What do you think?
Rate this book
Shattered Hearts
Two shattered hearts. One fateful meeting.
Zoe Matthews depends on no one, not even after her husband died - and it was her fault. The last thing she wants to do is hurt someone again. But the moment she meets her sexy new neighbor, George, she recognizes in her a soul as broken as her own. When one night leads to a passion unexpected, she’s drawn to the physical comfort George offers, without pity. Again and again.
It’s just sex. Isn’t it?
George Ellis lived a charmed life as a wealthy young doctor until a series of calamities left her a widow with a dead wife, and put her career on hold. Now all she wants to do is forget. If that includes hiding from the world and putting on an I-don’t-care facade - well, that’s a sacrifice she’s willing to make. Then she meets Zoe, and one night together isn’t enough.
Can George and Zoe leave the past behind them and forge a future of their own? Or will the ghosts of their pasts destroy them before they get their happy ending?
Zoe Matthews depends on no one, not even after her husband died - and it was her fault. The last thing she wants to do is hurt someone again. But the moment she meets her sexy new neighbor, George, she recognizes in her a soul as broken as her own. When one night leads to a passion unexpected, she’s drawn to the physical comfort George offers, without pity. Again and again.
It’s just sex. Isn’t it?
George Ellis lived a charmed life as a wealthy young doctor until a series of calamities left her a widow with a dead wife, and put her career on hold. Now all she wants to do is forget. If that includes hiding from the world and putting on an I-don’t-care facade - well, that’s a sacrifice she’s willing to make. Then she meets Zoe, and one night together isn’t enough.
Can George and Zoe leave the past behind them and forge a future of their own? Or will the ghosts of their pasts destroy them before they get their happy ending?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2017
125 people are currently reading
116 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 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 1, 2023
Best book I’ve read this year! Well, the first but fully deserved 5*s. 3rd book by her I’ve read, all 5*s. Excellent, highly recommended.
April 28, 2023
I moved this up from 4 to 4.5, and rounded up, because I find this touching story still resonates some weeks later.
How do you move on when you've tragically lost your partner and you're now alone and shut down?
Geoarge and Zoe's partners both died in the last year, but although Shattered Hearts begins true to its title, it soon graduates to what the girls think/hope they might have found in each other. Plenty of sad feels as the foundation help to contrast the joy of the new and add real depth to the characters. Sadness yes, but not too painful for the reader; more like you want to put your arm around them and nudge them toward what's here, what's new, what might be possible.
Which means you'll likely find yourself very invested in them 😀.
There is plenty of comfort, sex, love, joy to be found in this story, and I really enjoyed it--idea, setting, MCs, steam level (q. high 🔥), relationship.
How do you move on when you've tragically lost your partner and you're now alone and shut down?
Geoarge and Zoe's partners both died in the last year, but although Shattered Hearts begins true to its title, it soon graduates to what the girls think/hope they might have found in each other. Plenty of sad feels as the foundation help to contrast the joy of the new and add real depth to the characters. Sadness yes, but not too painful for the reader; more like you want to put your arm around them and nudge them toward what's here, what's new, what might be possible.
Which means you'll likely find yourself very invested in them 😀.
There is plenty of comfort, sex, love, joy to be found in this story, and I really enjoyed it--idea, setting, MCs, steam level (q. high 🔥), relationship.
March 19, 2017
3.5 - 4 stars - thoughtful and bittersweet
It is hard dealing with grief and it's even harder dealing with guilt. What if you feel like you don't deserve to move on because you blame yourself for what happened?
Both women, Zoe and George, feel that way. Yet, they also feel attracted to each other and they feel understood, as they are both dealing with the same shame.
I'm not sure if this would work if two people who are traumatised like this can work through their issues by finding love. But of course I would like to think so and their love does grow believingly eating up their grief and sorrow slowly.
I also liked the little mystery sprinkled into this love story. Very well done.
However, I think the writing could be improved (at times it was repetitive) and there were quite a few typos. That was distracting. But as this is the first book by the author I will excuse it and encourage her to write more. There is clearly talent lurking and I am interested in any new books she'll write.
The cover is not so great as both women weren't blonde, so it might capture the feel but doesn't seem so well chosen.
It is hard dealing with grief and it's even harder dealing with guilt. What if you feel like you don't deserve to move on because you blame yourself for what happened?
Both women, Zoe and George, feel that way. Yet, they also feel attracted to each other and they feel understood, as they are both dealing with the same shame.
I'm not sure if this would work if two people who are traumatised like this can work through their issues by finding love. But of course I would like to think so and their love does grow believingly eating up their grief and sorrow slowly.
I also liked the little mystery sprinkled into this love story. Very well done.
However, I think the writing could be improved (at times it was repetitive) and there were quite a few typos. That was distracting. But as this is the first book by the author I will excuse it and encourage her to write more. There is clearly talent lurking and I am interested in any new books she'll write.
The cover is not so great as both women weren't blonde, so it might capture the feel but doesn't seem so well chosen.
February 5, 2017
I saw so many 4 -5 stars and I started to wonder if the story I read was different from what they read lol.
The storyline was interesting I'll give you that, but so many errors grammatically and in character development and so repetitious it was aggravating. Since this is Ms. Winters 1st novel I'm thinking she can only get better
The storyline was interesting I'll give you that, but so many errors grammatically and in character development and so repetitious it was aggravating. Since this is Ms. Winters 1st novel I'm thinking she can only get better
January 27, 2019
A must read novel just because it's one hell of a hoot.
Noelle Winters pulls off a terrific feat. Shattered Hearts has endearing characters, a sweet lesbian romance, hot bedroom scenes and two life altering mysteries. Zoe and George (Georgiana) trade narration of the storyline. Dialogue is kept to a bare minimum as the story unfolds through plot points. Family is crucial to the main characters and familial characters play a pivotal role in the novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Shattered Hearts. I'm sure that I'll want to reread it. Noelle Winters has published many other books that I'm anxious to explore.
Noelle Winters pulls off a terrific feat. Shattered Hearts has endearing characters, a sweet lesbian romance, hot bedroom scenes and two life altering mysteries. Zoe and George (Georgiana) trade narration of the storyline. Dialogue is kept to a bare minimum as the story unfolds through plot points. Family is crucial to the main characters and familial characters play a pivotal role in the novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Shattered Hearts. I'm sure that I'll want to reread it. Noelle Winters has published many other books that I'm anxious to explore.
February 6, 2017
I enjoyed this book immensely. These broken women heal each other but of course there has to be a wrench thrown in the works to add some angst and there are some surprising twists too. This book was free on kindle unlimited. Can't beat that.
May 18, 2017
A promising debut novel.
January 9, 2018
I found it tediously repetitive. Also, I couldn't connect with the MCs... and a black widow, seriously? Not what I was expecting at all.
September 6, 2019
This was decent. Sometimes when I listen to an audio book, I wish I would have read it instead. I did like the narrator, but just feel like reading it would have been better.
May 6, 2017
Pretty good read.
So this is the debut book by Winters and I have to say i overall enjoyed it. The story is about two young widows, one lost her wife and the other her husband, who escape to a lakehouse community to greive. It has been roughly a year since their losses and the grief is still unbearable. When they meet the connection is instant but the fear, shame, and saddness tends to get in the way.
The writing flowed nicely, the plot was nice, and there was enough angst that I was throughly frustrated with the main characters but not enough to make me throw the book (well, my kindle) across the room. The pace of the story was pretty good but did drag on occasion and at times things felt very repetitive especially when characters were coming to terms of moving on. I would have enjoyed more family interaction on George's side and maybe a bit more background on Zoe's family life and why Alexis had to get away. That seemed important enough to constantly mention but it was never fully addressed. There was nice couple of twists at the end and of course wrapped up in nice bow (hey, i got no problems with that at all).
It's good read. Well worth it especially since its a kindleUnlimited. I look forward to more books by her in the future and will definitely keep her on my radar.
So this is the debut book by Winters and I have to say i overall enjoyed it. The story is about two young widows, one lost her wife and the other her husband, who escape to a lakehouse community to greive. It has been roughly a year since their losses and the grief is still unbearable. When they meet the connection is instant but the fear, shame, and saddness tends to get in the way.
The writing flowed nicely, the plot was nice, and there was enough angst that I was throughly frustrated with the main characters but not enough to make me throw the book (well, my kindle) across the room. The pace of the story was pretty good but did drag on occasion and at times things felt very repetitive especially when characters were coming to terms of moving on. I would have enjoyed more family interaction on George's side and maybe a bit more background on Zoe's family life and why Alexis had to get away. That seemed important enough to constantly mention but it was never fully addressed. There was nice couple of twists at the end and of course wrapped up in nice bow (hey, i got no problems with that at all).
It's good read. Well worth it especially since its a kindleUnlimited. I look forward to more books by her in the future and will definitely keep her on my radar.
May 23, 2017
Too much bad feels.
October 12, 2017
Loved this book!
A wonderfull , painfull, hopefull, frustrating book! This one had me anxious, laughing, sad, and cheering for the MC's. 😊
A wonderfull , painfull, hopefull, frustrating book! This one had me anxious, laughing, sad, and cheering for the MC's. 😊
February 1, 2017
Very good debut novel
I really enjoyed this novel. It was well written. The two main characters George and Zoe were well developed. They had a sweetness about them even though they were both hurting from their respective losses. The supporting characters were also equally well done. Overall a very good story!
I really enjoyed this novel. It was well written. The two main characters George and Zoe were well developed. They had a sweetness about them even though they were both hurting from their respective losses. The supporting characters were also equally well done. Overall a very good story!
January 14, 2017
In love!
Loved the characters and the story plot was easily followed. The story was almost plausible for real life. Love more George than Zoe.
Loved the characters and the story plot was easily followed. The story was almost plausible for real life. Love more George than Zoe.
January 14, 2017
Interesting story
I enjoyed reading this story and I will say it took a twist I wasn't expecting but it was still very good.
I enjoyed reading this story and I will say it took a twist I wasn't expecting but it was still very good.
July 1, 2023
Me throughout this book: I'm sorry, but WTF?????!!!!??????!!??!?
First of all, I have trust issues with Goodread's rating now. I saw that it's a 3.96 avg with 424 ratings, so that's gotta be reliable. I was wrong.
Secondly, I'm sorry but just no, this book is definitely not for me. It was gonna be a DNF but I listened to the audio so I kept convincing myself that it'd be over soon.
That was one of those moments when I questioned myself why I'm still listening to this book.
This book was like a badly written soap opera. It was so messy and dramatic but gave no entertainment value. I feel like the author watches too many soap opera (telenovelas, K-dramas, and those Indian shows that I kept seeing on Instagram reels). The writing was.... not okay to me. I couldn't let go of the plot holes, the subplots that went nowhere, and the writing style. This book was definitely not for me, and it's likely that I won't read another work by this author. I thought that I missed a prequel to this book or this book was setting up for sequels or something, anything but giving all this information and not following up.
The writing style was unpolished. There were plot holes and inconsistencies. It was hard to tell the day and the time jump didn't help, especially with no transition.
The whole ending made me mad too, it was just a no for me.
Plot: 1.0
Characters: 1.25
Writing: 1.5
Overall: 1.5 (but I feel bad so rounded up to 2)
I don't want to discourage the author since, unfortunately, this writing work was a big no for me, but you do you.
First of all, I have trust issues with Goodread's rating now. I saw that it's a 3.96 avg with 424 ratings, so that's gotta be reliable. I was wrong.
Secondly, I'm sorry but just no, this book is definitely not for me. It was gonna be a DNF but I listened to the audio so I kept convincing myself that it'd be over soon.
That was one of those moments when I questioned myself why I'm still listening to this book.
This book was like a badly written soap opera. It was so messy and dramatic but gave no entertainment value. I feel like the author watches too many soap opera (telenovelas, K-dramas, and those Indian shows that I kept seeing on Instagram reels). The writing was.... not okay to me. I couldn't let go of the plot holes, the subplots that went nowhere, and the writing style. This book was definitely not for me, and it's likely that I won't read another work by this author. I thought that I missed a prequel to this book or this book was setting up for sequels or something, anything but giving all this information and not following up.
The writing style was unpolished. There were plot holes and inconsistencies. It was hard to tell the day and the time jump didn't help, especially with no transition.
The whole ending made me mad too, it was just a no for me.
Plot: 1.0
Characters: 1.25
Writing: 1.5
Overall: 1.5 (but I feel bad so rounded up to 2)
I don't want to discourage the author since, unfortunately, this writing work was a big no for me, but you do you.
May 25, 2017
I liked this book more and more as it went along, but I didn't love it. The budding romance was sweet, and I certainly got their hesitation because of past tragedies. Several things bugged me:
The stuff about the abusive family that Zoe came from felt unresolved. There was clearly something bad there, but it didn't seem to interfere with any of the relationships, other than creating distance between Zoe and Alexa. Didn't such trauma have some impact on Zoe's ability to form a happy relationship with Ben and with George?
There were hints of something in Alexa's past that might have drawn the sisters closer together. Since it was hinted at, I would have liked to see it further developed.
The beginning was a little too much in Zoe and George's heads, and they fell pretty quickly, just from seeing each other. That didn't feel entirely realistic.
There were inconsistencies that an editor should have caught. In one scene, George was on the phone while sitting on a bench, and the next moment, she was on the phone in her car. In an earlier scene, George references leaving Zoe and Lily in bed, but Lily was supposed to be 2 hours away.
George finally stayed the night, and we got no morning after. That was a new thing for them, and I would have liked to see it better developed by seeing how they handled things in the morning.
The sex scenes felt sort of repetitive in action and description.
The black widow plot felt underdeveloped, like it was just to create additional tension to recreate the accident so that George could save the girl this time. And why did both George and Zoe think they knew him from somewhere? With something so sinister, I would have liked to have seen it more developed.
For a first novel, I think it was good. Like I said, I enjoyed the story overall, especially as I read on. I don't want my nitpicking to make it seem like it wasn't good or worth my time. I did look forward to reading this book, and I'll read another by this author.
The stuff about the abusive family that Zoe came from felt unresolved. There was clearly something bad there, but it didn't seem to interfere with any of the relationships, other than creating distance between Zoe and Alexa. Didn't such trauma have some impact on Zoe's ability to form a happy relationship with Ben and with George?
There were hints of something in Alexa's past that might have drawn the sisters closer together. Since it was hinted at, I would have liked to see it further developed.
The beginning was a little too much in Zoe and George's heads, and they fell pretty quickly, just from seeing each other. That didn't feel entirely realistic.
There were inconsistencies that an editor should have caught. In one scene, George was on the phone while sitting on a bench, and the next moment, she was on the phone in her car. In an earlier scene, George references leaving Zoe and Lily in bed, but Lily was supposed to be 2 hours away.
George finally stayed the night, and we got no morning after. That was a new thing for them, and I would have liked to see it better developed by seeing how they handled things in the morning.
The sex scenes felt sort of repetitive in action and description.
The black widow plot felt underdeveloped, like it was just to create additional tension to recreate the accident so that George could save the girl this time. And why did both George and Zoe think they knew him from somewhere? With something so sinister, I would have liked to have seen it more developed.
For a first novel, I think it was good. Like I said, I enjoyed the story overall, especially as I read on. I don't want my nitpicking to make it seem like it wasn't good or worth my time. I did look forward to reading this book, and I'll read another by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2017
Great premise, too much drama
I absolutely adored the characters of George and Zoe. The pain of loss and the way each character expressed it felt so authentic. The way Zoe and George come to depend on, then trust, then love each other is beautiful and heartfelt. It's wonderful... and then the story goes off the deep end. I won't insert a spoiler but let's just say that a side plot ups the drama ante in a big way that felt entirely unnecessary. If Ms. Winters had followed through with the main plot, this would be a five star review, but the subplot was so distracting and out of left field that it really took away from the novel, overall. Some times, added drama doesn't add anything.
I absolutely adored the characters of George and Zoe. The pain of loss and the way each character expressed it felt so authentic. The way Zoe and George come to depend on, then trust, then love each other is beautiful and heartfelt. It's wonderful... and then the story goes off the deep end. I won't insert a spoiler but let's just say that a side plot ups the drama ante in a big way that felt entirely unnecessary. If Ms. Winters had followed through with the main plot, this would be a five star review, but the subplot was so distracting and out of left field that it really took away from the novel, overall. Some times, added drama doesn't add anything.
February 5, 2018
Sweet, with a touch of intrigue
This is a story about two women recovering from the death of their spouses and finding that moving forward is easier with someone who truly understands what you are going through. But from early in the story it's fairly clear that it's more than that. There's a hint of mystery in the story. There are aspects to both women's pasts that don't quite add up. One seems more medical in nature and not very sinister, but the other seems to be finding out things about her dead spouse that could be disturbing, as in perhaps there were things she didn't know about the person who was, she thought, her soulmate. It adds up to a very satisfying ending.
This is a story about two women recovering from the death of their spouses and finding that moving forward is easier with someone who truly understands what you are going through. But from early in the story it's fairly clear that it's more than that. There's a hint of mystery in the story. There are aspects to both women's pasts that don't quite add up. One seems more medical in nature and not very sinister, but the other seems to be finding out things about her dead spouse that could be disturbing, as in perhaps there were things she didn't know about the person who was, she thought, her soulmate. It adds up to a very satisfying ending.
September 18, 2019
Heartwarming story
Both women were suffering from broken hearts. The storyline carried through the whole story making it easy to follow. There was some drama and some twists that made it an interesting and enjoyable reading. Knowing both George and Zoe were both in bad places in the beginning and both needed healing made the characters feel real. The author kept everything on a personal basis which helped her readers understand what was happening and why. The sex scenes well written and part of the main story bringing both characters together. A great story which is worth a reread.
Both women were suffering from broken hearts. The storyline carried through the whole story making it easy to follow. There was some drama and some twists that made it an interesting and enjoyable reading. Knowing both George and Zoe were both in bad places in the beginning and both needed healing made the characters feel real. The author kept everything on a personal basis which helped her readers understand what was happening and why. The sex scenes well written and part of the main story bringing both characters together. A great story which is worth a reread.
February 3, 2020
Two ladies meet after having two separate deaths of loved ones.
Zoe loved Ben she thought and George loved Kaitlyn she thought. Both lived with the horror of thinking they killed their loved ones. Each has their own devils to conquer and to live an eternity with the quilt. Until another accident happened they each thought they would never be together. The author has created a uncomfortable but believable story of two women who find out that they were not responsible for their loved ones death. I still enjoyed reading it but honestly was frustrated with how she kept putting obstacles in getting these two ladies together. Enjoy!
Zoe loved Ben she thought and George loved Kaitlyn she thought. Both lived with the horror of thinking they killed their loved ones. Each has their own devils to conquer and to live an eternity with the quilt. Until another accident happened they each thought they would never be together. The author has created a uncomfortable but believable story of two women who find out that they were not responsible for their loved ones death. I still enjoyed reading it but honestly was frustrated with how she kept putting obstacles in getting these two ladies together. Enjoy!
April 15, 2017
This should probably be 4.5 or 5, but something about it really worked for me.
First, I hate books where the main character has some giant secret or plot point, and the author holds on to that forever, until finally revealing it in an emotional scene to another character and the reader. JUST TELL THE READER ALREADY! Otherwise hide it entirely until you're ready to reveal it. Here, the author holds on to such things for about 35% of the book, before finally giving it up, yet it was heavily teased before that from the beginning. Annoying.
I can't think of any other way to describe this next part other than comparing it to Veronica Mars. It's possible this one thing is why the book gets that 5th star from me.
I liked the characters a lot, and yes there's some vagueness there. It didn't bother me.
There were some holes in the story that never got filed in and that was disappointing, but a sequel could easily be spun!
Would definitely read again. Book was on the longer side, which made me happy as I feel most are too short and end up rushed. This one still felt a bit rushed at the end, see paragraph above, but I'm not mad. Solid read.
First, I hate books where the main character has some giant secret or plot point, and the author holds on to that forever, until finally revealing it in an emotional scene to another character and the reader. JUST TELL THE READER ALREADY! Otherwise hide it entirely until you're ready to reveal it. Here, the author holds on to such things for about 35% of the book, before finally giving it up, yet it was heavily teased before that from the beginning. Annoying.
I can't think of any other way to describe this next part other than comparing it to Veronica Mars. It's possible this one thing is why the book gets that 5th star from me.
I liked the characters a lot, and yes there's some vagueness there. It didn't bother me.
There were some holes in the story that never got filed in and that was disappointing, but a sequel could easily be spun!
Would definitely read again. Book was on the longer side, which made me happy as I feel most are too short and end up rushed. This one still felt a bit rushed at the end, see paragraph above, but I'm not mad. Solid read.
September 9, 2021
Officially my favorite FF romance book! Author is genius at sucking you in. I love the two women hurting and grieving for past loves that brings them closer to happiness friendship and love. It's so romantic and the romance is simple. There's also a twist towards the end that makes you rethink your opinion on Kaitlin. It shows how betrayal can make us turn our backs on true happiness and this is a bad path to go on. Love it! A must read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2023
Incredible Moving Story
Noelle Winters has written a wonderfully delightful story of love lost and love found. Zoe and George both have lost their spouses. At first their meetings are for physical comfort and release only. Slowly, as they heal, the relationship develops. This story will make you cry with the characters and rejoice with them as they mend each other’s shattered hearts.
Noelle Winters has written a wonderfully delightful story of love lost and love found. Zoe and George both have lost their spouses. At first their meetings are for physical comfort and release only. Slowly, as they heal, the relationship develops. This story will make you cry with the characters and rejoice with them as they mend each other’s shattered hearts.
January 27, 2017
Good Read
This story is both joyous and heartbreaking. Two women, both of whom have suffered the loss of their spouses, and each blaming herself for the deaths, come together in an unlikely way.
I thought the story dragged in places, and I got frustrated with the characters at times, but overall I liked the book.
I think this was a really good first effort.
This story is both joyous and heartbreaking. Two women, both of whom have suffered the loss of their spouses, and each blaming herself for the deaths, come together in an unlikely way.
I thought the story dragged in places, and I got frustrated with the characters at times, but overall I liked the book.
I think this was a really good first effort.
May 9, 2017
Oh wow
Hard to believe that this was Winter's first book ! Truly impressive. There's enough going on to make it a real page Turner. It's definitely a book that I will enjoy reading again someday. I loved that there was some mystery. There was funny banter and snark. And what every great Lesbian romance novel needs... smoking hot scenes !!!
Hard to believe that this was Winter's first book ! Truly impressive. There's enough going on to make it a real page Turner. It's definitely a book that I will enjoy reading again someday. I loved that there was some mystery. There was funny banter and snark. And what every great Lesbian romance novel needs... smoking hot scenes !!!
July 18, 2017
Loved it
This book has the type of story that just stays with you . The kind that when your cooking , working or even cleaning the thought of George and her dog Lily or Zoe and what she is up to sneaks up on you. Such a good book and I'm definitely reading more books from this author.
Great sneaks up on you read, phenomenal.
This book has the type of story that just stays with you . The kind that when your cooking , working or even cleaning the thought of George and her dog Lily or Zoe and what she is up to sneaks up on you. Such a good book and I'm definitely reading more books from this author.
Great sneaks up on you read, phenomenal.
June 28, 2017
Good story
Good characters, good plot, nicely written. I wasn't a hundred percent on board with the Kaitlyn/ Gordon thing. Too quick and easy of an explanation, otherwise well done. Pretty heartbreaking at times but death does that. Nice save on the ending. Good, emotional, read.
Good characters, good plot, nicely written. I wasn't a hundred percent on board with the Kaitlyn/ Gordon thing. Too quick and easy of an explanation, otherwise well done. Pretty heartbreaking at times but death does that. Nice save on the ending. Good, emotional, read.
July 9, 2017
Very enjoyable book
For a first time author this is a very good start. So many unexpected twists and turns. The idea of putting two broken women together was very well done. This is a very good read.
For a first time author this is a very good start. So many unexpected twists and turns. The idea of putting two broken women together was very well done. This is a very good read.
December 11, 2017
Complicated
Good page-turner, but complicated story line. There is the second chance for love, but the addition of a sinister back story. I wish that story had been developed more before the fast resolution at the end.
Good page-turner, but complicated story line. There is the second chance for love, but the addition of a sinister back story. I wish that story had been developed more before the fast resolution at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews