But, nothing made him waver. This couple was put through the wringer. They suffered the loss of relationships (his daughter and her BFF), miscarriages, her inability to have children, and eventually her life. It was heartbreaking. The love he showed through it all, and even years after her death, has left me with a sadness that confuses me.
I loved how he did not love another. Especially when the ex wife would have been willing to take him back (don’t get me started on this knucklehead).
Did it make me want to cry? Yes!
Was it a beautiful story? Yes!
Typically I hate the other woman, and side with the wife. But, the writing was beautifully done, causing me to switch sides.
When the H left his wife for the younger woman (I consider her the h), I didn’t think it would last. I figured he would come to his senses, and return for his wife and to repair his relationship with his daughter. But, nothing made him waver. This couple was put through the wringer. They suffered the loss of relationships (his daughter and her BFF), miscarriages, her inability to have children, and eventually her life. It was heartbreaking. The love he showed through it all, and even years after her death, has left me with a sadness that confuses me.
I loved how he did not love another. Especially when the ex wife would have been willing to take him back (don’t get me started on this knucklehead).
Did it make me want to cry? Yes!
Was it a beautiful story? Yes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2016
Probably the worst book I've ever read. Would've given it a zero if I could. Unbelievable plot, and just a revolting story from beginning to end. Middle-age man having an affair with his 18-year-old daughters best friend. Has a loving marriage and never cheated on his wife, but just couldn't control himself with this child. By the middle of the book the wife went from being the love of his life to a horrible human being. We're supposed to believe that this 18-year-old child was the love of his life. I can't understand what this author was thinking writing this drivel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2016
After the follow up of "Whisper's in Corridors", this was one that I had to try. Yet again, this was a great story line and there is not reason why this kind of thing could not happen in today's world.
In my opinion, the characters are spot on. The way that Claire uses each character is fantastic. This has everything, happiness, heartbreak, friendship, break-up and a few twists along the way.
Another superb novel by Claire Mansfield, this deserves every top rating that is received.
In my opinion, the characters are spot on. The way that Claire uses each character is fantastic. This has everything, happiness, heartbreak, friendship, break-up and a few twists along the way.
Another superb novel by Claire Mansfield, this deserves every top rating that is received.
January 25, 2025
This book was really difficult to read, because it had cheating, betrayal and what not and none of the characters were perfect and lovable but what they were are real ergo humans who keep on making mistakes to achieve that satisfaction.
h: who though sweet feel in love with her bff's father and in a way chased him.
H: Who in spite of a beautiful wife who he loved, fell in love with the h and broke everything for her.
OW(Wife): The one who loved the H madly, gave him everything of her and still was alone in the end.
Erin(bff): Who hater her father and bff,who made the same mistake as her father and bff and realised their situation.
OM(Justine): forever in love with the Ow and always the second best.
I hated what the h and H did to the family but i never expected the author to keep on punishing them for it.
First with the loss of the child and then the h's diagnosis and death.
It seems they never had a break but what true was that the immense love they had for each other though at the cost of other's pain still....
It was way emotional during the last 25%. could not stop crying.....
It was well written specially the last part but not something i will call romance but yes life...
Coz each and every person broke someone and no one was happy truly.
Tatiana Stefan has the best review for the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 26, 2019This was horribly heart wrenching! There is a lot to say about this book. I had to stop reading for a while and am now 44% in. The two main characters are hypocrites! Will write more later.
Nah it was worse at the story went on. Everyone was a cheater except for Tom and Justin. I even took the 1 star away.
Nah it was worse at the story went on. Everyone was a cheater except for Tom and Justin. I even took the 1 star away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2017
Wow...
Just wow you gotta read it...I'm so going to have a book hangover with this one...I loved it!!!! Lol Damn...
Just wow you gotta read it...I'm so going to have a book hangover with this one...I loved it!!!! Lol Damn...
February 16, 2021
Older man younger woman, h best friend with daughter. No hea. Hated wife and daughter.
April 1, 2022
Hated this book. I love taboo stories but this book was ridiculous. I hate when stories are narrated. It’s rare I hate a book but this one was horrible. I read 50% and I couldn’t take it anymore.
September 28, 2022
I’m trying to think if I ever detested a character more than the POS cheater in this book. It’s a long one but worth the read for readers who love this subgenre. No HEA
March 22, 2024
Old books
June 17, 2024
Sad
So much hurt and pain in this book. I enjoyed it though. Sometimes our lives don't go the way we think they should but sometimes they go better.
So much hurt and pain in this book. I enjoyed it though. Sometimes our lives don't go the way we think they should but sometimes they go better.
July 12, 2024
Reminds me of the Portia Moore book. I applaud the effort and appreciate the chutzpa this took to write.
Read
March 11, 2019DNF
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews