An all new emotionally charged second chance romance.What happens when you fall for the boy next door?Bea Norwood had the market on normal.Drama free life? Check.A single-mother who doubled as her confidant and partner in crime? Check. A neighbor and best friend she trusted more than anyone? Check.But that was until the day her mother remarried. The day that changed everything.When her best … changed everything.When her best friend’s cousin, Liam Falcon, is sent to live with his aunt and uncle to clean up his act, Bea finds herself falling for the boy next door. With their hearts so infinitely entwined, Bea turns to Liam as her only escape from her new step-brother’s daily torment at home. Bea thought their love could conquer anything. But she was wrong. Love was for fools, and she was the biggest fool of them all. When Liam left Lakeport, he took her heart with him, shattering the organ to pieces.
Six years later, Liam takes a trip back to Lakeport to visit his family, and to see HER.
His first love.The girl who holds his heart.The same girl who shattered it six years ago without looking back.
Liam is hell-bent on seeing Bea again after six years, but what he finds tears his heart in half. Bea Norwood is a shell of the girl he fell in love with. Underneath the baggy clothes, and pale skin, he knows she’s still in there somewhere, he just needs to find her. Liam will stop at nothing to win his girl back, but sometimes, ignorance is bliss, and Liam isn’t prepared for Bea’s truth.
Some aspects of this story may be sensitive for readers.
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Let me start by saying that ACHE is most definitely an emotionally charged, deeply personal, heart wrenching, raw, and gritty journey of two people who are destined to be together…destined to give one another everything that they have to give…destined to love one another for as long as they possibly can, but what ACHE also illustrates is that other people’s hatred…their selfishness…their need to dominant and control makes them think they can do whatever they want…makes them take and take, never stopping to think about the person or people they’re punishing for reasons that have nothing to do with them and everything to do with the monster inside of that person…the bastard whose devastating acts must be stopped in order to prevent any further irreparable damage.
Ache is divided into two parts – the first one focuses on Liam Falcon’s, Bea’s best friend, Myrah’s cousin, coming into Bea’s life and the progression of their feelings for each other as they get to know one another and realize that they would give each other the sky and the stars if they could, and the second one that explores what happens when circumstances change for both of them. Part two is 6 years later and the time that has passed has allowed Liam to prosper and Bea to lose every single piece of what defined her all those years ago.
And S.M. Soto brings her A game when it comes to understanding the ins and outs of Bea’s descent into a lonely and dark place – one that seems almost impossible to pull herself out of because of the emotional and physical damage that has been inflicted upon her. There are so many layers to this book and Soto meticulously develops each one in order for her readers to fully understand who Bea was and who she is in the present due to broken promises and the uncontrollable acts of others. All of Bea’s emotional torment, self doubt, and steps forward and back truly show her struggles and just how horrifically difficult it is for her to regain herself…to regain control after everything has been stripped from her.
In so many ways, this book is solely Bea’s story, so it makes sense that her voice would be the only one readers get as the book continues, but Soto brings Liam’s perspective into the second half, providing another significant view of the events that are unfolding and allowing readers to see exactly what Liam’s feelings are when it comes to the girl who he vowed to bring the universe to…
The different representations and meanings of ACHE that are explored throughout Bea and Liam’s story speak to the positive and negative symbolism that, that word connotes, making it the perfect title to capture Bea’s desire for Liam, the love they share, the abuse she suffered, her transformation, and hopefully, her resurrection.
You DO NOT want to miss ACHE by S.M. Soto; she crafted a deeply moving story that does so much more than show a victim of abuse because that’s not where Bea’s journey ends and even though the journey back is both heartbreaking and damaging, through it, readers see a heroine who fights for her life, for the love she deserves, and for a chance to regain control and finally breathe again, and while the the ache will always be there for everything that was lost, for everything that happened, for everything that was forced upon her, it no longer has to dominate and define her.
5 Poison Apples
Holy smokes this book. S.M. Soto took such a tough topic and wrote it so eloquently that you could feel the raw pain that Bea was going through during the whole book. I can’t imagine going through what she did and came out fighting. It was gut wrenching and heart breaking.
Everything that Bea endured at the hands of people who are suppose to protect her, absolutely gutted me. There were times I was getting down right pissed off because the signs should have been noticeable. Liam thought he was doing what he felt was best but it broke Bea in so many ways. That was a domino effect to everything that happened to Bea. I loved how Bea started to open up to Melody and let Myrah back into her life as well. When things finally implode, seeing how Liam and everyone was there for Bea but what broke my heart is how far it took to get there.
Overall, this story will hit you hard. It touches a really emotional and heartbreaking topic but it gives you hope that you can come out of a situation like this. That you can live your life to the fullest after being broken down so much. While this book is utterly brilliant, I will give warning that it could hit you in a dark place. But it is very much a book that should be read.
This was such a rough read, the first 30% of this book is indescribably brutal. On more than one occasion I nearly walked away, something that I rarely allow myself. This book was so far outside the scope of my comfort zone, I urge you to tread carefully if you are easily triggered by abuse.
Ultimately I was able to push through, and by the closing of this story I found myself completely consumed by Bea’s story. Not you’re average heroine, S.M. Soto truly brings Bea to life in explicit detail. From naive inexperienced young girl, to confident survivor… Bea’s journey is an emotionally gripping one, guiding you through romantically pungent highs and sadistically twisted lows.
Though I grew rather fond of Bea, I had a hard time believing in the connection between her and Liam. Realistically that guy you dated in highschool whom you never got passed 2nd base with… Isn’t going to show up professing his undying love for you six years later. Also every.single.time. he referred to her as “sweet” I wanted to bang my head against the wall.Yet, Bea’s story is still so incredibly riveting that I urge you to ignore this flaw
If you’re looking for a book which deviates from others in its genre, an author who is unafraid to venture into territory that most run from… Then I would highly suggest you check out S.M. Soto’s Ache
I opened this book thinking „only one chapter then sleep” and ended reading almost half of it and the rest the next day. I thought Ache was going to be a light book with schematic teenage drama. I couldn’t be more wrong. This pain, this anger, and emotions are still buzzing in my body, even days after reading Ache. This story will stay with me for a very long time.
Bea is a simple teenager with a fantastic friend as a neighbor and caring (laugh) mother. One day she gets to know Myrah cousin, Liam who was sent away to live with his aunt and uncle. From Bea point of view, it was love at first sight. The purest and the most beautiful thing supposedly nothing could destroy. I loved their connection, first touch and kiss. Their nights spend under shining stars filled with Bea tales and facts about astronomy. And Liam…he is my guy. Although he is only a teenage boy, he knows what he wants from life. He is the most caring and protective guy, a perfect combination for a first and only boyfriend.
But their blossoming relationship is destroyed with Liam sudden return to home and Bea mother’s new relationship. These two things caused six years of hell…until Liam returns to Lakeport to get closure. And when he sees his beloved one became a shell of a girl he used to know he wants to know the truth. Will he be ready to hear it?
The present combining with past gives us the most beautiful yet cruel, filled with fear, shame, love and hope story. Along with Bea, I fought for her happiness. It wasn’t an easy road, sometimes she didn’t believe in her ability to became free but with baby steps and right people around her, Bea won. I had tears in my eyes from helplessness, in certain moments I wanted to shout and punch a wall imagining a few heroes from Ache, especially Bea mother.
Seeing Liam again, starting college, meeting a new friend and reunion with Myrah gave Bea so needed strength. She is a survivor, not a person who should be ashamed of her past and actions. I admire her very much. And Liam proved his worth. I am constantly reading last chapters smiling so wide and wishing for more of them. More of this amazing and heartbreaking story.
Thank you, S.M. Soto, for Ache. I am deeply honored to be a part of Bea and Liam journey to their HEA.
“Bea’s my sun, my moon, and all my stars – the entire universe combined.”
Wow. Just, WOW! I’m entirely incapable of coherent thought after finishing ACHE by S.M. Soto. How do I even put into words the feelings and emotions this book evokes? This book was in a word – extraordinary. ACHE is intense, agonizingly raw, heart-wrenching, high angst, epically emotional, while also being wholly beautiful, poignant, and utterly moving. Touching beyond words, truly.
This book will strip you down, and push you from your comfort zone. Author S.M. Soto artfully delivers a book that is guaranteed to touch your heart.
These characters…. they have my heart. Somewhere along the line these characters become ones you will never venture to forget. I’m not going to lie, this wasn’t an easy or light read. It’s not meant to be. It is however a story that’s real. S.M. Soto is unequivocally the writer to tell this story. She’s bold, she’s brave, and her voice gives life to these characters. The emotive and descriptive writing found in ACHE is just exceptional. Prepare yourself for an arduous journey and read this astonishing book today! Enjoy xo
*This book does contain triggers and distressing content. Take this into account prior to reading. xo
Bea goes through so much torment and physical abuse. She meets Liam, the boy next door and he is like a breath of fresh air for her. When he leaves she goes through more hell. This is truly a heartbreaking story and a second chance at love and life. A great read but with triggers possible for some.
I just finished reading a very, very gritty book. Even though there’s violence, what really hit me hard was the malevolence.
Bea was living an idillic life with her single mother when the mother suddenly married and brought home a new husband and a new step-brother for Bea. The step-brother, Connor, was weird from the start. His demeanor towards Bea, the way he stared at her, his ominous silences, all showed a strange attitude towards Bea. Yet, Bea never told her mother because she didn’t want to dim her mother’s newly married happiness.
Shortly after, Bea’s best friend and next door neighbor Myrah announces that her cousin is coming to live with them. When Bea meets with Liam, they’re struck with the sensation of having just met THE ONE. Eventually they evolve into a couple until Liam is called back home to complete his high school and get drafted to play professional baseball.
And then the abuse started….
This wasn’t a nice story to read, not only because of the abuse but for the breaking of Bea’s spirit and bubbly personality. She was depressed by Liam’s departure, so she was especially vulnerable for Connor’s attacks. Her mother and stepfather’s negligence, so happy in their life and travels, were complicit in furthering her withdrawal from life, from friends, from school. Bea was weak with Connor, yet she had the strength of spirit to withstand the abuse to protect her mother and friends from his menaces. I was at times angry at Bea, for not speaking out and angry at her mother for leaving her daughter defenseless at the hands of a man who is not a blood relative. There is no logic to abuse, there is no way to understand and analyze it because it is just crazy. Connor’s obsession with Bea, his hate and dominance were totally psychotic, and there was a malevolent air around him.
When Liam comes back to town, it seems to jump-start Bea’s personality and she tries to come back to life, wants to starts college again, make new friends. She and Liam make some moves to get near again. They have huge obstacles because Connor is like a malevolent shadow lurking behind Bea’s back, punishing all infractions on his insistence that she should not have any friends or a life outside of the house. There’s also Emery, Liam’s best friend, who is in love with him and accompanies him on his visits to Myrah.
I was angry with parts of this story because Bea’s mother seemed to accept her daughter’s sudden withdrawal, change of personality, depression, suicide attempt, and dropout from school and never forced remediation in the form of psychological help. Her daughter needed closer supervision and she neglected her duties, leaving her constantly in the house, alone with a man who is not real family. A loving mother, as she is depicted in the book, would not do this.
The story has excessive violence and some plot lines were not completed during the story. I was sorry not to hear about Jenny at the end, didn’t know about Richard, Connor’s father and the husband, whether they stayed married or not. This is not the type of book that you savor and want to read again, but it does bring forth an important and relevant issue and presents it with shock value.
I’m not quite sure I’ll get this right, or be able to do this book any justice but I’ll try. I’ll start by saying after reading straight for 3 hours, I released a breath I didn’t know I was even holding. It was THAT amazing.
This book is a hard read, and probably harder for some than others. But through this book I feel we are told more than just a terrifying story. We are shown that love can prevail all, that loves gives you hope, love heals, and love saves. Sometimes I think the best stories sometimes have a harder road to lead you down but the endings are always so worth it. Reading this book is so worth it.
Bea is the innocence we all remember and still crave. She is happy, the world is at her finger tips and she knows the feeling of her first love.
Liam is the guy that does follow his dream but ultimately realizes that he is missing something. And that something is Bea.
This story was beautifully written and each chapter left an impression on me. When an author moves me to tears, but leaves me with a smile on my face, I think it means their job was executed perfectly. I think it’s always tough to tackle hard subjects, but S.M. was able to accomplish not only telling a true love, redemption story, but also managed to pull every single emotion out of me while still being written tastefully, tactfully and truthfully. She gave a voice to those that will need it one day. This book will change someone or reach someone one day, or it might give someone pause before passing judgement on a situation. It is the gripping story of one girls painful path that leads to something so pure and beautiful that it will stay with you for awhile.
I think the title is most fitting because my soul, mind and body ached while reading and even now as I’m sitting here typing. I know I won’t be alone in knowing this will be a favorite read of 2019 for me. A full 5 stars!
This novel was so aptly named as you definitely felt the Ache while reading. It was a gut-wrenching story that will evoke a range of emotion from you. The story sucks you in from the start and won’t let you go until the end. Yes it a story that tackles a difficult subject matter but its also a story that needs to be told. Its a story of survival, about love, hope and healing. Its also a story that reminds us all to look around and pay attention….someone might be in need of help.
This was my first SM Soto novel and it definitely left a lasting impression. Worthy of more than 5 stars this thought-provoking novel was a phenomenal read and I would highly recommend it to everyone as it delivers a very powerful message.
Beautiful, but heartbreaking second chance romance. It does have some triggers, so reader beware. It was well worth the read though. The road wasn’t easy for Bea and Liam, but especially not Bea. Sometimes the most tragic love stories turn into the most beautiful love stories. I believe this is the case for Liam and Bea. My heart broke for them both. Bea is strong though. Liam is strong, faithful, and attentive with an undying love for Bea. S.M. Soto does a wonderful job of writing a tragic, but beautiful love story. The plot was difficult at times to read but I am glad that I read it. It has a great message and wonderful characters. I recommend reading it.
***ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.***
“He’s my planet. All my stars. My whole world. My solar system. My entire universe.”
Wow…Ache was unbelievably heartbreaking and at times almost unbearable to read. S.M. Soto took a subject that usually gets glossed over and brought it into the light, baring all of it’s ugliness to the naked eye. The hardest part is acknowledging that this could be anyone’s nightmare and not just for Bea who lies within the pages of a book. I’m not sure this one will ever leave me nor do I want it to. Be vigilant with those you love for signs of abuse. Unfortunately, it’s more common than you think.
********** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW **********
Oh my LANTA!!! this story is painful in every single way possible! Seriously when I say my heart is aching, it is. This is brutal. There was only one area where I wish we received more. I feel like Jenny should have revisited after the scene with her. I would have loved an apology. SM Soto is a pro in pulling out emotions. I was literally yelling at the characters throughout this story. I kept begging the friends to look… or the parents to see. Hindsight is always 20/20 and all that jazz.
The performers were brilliant. Ava Erickson sounded like a kicked puppy… I thn k that’s what they were going for when the story is so traumatizing. Joe Arden is emotional and so strong. I can’t even explain how they both spoke strait to my soul, hitting it!!
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I mean, WOW!!! S.M. Soto is knocking these books completely outta the park lately! Ache is insanely emotional! I just… I don’t even know what to say about this book. ACHE is thought-provoking and incredibly sad. I ACHED! Bea’s life was everything she wanted, until it wasn’t. This book shows you exactly what CAN happen when life changes. Sometimes it’s nothing… it’s a new boy in town, it’s a relative that spends the summer with his/her cousins, it’s your mom/dad remarrying. There are a million tiny and large things that can change your life, for the better and for the worse. Soto shows us the bad side. The bad side hurt my heart… a lot! I think I’m going to stop here but I’d say if you have abuse triggers than you should either skip this one or go in super slowly and be aware you are walking into a ton of heartACHE!!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
This book shot straight up there with the rest of my top favorites!! WOW this book was so Gut Wrenchingly beautiful and I just loved everything about it SM Soto did such an amazing job with this story and I can’t wait for what else’s she might have in store for us
“Bea’s my sun, my moon, and all my stars–the entire universe combined.”
Oh my heart!! This story was beautifully told, heart-wrenching, heart-felt, gritty, raw, and rife with pain, intermingled with a love of a lifetime given a second chance. It called to the realness of the dark topic, how it ripples out to those we love, and the strength of those who experience it, even if we don’t understand their motivations. I was lost amongst the pages, where at times, even with tears in my eyes, I appreciated every second the Author gave me. Bea and Liam’s love was palpable, and even with so much time lost, you felt it so deeply, you couldn’t help but want it for them even more than they wanted it themselves. I can feel the emotions lingering well after I finished. An absolute must read, a gorgeous story that will make you think, hurt, heal, and feel so very much. I thank the Author for providing a copy to review.
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
I must admit that I don’t always read the synopsis before I begin a book. I enjoy going in blind and trusting the author to take me on a journey to ‘happily ever after.’ I usually only do this with authors that I know and love. I have read several books written by author S.M. Soto, and I was captivated while reading each of them. So, when I saw her newest book, Ache, I jumped at the chance to read it. And did so blind.
Ache tells the story of Bea Norwood and Liam Falcon. Bea lived across the street from her best friend, Myrah. She met Liam when she was thirteen, and he was moving into his cousin Myrah’s house. They both were attracted to each other, but they were young, and Liam eventually left to pursue his dream of playing professional baseball.
Ache is a heartbreaking second chance romance that was hard to read at times. You will need a box of tissues near you as it was often agonizing and gut-wrenching to read. Even thou this was true, Ache was an amazing story and it was written very well. I can honestly say that this is one story that I will not be forgetting anytime soon.
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy
Wow!This deserves so much more than five stars!!
This story had me enthralled from the beginning. I didn’t put it down, I couldn’t put it down!
It is a confronting, gut wrenching, heartbreaking story. Through the turmoil and pain there is a beautiful, intense, raw love.
You know from the start to the end of Liam and Bea’s story that it was written with so much love, emotion and the beauty within the words will leave you remembering their story forever.
This is one of my favourite reads ever and I highly recommend it.
I am trying to write a review that doesn’t give away anything, yet tell you to also be prepared and have a box of tissues next to you.
This book was not what I expected, this was such a hard book for me to read NOT because I didn’t love it but because this is a issue that we don’t read about every day. I was in tears from the very beginning, I was in tears HOURS after I finished reading it. This book was about a young girl that all she wanted was to be happy and feel free, yet life didn’t always go as we plan. This was for me something so deep, SM SOTO writes this book and the topic in a way we can feel everything Bea is feeling.
Bea is so strong, so beautiful, and I just love her to pieces. I was cheering for her from the very beginning. Liam, guys… Liam is and will always be one of my favorite book boyfriends. He is truly a HERO, he has a heart of gold and he is there for Bea lifting her up. This book is a must read guys, this will make you cry, but the story behind it is so powerful, so strong, and just something we need to read. This is a book I will ALWAYS remember, this is a book I will not forget for a very long time.
“You make it hard to breathe. You make me smile. And on days like these, you make my heart skip a beat.”
Ache was my first book by S.M. Soto and wow, what a heavy start. This book is definitely not for faint-hearted readers. This book is heavy stuff wrapped in one beautiful package of a story that will shake you to the core.
“Bea’s my sun, my moon, and all my stars – the entire universe combined.”
This book is more…. it’s energy will give you chills and makes you feel things you can’t put into words. I took my time reading it, because it deals with a heavy topic in a very descriptive way.
“The star crossed lovers who were rewriting the stars, rebuilding our own story.”
Liam and Bea have a special chemistry and connection. And I really wish I could have felt this deeper. Even though I loved reading their story, despite the heavy topic that hangs over all chapters, the last final touch in their connection was missing to me.
However, both characters and all secondary characters are wonderfully written, their voices speak loud and clearly and each of them grew easily on me.
“Our love was written in my scars, just as it was scattered across the stars.”
Ache is a very intense love story about two star crossed lovers getting a second chance which is going to break you down piece by piece and it will take your breathe away … but it also gives you hope, gives you back your smile and shows what it means to be strong and stand up for yourself.
“Liam Falcon is the boy who captured my heart, and the man who saved my life.
I’m still trying to comprehend how I can review this story without too much spoilers. It was my first read from this author and it definitely won’t be my last one! If you start this book, it’s good that there’s a warning at the beginning but you’ll need a box of tissues along the way. At one moment I really had to stop reading ‘cuz of the content and although it has some triggers for me, there was something that kept me reading but damn it was very hard to do at times. Some scenes were very graphically told but I think the author stayed true to herself and no matter how many times you can tell yourself or anyone else that it may not have been that necessary, these things happen, and I think it was vital for how Bea’s story was told. I know there will be readers out there that still won’t understand how someone can stay silent throughout those very hard emotional times, but it’s until you have been there in some way in that emotional state, that you know how hard it is to truly speak out. And yes some still don’t speak out and that’s the hard reality.
When Bea meets Liam at her best friends house, there’s this undeniable chemistry and pull between them that grows every single day. And being neighbours makes it easier for them to be in each others life and grow a bond that deepens along the way. When her mother remarries, her stepdad and stepbrother move in with them and everything she thought seems to change but she still can escape next door if she needs a change of scenery. But when Liam moves away, things really will change and her life will never be the same again…
Now years later, when Liam comes back, he’ll try to win back the one girl that got away but as soon as he and Bea meet again, he feels something is different. Will Bea let him back into her life?… And will she finally have the courage to get her own life back?… To find a way to breathe again…
Wow…nothing like I have ever read before. Bea’s story is a heartbreaking, gut wrenching journey that will not be for everyone because of triggers, but if you are not triggered by abuse then this is a MUST READ!!!
Bea and Liam’s second chance romance was such an emotional roller coaster of a ride that I will not soon forget. Their story made my heart ache for them like no other story has. Sometimes the most beautiful love stories are not the easiest to tell.
S.M. Soto does such an amazing job writing their painfully beautiful story and bringing out EVERY emotion possible while reading.
Happy Reading Everyone!!