When I was five years old, I told Toren Grace I was going to marry him when I grew up. When I turned eighteen, I made it clear I still felt the same. The problem? He’s fifteen years older than me, and he’s my father’s best friend. Toren Grace. My father’s best friend. My pseudo-uncle.He’s always been my rock. The one I should never, ever want.But I do want him, and I love him.I always have.Tor’s … him.
I always have.
Tor’s one of the good guys. Loving. Devoted. A strong moral compass. One kiss between us rocked him clear off his axis. Now, we can’t forget how that kiss felt, and what it changed. Nothing will ever be the same between us. I’m not a little girl anymore, and he’s everything I want.
I know he’s struggling, but I’m determined. With a last name of Valentine, I’ve got cupid in my veins. The heart wants what the heart wants, and it doesn’t care about age or how we met. My father cares, though. And he’s the one person neither one of us can stand to hurt.
We’re all being torn apart, and I don’t know how to make everyone see that the wrongs are actually right.
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I just have to start with my favorite quote:
“Somewhere in hell Satan has just pulled out a bag of marshmallows and is roasting them in my honor.”
I wasn’t sure if i would like a romance book about a man falling in love with his best friend’s daughter. A daughter that he helped raise since the day she was born but Carian Cole has captivated my attention from the beginning all the way to the end! The plot had enough twists to keep me engaged and the characters felt so real. I fell in love with Tor and Kenzi. Reading their story you can’t help but see one man and one woman falling in love and fighting so hard to make things work. I was afraid that once i started this book that the fact that he raised her then fell in love with her would be weird but it never was. Carian Cole has a way with words to make you see them as two people meant to be together while still reminding the reader of the challenges they have to overcome to reach their happily ever after. This is the first book I stumbled across from Carian Cole and I can’t wait until the release of number two in the Devils Wolves! Until then I’ll settle for more of her writing in her Ashes & Embers series. I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Torn!!!
I LOVED this book. Where to start with this. Okay so… to start… this is a story that should be every kind of wrong. Instead it is every kind of right. I do not normally like big age gaps with a barely legal heroine. And I ESPECIALLY don’t like them if the guy practically raised her. I find it pretty fucking squicky and most of the time it’s a HARD LIMIT.
BUT… somehow Carian Cole makes this story work. You can feel the love and special bond between these two characters from the beginning. He is best friends with her dad. her parents had her at 15. So he’s 15 years older than her. He’s been with her from day 1 of her life literally. He starts out as her godfather, babysitter/nanny, “uncle” Tor even though he’s not blood related.
As she grows their relationship shifts to friendship. And then as she becomes a woman their relationship shifts again. Somehow it worked. Like they were soul mates destined to be together and he was there to be her guardian and protector until she grew up.
I LOVE these two together. Somehow they are absolutely perfect for each other in every way. There are no “creepy funny uncle” vibes in the book. Though there are some funny flashbacks like when she’s 5 and he’s 20 and she’s basically harassing all his girlfriends saying she’s going to marry him when she gets big. Then when she’s 7 she walks in on him and his girlfriend making out and demands to know why this other person is sitting on his lap because only she sits on his lap. LOL.
It’s funny because of how prophetic it is.
Oh and I LOVED… the flashback where she’s 5 and (her parents are rockstars), she’s staying with Tor while her parents are touring and her stuffed bunny is on the tour bus with them and not her and she says: “That bunny is on the fucking bus!” So he buys her a real life bunny.
I don’t know if the author intended this or not but
SPOILER PARAGRAPH, HIDE YOUR EYES the bunny dies when she’s 18 and Tor comes to take the bunny and bury it. And to me it felt like burying that bunny was burying her childhood for this shift their relationship had taken
SPOILER OFF
I can’t say enough good things about this story and it’s probably my favorite so far in this whole fantastic world Carian Cole has created.
Why did I wait so long to read this!
I’ve loved Carian’s words ever since I devoured Storm four years ago. Since then I’ve hoarded her series but never picked back up again. What. A. Mistake.
I absolutely loved Kenzi and Tor’s story. Kenzi had a naivety that was perfect for her age, and yet she was balanced with enough maturity that she still carried that old-soul feel. And Tor. His torment was spot on; his thoughts, and his approach to an unconventional situation.
Loved, loved, loved Torn. And now, I’m off to dive into the rest of Carian’s catalog…
In one word….Captivating!
After reading the synopsis, I was “Torn” about diving into this “taboo” book…but two hours later, I could not put it down!
Torn is an age-gap, forbidden romance driven by angst, love, right and wrong. But when you fall in love with the one and only man you have trusted all your life…there is an undeniable connection that feels so right…How can that be considered wrong? For Kenzi Valentine and Toren Grace, will love be sacrificed with so many factors against them?
If hesitant to read, push through and read on, it’s so worth it. The story between Tor and Kenzi was beautifully written, and left me wanting to know more about the characters and the world built!
I look forward to reading additional books by the author.
Carian Cole
Torn is taboo romance at its best. This was angsty, heart-wrenching, emotional and so sexy. I loved it!
Is it too late to order up a Toren for me? I may need to beg the author for my very own. Hot damn, that man is everything.
He is kind, loving, and supportive. He is best friend, champion, and hero. Tor is a protector, sounding board, and hers…
Well, she wishes him to be hers. All it takes is one choice, one moment changes everything. Once that happens, it’s hard to ignore. If you try, it will leave you Torn.
Right and Wrong
Two words that are defined differently depending on who wields them. What makes either true?
This story is beautiful, confusing and hard for some I’m sure. But I found it comforting and wish every little girl had that kind of love and devotion in their lives. We might all have been better off.
Wow. Now I need to read The Ash & Embers series. I would love to see more of these characters.
reviewed for The Sweet Spot Sisterhood
This book falls into the “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” category. I admit it, sometimes I like a light and raunchy read just to pass the time. Torn is not what I expected. At all.
Toren has been taking care of Kenzi her whole life. Her parent’s best friend, her God Father and honorary uncle and friend. But somewhere along the line roles got blurred and lines were crossed and erased. Now, this isn’t an underage sex novel. This isn’t raunchy or as out there as it seems.
Toren and Kenzi’s story is a “slow burn” as Carian Cole states. You get to know both characters throughout the book on many different levels. Kenzi isn’t some giggling air head who doesn’t know what she wants. She is mature most of the time (although at times I want to shake her) and Toren is respectful and considerate. Their story comes with so many questions and hurdles that need to be overcome.
I think what I like best about this book is the way it was written. It was done so beautifully and with respect and a sort of gentleness….when it could have easily gone the other way.
Carian Cole had me questioning what I thought about relationships and what is taboo. A good book. Definitely not what I expected at all.
Falling in love with my father’s best friend? Yeah, sounds crazy, right?
But Toren was always on Kenzi’s corner, he was her uncle, hero, best friend and her first and only love.
Wonderful story, absolutely must read!
Highly recommended!
This was a great age gap/forbidden love story. I loved everything about it and thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the audiobook. Tor is 32 and Kenzy just turned 18 they were close even before things turned into a romantic relationship. Tor is Kenzy’s dad’s best friend and he was there since Kenzy was born he babysat her since she was a baby and since then they had this connection (not in a romantic way) then I think eventually when Kenzy turned 18 the romantic feelings started. This book is so good. I would recommend anyone who likes forbidden/age gap/ best friend’s daughter subgenres to read this book and listen to the audiobook cause the narration was perfect!
5 FANTASTIC stars!! Omg this is in my top three books of my life. I am in love. I have fallen so hard that I don’t ever want to get back up. How can I even read another book after this?!?!
This is a stand alone book in the “All Torn Up” series. Which is also, I believe, a sort of spin off of “Ashes & Embers” series. I think if you have the option you should read “Ashes & Embers” first but I didn’t and this book still is one of my FAVORITE books of all times.
Ok so this book is def taboo. It’s a lot of gray area. Thing is you want to feel dirty about it but as it goes it feels so right. And might I add, why didn’t my dad have someone like Tor for a best friend?!!!
I am so head over heels in love with Tor that I am angry the book is over. I need more of this bad ass, animal loving, biker, sex on a stick, musician, with a heart of gold. He is everything. What is more is his love for everyone. He is such a good guy. The bond him and Kenzi have had was
so freaking magical and rare that anyone would die to have it. That is love. Shit it is beautiful and inspiring.
I am really interested in reading Kenzi’s parents story. With everything I found out in this book, it’s beautiful but sounds like it is going to break me.
This book is dual POV and the characters are fantastic. It makes you want to beg the author to give every single one their own story. So this series never ends.
This author made me feel things I wasn’t sure I could feel. Sure it was sexy and romantic and even heartbreaking. But I was nervous and I was wracking my brain on how this could all be made right without destroying everyone. I was on the edge of my seat. Sometimes I felt so much I had to put it down and head to social media and let it out to my book friends. I’m telling you, whoever is reading this, if you haven’t read this book then please do RIGHT NOW!! And those that have leave a review and share the shit out of this book. I know it isn’t a new release but it definitely needs to be on people’s top read list!!
TORN by Carian Cole easily sits atop my list of TOP READS for 2019. This story provided EVERYTHING a reader could want in a swoony (not cheesy) romance. Toren Grace is not perfect, he a human with a caring soul who is in touch with the world around him, and that is what makes him the perfect hero. His looks are mesmerizing, his scent intoxicating, his heart fragile and open, his loyalty unwavering, he is all that dreams and wishes are made of.
Kensington Valentine, Kenzi for short, is a product of her surroundings. Her parents are loving, loyal, and kind. Her extended family is vast. She absorbs the world with a creative and loving soul. People can’t help but be drawn to the beautiful girl and get wrapped up in her vortex of goodness. Whether you’re human or animal, Kenzi has a soft spot in her heart for you.
Carian Cole took me on a magical carpet ride. Every chapter gave us a glimpse at the friendships that were forged throughout the years and the bond that formed between Toren and Kenzi. Every chapter tugged at my heart while I grasped by chest. Torn is a love story like no other. Just as you finally settle in to bask in the love between Tor and Kenzi, just when you think the sexual tension is over and the beauty of their relationship starts to shine through all the doubt, BAM! Get ready for a little turbulence.
The title alone should tell you that you may be Torn apart while reading this but not anymore than the characters are. Torn between right and wrong, torn by choices to be made, torn by separation, and torn by betrayal. Basically, every direction leads to impossible choices that take time to digest and accept.
TORN is the beginning of many interconnected stories and I’m now on a journey with author Carian Cole to absorb all her beautiful, poetic words. I recommend getting comfortable and starting your reading adventure today. It’s a journey you will be happy you took although Toren may ruin you for any other man. He sets the bar rather high.
Well that was interesting and I don’t mean that in a bad way. I have to say that in order to enjoy it I did have to suspend some realities to not have fits and conniptions. Now this is one of those taboo reads that in my eyes is understandable and acceptable. I mean they did fight it and they did wait til she was 18 and even dad had to admit that Tor was apart of her life and was always there. Their tie, connection and it was always respectful. The author does do a great job with flash backs that go back to when the parents got together and it’s gives a great back story on all of them. It’s a beautiful story with MC’s you can’t help but love and even empathize with. The warnings are true there is nothing underage, all is above board. Tor even questions if something is wrong with him. Like I said the characters carry this book because they are very special. They will touch your heart and bring you into their angst and there is plenty of that. A really good enjoyable read from this author.
On of my Top Picks for 2018! Fated or Forbidden? Torn and Keslie’s love story melted my heart. Loved it!!!!
Forbidden or Fated? I wish I could read Torn by Carian Cole all over again for the very first time.
Toren and Kenzi’s relationship is absolutely everything!!!!! My heart is so full after reading this beautifully written and astounding romance. Ms. Cole wrote this book with incredible tact and dignity. It’s filled with passion and all consuming love. I wish I could rate Torn as more than five stars.
Please do not let the age gap discourage you. The creative way Ms. Cole has written Torn, you almost forget about the age gap as Toren and Kenzi’s journey is so much more than that. I highly recommend this book.
Tor (Toren) and Kenzi are so beautiful together! They have such a strong connection, have since the time she was born when he was 15. It’s not even surprising that they fell in love, considering that they’ve always meant so much to each other. Tor is 15 when his two best friends, Asher and Ember, have baby Kenzi and Tor is her godfather and honorary uncle. And that’s always the way it’s been, until she’s 17 and something in their relationship changes. Something slight, that has huge ramifications. When they embark on a new relationship, it will change both their lives forever. How will they tell Ash? How will Ash take it? About as well as any father would take it finding out his best friend is sleeping with his baby girl, because that’s still how he sees Kenzi: as a baby.
I have to admit I was really disappointed in Asher’s reaction to finding out Tor and Kenzi were involved. Tor is such a good man, so kind and loving, has always been a rock to not just Asher, but to Kenzi, Ember, and his entire family. Asher loves Tor, he knows what a good man he is, so he should have reacted much better knowing his best friend, a beautiful person, is involved with his daughter, also a beautiful person. But, he reacted like a possessive alpha male, which doesn’t seem to fit in with the way he was portrayed throughout the rest of the book. I’m just glad he got over it eventually.
Tor and Kenzi’s story is beautiful, steamy and more than a little emotional. I love them together!
Oh this book!!! It’s an amazing story about Toren and Kenzi. These two have quite the history and have known each other all her life. Their relationship morphs from familiar to romantic and they endure a bit of angst and pain before they get their HEA. I love this book however I would have liked to see more of their relationship during happier times. I consider this book safe with exceptions. There is some drama with one of his ex’s however their is no cheating and does end in a sweet HEA. I hope to see more of them in future books of the series even if it’s just a glimpse.
Absolutely love this book! She was born to be his!!
This book was my everthing. I didn’t want to put it down and I didn’t want it to end. It is beautifully written.
Carian Cole has done it again! I fell in love with Tor and Kenzi right off the bat! I was very impressed with the evolution of their relationship as well as the history of Asher, Ember and Tor’s relationship. . Her characters are always well developed, full of surprises, and complex all at the same time while making you fall in love with them as the story goes. Your heartstrings will be pulled in all directions throughout this book. I love that Tor was a able to show Kenzi a side of himself that no one else saw. Carian is so good at making you feel like you are apart of the story, making you feel the emotions of the characters all while delivering an exceptionally well written book. I cannot give this book enough stars! If you haven’t read her work you should definitely check out the Ashes and Embers series as well! You won’t be disappointed!