Torn

Forbidden, Taboo, But Oh, So Right!

Who can say they've loved the same person in so many ways, all their life.

My first Carian Cole book and WOW did she ever enthrall me with a rare, unforgettable, one in million love story. It was taboo, walked the line, and seared a place in my heart. Hooked from the first chapter, glued to my headphones, I know, no matter how many more romance stories I listen too in the future, I will always remember this one vividly. While this story may not be for some, I LOVE It!

Some spoilers:
A well written, passionate, poetic, story that builds angst, chemistry, love and sexual tension by alternating between the past and present. We see Tor and Kenzi's love grow, and transform over her lifespan. He's been in her life daily from day one, and was there to take care of Kenzi when her parents had to be away. She's grown up thinking of him as Uncle Tor, but as she reaches adulthood her feelings grow deeper. She no longer thinks of him as the uncle who was there to kiss her boo-boos, read her a bedtime story, or help navigate her teen years, but rather as a man that makes her burn with passion and her heart flutter. The flashback scenes really show how much Tor cared and loved Kenzi throughout the years, and built the angst Tor felt for developing deeper emotional feelings for Kenzi. But as she matures, he cannot deny their connection, and the love they have for each other. Kenzi's becomes the one women who truly understands Tor, she loves him and wants to be with him. As they accept and give into their feelings, love and start a relationship, there is one hurdle in their way, not everyone will accept or understand their relationship. Their love will be put to the test, when the lines have been crossed, truth comes out, and friends feel betrayed.

The narrations was awesome! Both Noelle Bridges, and Mason Lloyd performance was flawless; they really delivered on all the various emotions, and characters.

Torn was an amazing one of kind romance that may not be for everyone, but was truly unforgettable, and filled with so many beautiful poetic words and quotes. Well worth the time, and credit! Carian Cole has a passion for animals and it radiates throughout the story. As a dog lover, I found these scenes just as touching and heart-warming as Tor and Kenzi's love story.

20 of 23 people found this review helpful

MORAL TURPITUDE?

This is an Ashes & Embers spinoff. I wish Ashes & Embers was somewhere in the title so people know this. I found out by reading Amazon book reviews.

This book will push your moral boundaries. IMO you'll have one of three reactions:

1. Moral Disgust
2. Sympathy
3. Understanding

Let's add a fourth:

4. All of the above...which are the emotions I went thru.

I can add a fifth emotion...IRRITATION. After listening for 6 hours I almost stopped because of Carian Cole dragging out the push-n-pull dilemma. So I took a break and when I started back listening to the second half the story picked up.

In previous books there is the mention of Asher's wife, Kenzie's mother...Ember. But only that she's not around and Asher is in a dark place. We do find out in this story what happened to Ember but no details. I've read that Asher's story is next so we'll find out exactly what happened to Ember.

I adored Torn and his family's dog rescue and shelter. There were parts of the dog rescues that tore up my heart.

I love this series. Corian Cole incorporates unusual real life issues with a fiction story that takes you thru an array of emotions. It's not about a band on tour (the band is in the background) it's about the lives of the band members and their family issues & challenges. The family also has a lot of love, romance, and sexy times.

Noelle Bridges and Mason Lloyd gave a great performance.

Worth a credit/$$ - I'm on the fence with this one, as I was with Vandal.

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫

I enjoyed this book very much! Talk about foreplay.... 80% of this book is build up. I love the Ashes & Embers series and was a little disappointed to see there was a new series out by this author when I was waiting for more in that series but then I started this and realized this book is from the same world and we get a little visit from almost everyone in the Ashes & Embers series too! When I first realized where this book was going I thought the age gap was too large and the history was to much like family but the author changed my mind completely. I love that she goes back and forth with peeks from the past, that helps understand the history between these characters. This book was sweet & sexy all in one! I can't wait for more from this author.

The narration was great too!

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Major Book Hangover

So, normally I just rate the books after I finish them and rarely do I feel inclined to leave a written review these days. THIS book, however, left me with so many feels that I had no choice but to write a few words down just so I could prolong the wonderful afterglow from listening to this story.

Initially, I thought the main draw to this story would be the "taboo" aspect of the romance - but it was so much more than just a story about a younger girl and an older guy. Tor and Kenzi's history was beautifully woven throughout the story in brief flashbacks which did not detract from the present tense.

I really enjoyed the slow burn of the push and pull during the first half, and the spice of the second half of the story was even more fun to listen to. I will definitely be revisiting this story again soon and I look forward to reading Tyler's story next.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Wow, just wow!

I honestly wasn't sure about this book when I picked it up, because the premise seemed a bit... skeevy. I hate to even say that now that I read it, but that being said, I'm so glad I gave it a chance.

This was a beautiful love story from start to finish, and it encompassed every kind of love, not just the romance of falling in love.

I both read and listened to this one, both ways are enjoyable, although the female voice in the audiobook added to my sketchy feelings in the beginning, because she didn't transfer to a more mature/less mature voice (real time vs flashback memories) for Kenzi. Hearing a "little girly" sounding speech pattern for a "mature beyond her years" 18 year old almost ruined it. I tucked that little issue aside though and just got lost in the story.

The questionable subject matter was handled so beautifully that any taboo feelings you might have had going in are washed away, and you can't help but wish for Kenai and Tor to get their HEA.

Absolutely lovely!

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

can't get enough

I can not put into words how much emotion in felt listening to this book. Carian is a superb writer who makes you connect to all the characters not just the main ones. The way she handled this taboo subject was nothing short of class. can not wait to read more from her

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

what a dream come true!!!

well this was a dream come true...I can't believe what a great book this was and I lost almost two nights of sleep for it but I absolutely loved every minute...I never thought it was possible for tor and kinsey to find there HEA but I'm so happy they did...I went thru times of tears not seeing how this could possibly work for then but I'm so glad I was proven wrong. I made me wish for a hot Mr. tor for myself....I'd definitely love to read more of this author books . I definitely give this book a BIG 10 stars......love Tor ....the most...wow!!!! just so HOT!!!!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

If I could give Torn more than 20 stars I would!

What did you love best about Torn?

Sometimes you read a book or listen to an audiobook it throws you off kilter! Tilt’s your world, leaving you in a tale spin. Then rocking you to the core! That’s what “Torn!” did to me!

I was literally was flabbergasted by beauty, soul and passion that is Torn! I wanted to scream! Off the rooftops over and over till of your lungs hurt. With sheer gratification of reading this work of art! Oh and that small matter of taboo. At first I was concerned about the age difference. Plus the relationship that they had.
But since Carian Cole did a magnificent job executing this sensitive subject. I just had to marvel over her writing abilities.

Oh, those amazing flashbacks gave me chills. Chills to bottom of my limbs. Making my pulse erratic and my breathing to be off. Then hearing those words echoing in my mind. I was done for! A fully body mind, body and soul experience. Is what I had.
It just added another to the storyline which worked brilliantly.
If I could give Torn more than 20 stars I would! Simply a mind blowing Love story!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Just a full heart!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great Book

Love the story. It has a nice flow. If I were going to change anything it would be having more focus on the dynamics of the healing and moving forward once the father is aware of the relationship between his daughter and best friend. The author could have actually moved into a sequel with that part and I would have bought it too.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Love it!

This is my first time listening to this author and I'm so glad I did!! She is right up there with my favorites; Julie Garwood, Lisa Kleypas, and Nora Roberts! Will definitely be getting more of her books!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful