The Broken Heart

by N.J. Gallegos

Casey Philips has it all: a deadbeat husband, a psychopathic son, a beautiful newborn daughter, and catastrophic heart failure necessitating an organ transplant. When a serial killer becomes an unexpected organ donor, Casey gets a heart and a new lease on life.

But dark dreams plague the disgruntled housewife—visions of places she's never been, chasing women she's never met. Sometimes, Casey wakes up outside her kids' rooms without realizing how she got there—knife in hand.

How far will a mother with a newly acquired taste for vengeance go to right the wrongs of an abusive husband, an increasingly violent son, and even her own sins? Only the heart knows what it truly wants.



“The Broken Heart is a fast-paced and inventive horror thriller – tightly plotted, brutal, and woven with humor. N.J. Gallegos sets her work apart with her medical expertise, sharp wit, and willingness to get as gross as horror fans could want, while spinning a riveting thriller that will satisfy fans of both genres. Strap in, because this ride doesn’t stop til the very last page.” – Laurel Hightower, author of Crossroads and Below

Genres: Horror, Medical, Fiction

340 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2023

About the author

N.J. Gallegos was born in Alamosa, Colorado (which coincidentally, is a hotbed for UFO activity). She attended college at UCCS in Colorado Springs and medical school in Missouri. After her Emergency Medicine residency, she settled in Illinois with her wife and two cats.

She loves Star Wars (especially Ahsoka), craft beers (IPAs and sours are her faves), drawing, EDM, and running.

She'll read almost anything but is drawn to horror, thrillers, sci-fi, and historical fiction.

Reviews

[N.J. Gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sure I wrote it but I think it’s fantastic.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMMMM All kinds of dark and delicious psychopathic goodness. Imagine hearing these words out of six year old child’s mouth: F*** you, c*** and f***ing b****. You also have a useless drunken husband and an infant daughter to protect…for the six year old.

If you are on a matchmaking app, you may delete it after seeing how easy it is to be a fish in a barrel for a serial killer.

There are two story lines going on: Casey, with her psychopathic son, alcoholic husband, infant daughter, and heart failure. She will need an organ transplant and a serial killer is the one to save her. Or does he? Do you believe that an organ can pass the good or bad of the donor onto the receiver? What would happen if it did?

Of course, we know the serial killer has to die so she can get his heart, but the way it happens is sweet Karma at work. LOL He was a savage, reveling in his victim’s blood, so no matter what happened to him, I didn’t think it could be bad enough.

I was excited about the plot and wondered…would a good woman be negatively affected by a serial killer’s heart? Will she turn into a serial killer too?

The marvels of medicine do amaze me and creep me out at the same time. And after reading The Broken Heart, I am even more freaked out about hospitals. I’m sure I am not the only one that gets tensed up just entering one.

After the surgery she felt an icy cold in the center of her chest and would carry that for the rest of her life. She knew…things were going to be different now. No more doormat to Jack. No more shying away in fear from Owen.

Her rant in her therapist’s office…I could see it unfold and I loved it. He sits there in judgment, doing nothing to help a desperate mother save the life of her infant child from her psychopathic son. I couldn’t help but chuckle under my breath as I read on.

Her in laws sit in judgment, having no clue of the depth of her desperation and I don’t think they would have cared any way. Casey couldn’t do anything thing right, in their eyes. She has no one to support her, no one to lean, no help at all.

Their date night…I went back and forth between wanting to puke and laugh out loud.

I saw some of what was to come and eagerly devoured the words. N J Gallegos didn’t make it so easy to figure everything out and I am happy about that. I couldn’t imagine how the story would end. There are so many possibilities and I wondered what the author would choose. She chose well.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Broken Heart by N J Gallegos.

[myreadingescapism · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely devoured this fast. I am a sucker for medical horror. I wanted to know what was next but majority of it was predictable. You knew what was going to happen, based on how everything was laid out. The pacing was definitely off.. high intensity chapter and then a dull chapter threw me off. The last like 20% were mind numbing. Overall, I still enjoyed it and will pick up anything by N.J Gallegos.

[Joe Chianakas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Broken Heart grabbed me with its awesome blend of medical dread and revenge. Even more impressive is N.J. Gallegos herself—a physician-writer who is simply a kick-ass, awesome human. Her real-world expertise gives this story terrifying authenticity.

[Emory Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner!
When I opened, "The Broken Heart", I didn't realize it would consume me. Such a great read! N.J. Gallegos is a great writer, who happens to moonlight as a doctor.

When she's not explaining to people why vaccines are a real, she's writing horror masterpieces. I love medical horror, e.g., Flatliners, The Hand (81), etc. This novel delivered everything I love and more. Not only is it medical horror, but it's medical horror written by an actual doctor. This means that every explanation or definition given is completely sound.

So, if you liked ER and House, but wished for more murder and possession, "The Broken Heart" is your book. Take the phone off the hook, because reading this novel will be an all-consuming moment in your life!

I hope you like nightmares!

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Broken Heart is a fast-paced and inventive horror thriller - tightly plotted, brutal, and woven with humor. N.J. Gallegos sets her work apart with her medical expertise, sharp wit, and willingness to get as gross as horror fans could want, while spinning a riveting thriller that will satisfy fans of both genres. Strap in, because this ride doesn't stop til the very last page.

[Brian Bowyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dynamite!

I had a blast with this one. THE BROKEN HEART is fantastic, and I'm looking forward to reading more by Gallegos. Highly recommended!

[Nicole Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a page turner! Had me on the edge of my seat right from the start! I could not stop reading; so much so I finished it in less than a day 😅 I can’t help but hope for a sequel!

[J.E. Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This hit on all cylinders, from beginning to end. Casey Philips is complicated, deep, and near the end, filled with a stomach-churning but righteous fury that I can't help but fall in love with. This book is both shocking and elegant in its brutality, and it left me in this fugue state between holding my breath in absolute horror over Casey's lingering change and fist-pumping the air when she embraces her inner monster. I absolutely loved it!

Unironically, part of me (my heart) is hoping to see Jeannie in a future story.

[Stephanie Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Broken Heart is a must read! It keeps you wanting more the whole time. Casey Philips losses herself in more than one way no thanks to her deadbeat husband but she has a new chance at life…. Or does she? Read it and find out! This book is filled with twisted turns and keeps you asking what’s next. I hope there is a second book soon because I want more!

[Cory Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following N. J. Gallegos since first reading her short story in the Hellbound Books Anthology of Splatterpunk. The Broken Heart is her debut novel. N. J. writes a well-educated distinct style of medical horror, a genre I never realized I enjoyed so much until reading it. I mean we've all been to a hospital before and know the stress and anxiety it produces, it translates well to horror fiction. This story engages you and you won't want to put it down. I usually take a week plus to read a book that's over 300 pages and I finished this in less than two days. I couldn't recommend The Broken Heart enough!

[Ashley Marmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the pleasure of reading this book and watching it evolve from an idea into a masterpiece! I may be biased but I absolutely loved the book! The concept is catchy and the story goes much deeper than expected. 10/10 would recommend.

[julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5 ☆
I don't think I've read many books in the horror genre, this one might as well be my first and I don't think I can call myself a fan. The premise is interesting but the story is pretty predictable. The writing style is not my personal favorite either.

[Michael Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spectacular premise and a story well told. If you like horror, you will love this.

[Fraley Stribling · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic read. Taking place in the mind of Casey Phillips, a house wife with a lackluster (and abusive) husband and a deranged son, Gallegos gives the reader a main character that we empathize with. When Casey gets a heart transplant from a less than desirable donor, her thoughts turn dark. Eventually Casey’s actions follow her new dark desires, and the reader can’t help but still root for her. Twisted an horrifying, The Broken Heart is a real page turner.
Thanks to the author for my advanced reading copy of the book!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I should preface this by there are triggering subjects in here, in a wide variety. They weave an intricate web of life and the instant a situation can change. How being pushed to the brink can have catastrophic outcomes, and not necessarily in the worst ways. You feel like you’re the MC, immersed in the feelings of motherhood, being a wife, having a life altering medical condition. You are exposed to medical terminology and events that occur for some every day.

[Vivian Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

One woman’s buried rage at a broken, abusive marriage, a medical establishment that neglects women’s health and the realization that she’s raising a monster find violent release after a heart transplant. The Broken Heart is a tense slide into cathartic tragedy and I loved every page of it.

I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review.

[Liz Deddo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was between a 3.5 and 4 for me. At first, I was really into it. I loved the medical aspect (the author is a physician) and the story flowed very well. I was intrigued. I think what made me lower my rating a bit, was the ending. I am ever the fan of closure, which I would have liked more of. I would definitely read more of her books though!

[Michele W. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting Premise

Fun main character. Well written. Interesting idea fleshed out as a horror-medical thriller. Perfect for those who enjoy slasher stories with a twist.

[Joe Ortlieb · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were a lot of medical terms that I wasn't sure of, which didn't stop me from enjoying this. It's a helluva good story that has just enough twisted in it for anyone to enjoy. Get out there and read it you won't be upset when you do

[Danette McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

It really kept my interest throughout the book! I love a justified ending!

[Kelly Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say?! This one gripped me!! Shocking and fearless from beginning to end.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I'm not going to give you the 'what this book is about' blurb - you can read that elsewhere.


1. I discovered medical thrillers/horror relatively recently, and I have fallen in love! As someone who has worked in multiple avenues of healthcare throughout my life, it simply feels like home. That said, I’m particular about the accuracy of the information in these books. As I was reading The Broken Heart, I was so impressed with how well the medical procedures and devices were explained, I actually told my husband how happy I was with the research the author put in. Then, I found out the author is an ER doctor in real life, and it all made sense! I LOVE when a professional works their industry knowledge into their creative work. Because of how seamlessly Gallegos did it, I’m putting her work on par with Tess Gerritsen and Lucinda Berry. In my mind, that’s a huge compliment!

2. Speaking of Lucinda Berry – this book gave me some creepy kid vibes similar to Berry’s ‘The Perfect Child’ and that made me so deliciously uncomfortable.

3. I know due to cellular memory transference (which is something I’ve always been completely fascinated with) – it wasn’t 100% ‘her’ after her transplant, but regardless I still felt such triumph for Casey when she FINALLY had enough and blew up at her husband. I mean, he needed a hard conversation for quite some time, and when she snapped at him, I was cheering.

4. Wow, this got dark. There’s a part where the plotline goes in a direction I did not see coming. I think I was focused on the wrong things in the storyline to even consider going in that direction, but I loved the path it took, and I’m not mad about being surprised with a twist.

[Abbi Sorrells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sucked in from the first 3 pages. I have a long list of DNF because I get bored very easily with books. I couldn’t finish this fast enough. So much suspense and shocking moments. This will be my favorite book of the year.

[Jami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this down! I mean…I don’t even know where to start. Just, WOW! It was even better the second time I read it! The author has a wild imagination and the mix of medical details is awesome (great for a healthcare worker but not too much that it would scare off non-medical readers).

[Molli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will reel you in from page one, not like some books that take a few chapters to grab your attention. The character development is masterfully written, sparing no attention to detail that makes you feel invested in the story. The story line is unique and addresses the ultimate ‘what if’ scenario if your only chance at life is through the life of a killer. The plot continues to thicken through every dark turn and leaves you wanting more.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

N. J. Gallegos's debut novel, The Broken Heart, is bold and twisty and doesn't shy away from dark subject matter.

Casey Philips, a worn-out mother with a deranged young son and an infant daughter whose delivery left Casey with a failing heart, is thrilled when she learns a donor heart has become available. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to her, the new heart she receives is from a serial killer. After Casey recovers from transplant surgery, dark and bloody dreams haunt her. From there...well, you'll have to read it to find out.

Gallegos's prose is crisp and sharp and pulls in plenty of medical details to showcase her background as a physician. Fans of the serial killer genre are sure to be entertained!

(Thank you to the author for an Advance Reading Copy!)

[Nathaniel Darkish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, violent, and nasty horror novel that blends serial killer and bad seed tropes with... Return to Me? The writing is strong and does interesting things with perspective, and Gallegos shows us she is willing to go DARK. She's going to be a writer to watch going forward.

[Eileen Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Broken Heart

I stayed up reading this novel until 4a.m. two different nights, and totally worth it. I hope to read more about Casey and to read more from N.J.Gallegos. This is a delightfully creepy story. Casey is a terrifying M.C.

[Drema Deòraich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated by this chilling novel, in which POV mostly switches from main character Casey to the killer, one Eugene Bartlett, who appears in only a few chapters before his demise. Even so, given Gallegos’s intimate treatment of both characters, it was easy to get a bit of a feel for what kind of man he was—other than a serial killer, that is. Even after his death, the author skillfully weaves in details that add to the overall picture, filling in any lingering gaps of his life. Yet even though he dies less than 25% of the way in, his presence is felt throughout the rest of the book. Very well done.

Casey is the quintessential unhappy housewife with two added bonuses: a dangerous son and a failing heart. As the story unfolds, I came to understand what Casey despised in her husband, Jack, whose POV occupies little on-the-page space. Even when not seeing him through Casey’s eyes, being in his head served to underline her feelings toward him. And there was no doubt in my mind that Owen, her young son, is anything other than a danger to himself and others. This element of the story is brought forward early in the book, and is a constant thread through nearly every page, especially given the fact that Casey fears for her infant daughter’s safety in the same house with this boy.

Gallegos masterfully weaves the threads of Casey’s predicament together such that we feel for her every step of the way. This is a story of one woman’s endurance, her revelations brought on by life-altering surgery, the nightmares that plague her thereafter, and the choices she makes when there are no good ones left. I could not put it down and read the entire book in less than 24 hours.

It’s worth noting that there are some potentially triggering issues in the book regarding violence against women and children. But then, it is classified as horror, so I expect anyone who is drawn to the story will expect that going in.

The Broken Heart is due for release in September of this year. I received an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review, which boils down to this: if you love a heart-pounding story with a female lead character, one that will grab you and not put you down until the last page is turned, you will want to read The Broken Heart. Highly recommended.