Stone Heart

by Susan K. Hamilton

Lauren Stone is no stranger to regret...

A singer in a successful band, she's learned a hard lesson over the people don't love her for who she really is. They love what she is and what she can do for them. The only person who ever truly loved her ended their relationship years ago, and it nearly destroyed her. But Lauren doesn't have time to pine over lost love. If she doesn't get her songwriting mojo back-and fast-The Kingmakers' new album is going to be a colossal failure.

When Lauren returns home to New York for a recording session, a publicity stunt gone awry brings her face-to-face with her past and her biggest Danny Padovano, the ex-boyfriend who broke her heart. The spark between them is still there but getting involved with Danny again is one step short of insanity. Lauren knows she's playing with fire-things are a lot more complicated now than they were when Lauren and Danny were younger, and the stakes are much, much higher. Soon, everything Lauren's worked so hard to achieve starts to unravel.

Can she come to terms with her regrets? Or will they finally destroy her?

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Second Chance, Romance

380 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2022

About the author

Susan K. Hamilton is the award-winning author of epic, dark, and urban fantasy books including Shadow King, The Devil Inside, and Darkstar Rising. Her short stories have been featured in the ESCAPE!, DECEPTION!, and Passageways anthologies from Writing Bloc.

Her new novel, Stone Heart, will release on August 30, 2022.

Horse-crazy since she was a little girl, she loves pretty much every furry animal on the planet (other than spiders). She also loves comfy jeans, pizza, and great stand-up comedy. Susan lives near Boston with her husband and a cat who runs the house like a boss.

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @RealSKHamilton and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/hamiltonsusank/

Reviews

[Euge · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stone Heart is the story of a couple who, after a painful breakup, reunite twenty years later. Now she is a famous singer-songwriter and he is a detective with a wife and children.

The truth is that I did not connect with the story itself. I think the premise was quite interesting, but it got heavy over the course of it all.

I kept reading mostly because of Lauren, who keeps thinking about Danny as she tries to write songs for her new album and battles addiction-related demons from her past. She and Auguie, her cousin, were my favorite characters. Lauren is very strong and I really liked the development of her.

Danny, on the other hand, was quite unbearable to me. Although I understand that the situation in which he finds himself when he meets Lauren again is not easy, I feel that he has very childish attitudes for a man between 30 and 40 years old. Also, his wife, Heather, is shown to be hyper-jealous of an ex whom he hasn't seen in over 20 years. Their relationship is unsustainable from the beginning and becomes very repetitive.

The writing is quite enjoyable so the reading can be done quickly, which has more weight considering that the characters, not the protagonists, but the others involved such as Danny's parents and one of Lauren's sisters are detestable.

To be honest, I think the best thing about the book was the band itself. I liked all the members very much and I would have liked to see them interacting with each other more.

If you want to read this book I would recommend that it be just to get really mad at Danny and the people that go around them both.

⚠️TW: addictions - stereotypes - strong language⚠️

🌺Thanks to Books Forward for the book.🌺

[Spiritedbookishbabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!! It was an amazing story!! Honestly I think Lauren and Danny were definitely meant to be together. I understand where they both were coming from because Danny was married and had kids which definitely complicates relationships and I understand why he thought he had to work things out with his wife, but I think she should have been a little more understanding at times instead of constantly starting fights all the time. Danny really made a big mistake taking his wife back as many times as he did. Danny definitely deserved better and should have gotten away from heathers toxicity. I get that he tried because of this sons but what he didn’t understand was that he was hurting his kids in the process, because when parents fight as much as they did it shows kids that it’s okay to treat their significant other this way when it’s not. Danny should’ve been upfront with heather and heather shouldn’t have been accusing him of cheating when he wasn’t cheating. She should have trusted her Danny when he told her he wasn’t cheating on her. I just think they shouldn’t have been more honest with each other or just called it quits on their marriage because they was no way they were going to fix that mess of a relationship. A relationship with no trust isn’t a relationship. Lauren worked so hard to get her new album done and her first show of her new tour was a success. I can’t believe Danny went to the after party to try and get Lauren back after he broke her heart for the second time. He needs to figure out what he wants. Either make it work with heather or get divorced

[Shia]

DNF 55%

TW: Cheating

I don’t condone cheating and the affair is such a huge part of the plot that I can’t continue forward especially as both MCs don’t really see the wrongness of it and continually commit adultery.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone Heart is a very complicated story, but in a good way. Lauren and Danny are high school sweethearts, truly and deeply in love. But they both want different things out of life so they go their separate ways after graduation. Fast forward a number of years and they are thrown together again. Are those gut-wrenching feelings still there? Or will they be content as platonic friends?

The story then takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, involving the two of them and their entire family and friends' worlds. There is plenty of relationship drama and angst. I felt all of it right along with everyone else.

This is a wonderfully written story about a complex topic but it is also a beautiful tale of deep love, regrets, forgiveness, and following your heart. Stone Heart is the first book I have read by Ms. Hamilton and it's her first foray into women's fiction. She writes did a fabulous job, the words just flowed off of the pages. I will definitely be reading more of her books. I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes women's fiction.

[READER VIEWS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of us have them: the one that “got away.” The former flame we think about and wonder what if… For legendary rock star Lauren Stone, that ex is Danny Padovano, the one person who loved her before she was a star. Her high school sweetheart and soul mate. The one who just crossed her path through a series of unforeseen events. The one who just admitted he never got over her. Is it getting hot in here??

It’s impressive that an author would take on such a story. After all, infidelity is a touchy subject, and who really wins in these cases? Besides the lawyers. But as the author herself points out, this story is not so much about unfaithfulness as it is about making decisions as the flawed human beings that we are. If you’re looking for that hot alpha superhero that defines perfection and saves the day, *spoiler alert* this isn’t your story. This novel is full of relatable characters that have hopes and dreams, along with a closet full of skeletons and bad decisions. These personalities are engaging because they’re us. They may try to convince themselves that they’re rational and realistic, but in truth sometimes their perception is skewed. Especially by matters of the heart.

Some readers may have a tough time with this read because it’s raw and open. The author paints a starkly beautiful picture of the decisions that lead these characters to the choices they make and the fallout from those actions. The novel takes the reader from the highs of fame, fortune, and passion to the lows of pain, loss, and deep regret. While heartbreak and angst make their appearances, this is not so much a tear-jerker as it is a character-driven story of facing one’s decisions and of overcoming the results. The humor, wisdom, and love of family and friends help balance what could have been a gloomy read.

Rock star Lauren, police detective Danny, his wife Heather, the members of The Kingmakers band, family, and friends on both sides will all find themselves affected by the reuniting of old lovers. The author deftly navigates this minefield, keeping the reader engaged and reminding us that rarely is life made up of issues that are black or white/good or bad. Perfect and unequivocal answers are scarce, because life is more complicated than we want it to be.

I recommend “Stone Heart” by Susan K. Hamilton to readers who appreciate realistic characters struggling with genuine issues, to fans of romance novels that are less about perfect heroes than about how messy life truly is, and to those who enjoy stories that touch all of the reader’s emotions.

[Arianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ★

“Love is for fools, and I'm the biggest one out there”.

Estoy sorprendida con lo mucho que me ha gustado este libro, no es perfecto, el protagonista es un idiota y su trama trata sobre un tema que a muchos no les va a gustar.

Lauren y Danny tuvieron una historia de amor cuando estaban en el colegio, se separaron porque ambos querían cosas diferentes, Lauren ir por el sueño de convertirse en una estrella del rock and roll, y Danny quedarse en Nueva York para convertirse en policía.
Luego de muchos años, Lauren se ha convertido en una estrella de la música junto a su banda, los Kingmakes y para grabar su último álbum debe regresar a Nueva York, lo que no esperaba era reencontrase con Danny, dándose cuenta de que sus sentimientos por él nunca se fueron. Sin embargo, no todo puede ser color de rosa, pues Danny tiene una familia construida, y volver a encontrarse con Lauren puede traer muchos problemas. .

Conocer a los Kingmakers ha sido un placer, me hubiera gustado tenerlos por mucho más páginas, la química entre ellos es increíble y me encanta que se apoyen en todo, se digan sus verdades, pero al final decidan que la banda es lo más importante y que son una familia.

Y bueno, la relación de Lauren y Danny no es fácil, es complicada, ambos toman decisiones implicando mucho sus sentimientos del pasado. El protagonista es un idiota, pero es algo que la autora refleja muy bien, pues en la vida real sucede, y lamentablemente llega a destruir a todos. Además, que es un indeciso de mierda, juro que me tenía cansada con eso y su inmadurez.

Por otro lado, Lauren, ay qué mujer, siento que en su posición también hubiera hecho lo mismo, por lo menos ella decidió seguir con su vida y buscar su felicidad. Me agradó conocerla, por ella es que volvería a leer el libro.

El estilo de escritura de la autora es adictivo y rápido de leer, me sorprendió el desenlace porque no lo vi venir, pensé que sería la típica historia de amor, pero estuve equivocada. Lo que sí no me gustó fue la situación en la que pone a un personaje, siento que no se manejó bien y la quisieron poner como la mala de la historia cuando no lo era, ella era una víctima.

En fin, me ha gustado, lo volvería a leer, hay muchas escenas que me han enamorado y feliz de volver a sus páginas, por eso le doy 5 estrellas.

TW: abuso de drogas, suicido, depresión, ansiedad, infidelidad.

[G.G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each Betrayal Begins With Trust

Infidelity is uncomfortable … for everyone. It’s painful for family, friends and those intimately involved. The lies, the subterfuge and the loss of integrity are felt by everyone. I think Hamilton wanted to explore this as a caveat. She succeeded. In her author’s note she said the reader might be frustrated with the principles, even angry. I was. It was as if signs were appearing everywhere telling them not to succumb, and yet …

Lauren Stone is a big-time rock star; front woman for the Kingmakers. Judging by appearances, she had everything: big house on a California beach, successful career, adoring fans. Despite this, when the group traveled to New York City to record their next album, Lauren was panicked by writer’s block. The songs weren’t coming.

The city was her home town and she immediately began thinking of Danny Padovano who was the high school sweetheart who got away. She had never forgotten their painful separation. He didn’t want life on the road. He wanted a family. Lauren was faced with a dilemma that many women have to confront – choosing between a career and someone she loves. This is never an easy choice. We can’t have it all. That’s a lie driven by pop psychology and pretty ads.

In spite of the protagonists agonizing, and I do mean agonizing, over the temptation to relive something they lost, they leapt headlong into an affair – but only after Danny’s wife accuses him of “sleeping” with Lauren. The truth was they were already involved: chaste hugs, strokes of the hand, a kiss on the cheek. They just hadn’t done the deed. But high-profile celebrities cannot escape scrutiny. Fans with phones are everywhere.

When it does finally become sexual, they try to catch what they once had in their teens. While it seems wonderful to them, it makes everyone they know miserable. The other members of the group are furious with Lauren, so is Danny’s wife, his kids are affected and his devoutly Catholic parents. Absolutely no one is happy.

The music background is interesting and well done. Early on, Lauren does a television interview that is deftly written. The end is stellar. I was cheering for the Kingmakers. Hamilton did an excellent job of showing the allusion of happiness the relationship originally produces and the damage that can’t be undone. This honest depiction of betrayal will make you feel uncomfortable, but wiser.

Note: Adult Content (Sex, Drug Use, Infidelity)

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lauren Stone is coming back to New York to record the newest album with her band The Kingmakers. She’s not only anxious about proving her critics wrong, she’s also revisiting past heartache thinking about her high school ex, Danny. They are thrown back into each other’s lives and struggle to find out if they are really meant to be tougher.

I really didn’t care for this one. I’m sorry but I couldn’t find a single character I empathized with or liked all that much. Both Lauren and Danny are kind of…assholes. And I hated that Danny’s niece, Cole, is supposedly looking at colleges but her actions and dialogue read as a tween.

My least fav character was Danny. Even when we are given access to his POV he just shows us he’s selfish. If he does feel remorse, it is short lived and he’s back on his bullshit. He fully earns the nickname Jackass bestowed on him by Lauren’s band mate.

Thank you Books Forward for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

CW/TW: drug addiction, grief, depression, infidelity

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to this author through Hidden Gems ARC program and found the summary of the book interesting. It was noted that there was infidelity in the story, and I did not think that would bother me that much, but it did. This is the story of Lauren Stone, lead singer and founding member of the band the Kingmakers. She returns to New York City to work on the band’s new album with a producer there. As part of a publicity event, she is reunited with her high school boyfriend, Danny.
The book follows Lauren and Danny as they revisit the past and reignite their attraction. While at the same time, the band is being confronted with working on the new album and Lauren’s writers block with the songs needed. Beyond their relationship, Lauren is also haunted with her past with addiction and recovery. Although the infidelity was difficult to take at times, I feel the story more than held up and feel like Lauren came through stronger by the end. Yet it did make me dislike Danny and made it a challenge at time to continue but it was worth it.

[Stacie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those scenarios where I should have paid closer attention to the synopsis. Cheating isn't always my favorite trope and if I had realized this book was centered around it, I probably wouldn't have requested it. However, I gave it a chance and I'm kind of sorry I did.

First, the main character is a recovering drug addict but still drinks. Now I worked in addiction for a long time, I understand all about harm reduction but it needs to be depicted well. I don't think this was done well and she certainly had zero support structures in place so this was thing one that bothered me. Thing two is the entire cheating plot. Now, cheating is whatever. Like I said it's not my favorite trope but I can deal. However, in this book I really don't understand the point of this part of the plot. And to be truthful, I don't understand the entire book. Very little actually happened to advance the plot which made me wonder when the book was going to do anything. I'm still wondering. I really wanted to like it but when I finish a book and think what was the point of this entire story, it's usually a bad sign.

I want to thank Books Foreward PR for an early gifted copy.

[Sherry Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Stone is a famous rock star. But in her past is the love of her life. She left him to pursue her music career. When the two reunite in a city she is touring, they try to rekindle the romance. But it's complicated. Danny is married with kids, albeit it's a marriage that's on the rocks. As the two wrestle with the relationship and their future, they have to make some difficult decisions that may or may not result in a happily-ever-after. Stone Heart is a well-written romance with well-developed, complex characters and a plot with a lot of twists and turns. Readers will want to turn the pages to find out if the two end up together. This is an excellent read for those who enjoy romance and a strong female protagonist.

[Vera Blaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this book came with a content warning in the beginning since it deals with adultery for a good portion of the book. The synopsis did not come with a content warning either, so this is your CW! If you have issue with adultery especially within the confines of a Roman Catholic marriage, this book is not for you. If you can separate fact from fiction, read on.

I want to start by saying I do not condone infidelity/adultery of any sort, whether married or not. Once I discovered that Lauren and Danny, the main characters of the story, embarked in an adulterous affair I would have stopped reading. However, the depiction of the tenets of the Roman Catholic church on attending Mass, confession, and adultery were spot on. Was I disappointed that Danny and Lauren were in an adulterous relationship? Yes. While the readers get an eye full, this book was more than that. It was about struggle and inner turmoil, making bad choices and spur of the moment decisions. It was also about the value of communication and coming to terms that not every ending will be a happy one. It was about letting go... finally... and moving on.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[Pauline Knox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be an enjoyable read. I liked the writing style, which flowed nicely throughout.
I found the characters well developed and I was easily drawn in to become invested in their individual parts of the storyline, which resulted in me crying a fair bit!
I would definitely recommend this book to others.