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.
more
The reviews for this book are all over the place! Apparently, you either love it or you hate it – I LOVE IT! This was an amazing slow-burn (and I hate most slow-burn stories). I loved all the characters and the plot was intriguing. Carian Cole did an amazing job making these characters genuine and likable. For me this is a five-star read!
Okay so this is not your usual romance and might not be comfortable to some readers. Yet it is not like that in a way but so much more. Toren and Asher have been best friends since they were kids so it’s no surprise he has been there for Kenzi all her life. What I loved the most in this book is the friendship these two have, how much Toren has been there for her. It’s more than lust and love between these two but two souls searching for each other. We see friendships, first crush, first love, betrayal but through it all we have hope..Torn is so worth getting just seeing this love grow to becoming epic is awesome by Carian Cole.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
Tor and Kenzie’s story is an age gap, forbidden romance filled with mixed emotions from angst to cuteness overload, to a true love that is a lifetime in the making.
Torn is the first book in the All Torn Up series and it is a spin off of this author’s Ashes and Embers series which I loved. We get more stories from some amazing characters that we met before but never had the chance to love completely. Tor was that for me, I always wanted more from him and I finally got it. Plus this author gave us so much of Tot and Kenzie’s past flashbacks that I feel it helped solidify how great these two are together despite how much was stacked against them.
This is a definite must read and I can not express how fast you need to grab up your copy and get started; the best part is that it can be read as a standalone so there is no reason not to jump right in!
After reading a Carian Cole book I feel an emotional void in my life. Her books not only bring the characters so vividly into my life that I feel the physical ache of their loss once I finish the book, but she writes with such an emotional depth that once I’m done my emotions need a moment to calm. She brings her A game averytime and no matter how delicate the subject matter I’m riveted, invested, and so don’t care if the world is burning down around me until I finish. I loved Torn and can’t wait to dive into the next book.
Torn was a recommended read. So let me begin by saying, I am so very glad I read this book.
It was recommended based on the fact that Asher’s book is releasing later this year. So, I’m throwing out my recommendation too: YES, read Torn if you haven’t yet because these two stories are interconnected. The entire series is interconnected with characters either related to or friends growing up together in some way, but I will go out on a limb and say Torn and Asher are the most woven together of all the books.
Toran has been best friends with Asher since elementary school, basically growing up like brothers. Although Toran meets Ember first, she falls for Asher and they have their daughter Kenzi while still teenagers themselves. Toran is given the title of Godfather and is there through every milestone, practically raising the little girl most days as Ashes and Embers takes off and although he was with the band originally, Toran is left behind to run his father’s shop when he suddenly dies and now has to take care of his own family and can’t leave to chase dreams. (that is the back story-now on to the present)
Torn is a forbidden love story that gives us insight into not only Toran’s struggling “whatif” life. He’s the band member that didn’t get to live his dreams, but also has the front row seat to a lot of what Asher has missed in his daughter’s and sometimes his wife’s life. It’s an interesting twist. Yes, this is a forbidden love that develops for Kenzi, Asher’s daughter, but that love isn’t from a perverted old man chasing a young girl, it is something that develops over time once Kenzi is old enough (and legal). It is also something that Toran struggles with since he doesn’t feel it’s normal. No, he’s not related to her and yes, he’s older, but if he fell for some stranger with these same characteristics would he still feel it’s wrong? He struggles with this. Ash and Ember are his best friends, falling for Kenzi basically feels like stealing. He feels wrong about himself and he struggles through a lot of emotions. This is what becomes a page turner. The emotional man who beats himself up over morality. Toran is a character that will grip your emotions-hard.
Kenzi is Asher and Ember’s daughter. She has spent most of her time around older people which gives her an old soul perspective. Falling for Toran isn’t something she set out to do, but somewhere along the way she suddenly views him differently. When things shift between them, he continually pushes her away and it’s only with her constant determination that she decides he is the man she wants and she refuses to give up on him because society would think their age difference is wrong. Why should she be unhappy with someone else just because the man she wants is older? Although she wants to please her father and also wonders if she should do what is viewed in society as right, she struggles with what her heart is telling her.
Torn will give you glimpses into the young life of Asher, Toran and Ember. It will also give you a look into Toran’s siblings and what is to come with future works with Carian Cole.
Torn is the story of Toren Grace, Asher Valentine’s best friend and Kenzi Valentine, Asher and Ember’s daughter. It is a standalone in the Ashes and Ember world.
Tor practically raised Kenzi while her parents were on tour. After seventeen years, their feelings for each other have morphed from affection and fatherly love to something different. It all seems to happen to them both at the same time – the realization that their relationship is changing. Kenzi is all for it – she’s immature, has very little world experience and just thinks it will all work out.
Tor knows just what having a relationship with Kenzi will bring down on his head and he struggles with it. Multiple times. Torn is a forbidden love sort of romance that pushes against the lines and is sure to make you have a reaction – some readers will find that this book crosses some lines. Sometimes I thought it was a bit creepy. The power and status imbalance between the high student graduate and the older “uncle” can make things seem inappropriate. You’ll have to decide for yourself. I did like that about this book.
Unfortunately, I did have some issues with Torn, mostly related to editing. The pace was at times very slow. Too much unnecessary detail. Better editing would have addressed that. Each chapter beginning with some sort of remembrance that wasn’t necessary and sometimes made the relationship seem inappropriate. I did like Tor at first and I appreciated his struggle with the relationship, but then he just became boring. Some secondary characters are like paper, without substance. Asher is like a ghost and he would have / should have been a big part of this story being Tor’s best friend and all.
All of the real action happens in the final twenty percent of the book when everything crashes and burns and wraps up. The ending sets things up for future books in the series. Lots of potential here that just didn’t deliver.
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER, AND LOVE CAN’T COUNT
So….I found this gorgeous bookcover and it was part of a series, and my OCD forces me to read the books before it….. and that’s how I found TORN…and, now, I am so happy my OCD is….well….nearly crippling…..
TORN is the first book I’ve read by Carion Cole, and I was in from the beginning….I loved the idea, I loved the story, I loved the characters, and I loved the ending….What else can I ask for????
The subject had a taboo vibe to it, but if you read it with an open mind, and remember IT IS JUST A BOOK!!!!!
My love,
Walk in the rain with me.
Kiss me in the misty fog.
Let me hold you all night under the hush of the wind.
I’m waiting for you.
Throwing pennies… making wishes.
I’m wishing only for you.
Always for you.
Come back to me.
I’ll fight for you.
I’ll fight for us.
Wish for me, too… and I’ll make it come true.
I’ll love you forever and longer.
Wow! I was absolutely blown away by this forbidden and taboo love story! This was my first read by Carian Cole, and now I can see why she came so highly recommended. THIS. BOOK. WAS. EVERYTHING! I don’t think I can possibly praise it enough.
Torn is a story about a man and a young woman who fall in love despite all of the reasons why they shouldn’t. It is told in alternating views (Kenzi & Tor) and goes back and forth between the present time and the past.
Toren Grace was entrusted as Kenzi’s godfather from the day that she was born. She was born to his two best friends, all of them being only fifteen years of age. From that very first day, she had him wrapped around her little finger. She called him her Uncle Tor, and he loved her with everything inside of him.
Kenzi’s parents went on to become rock stars and were on the road a lot. This left Tor being the one to practically raise her. He was by her side through all of the milestones in her life. The two of them had a strong bond and a fierce love for one another.
Now let’s fast forward to the present time where she is 18 and he is 32. Kenzi is now a woman, and the innocent love between them turns into so much more. And despite their best efforts to fight this, it ultimately proves to be a losing battle.
All in all, I found Torn to be a fantastic read that checked all of the marks for me. It was beautifully written with a well developed plot and endearing characters that you couldn’t help but to fall in love with. This is one of those stories that will stay with you. A compelling read, destined to be one of your favorites. I can tell you this much… It’s definitely one of mine!
It’s a story about Blurred Lines and crossed morals. A dilemma between what SEEMS right and what FEELS right. A constant battle between head and heart ensues on EVERY PAGE !!
Characters Kenzi Allyster Valentine – Ember & Asher’s daughter and her soulkeepr and soulmate – Toren Grace.
Oh, he’s also been her babysitter and friend since the day she was BORN!!
you see how all the wires are tangled and connections all shot!!!
“I think all relationships start with an invisible line, and even though we can’t see it, we all know it’s there because we can feel it. We respect that line because it keeps the bounds of the relationship intact. The line guides us within our relationships and dictates who is our friend, who is our family, who is our lover, who is someone we can or can’t trust. The line between Tor and I is somewhat unique, because it criss-crosses between family and friend, and just now it blurred into something I can’t quite describe. I’m not sure where our line is anymore, or if I even want a line at all.”
They are all confused and distracted.
Asher with his wife Ember’s condition
Asher clueless tryna be a single parent
Kenzi with feelings for Tor
Torn tryna keep his family afloat
For with his heart turning towards Kenzi
Sydni & Lisa to fend off..
And then the couple itself!!!
There comes a point where the fight is too much and giving in is much easier
“I think I’m falling in love with her, and I’m powerless to stop it. I can feel it, like a train with no brakes, coming faster and faster, straight for me. Soon, it’s going to crash, and it’s not going to be pretty.”
With acceptance comes Dread. Of social stigma, disappointing close ones and destroying friendships
But heart’s got to do what the Heart’s got to DO!
It’s a simply complex story for which there is no right or wrong track. It’s all a matter of perception
Readers have to decide for themselves what they should be rooting for. Pure, unadulterated, enabling, supportive love or prescribed social norms.
I was so engrossed in the story, couldn’t put my head up. I was oblivious to the world basking in the beautifully written story’s rosy sunshine.
I loved Sweet, unassuming Kenzi. She’s mature beyond her years and single mindedly focused. She’s a natural carer and protector by heart
Toren is a lonely tortured soul, overburdened and over sensitive. He’s much like the animals he rescues, malnourished for love, tired, scared and sceptical.
What a match made in heaven. A couple who leans on each other, protects each other and just lavishes unconditional love over each other
It’s beautifully written Forbidden(?) Story which is so my comfort zone
“Ugh. It’s all so fucking wrong. Taboo at its finest.”
Carian twists the dagger by interspersing their developing romance in the present with him acting as a guardian in the past. Kinda doesn’t let readers read it guilt free, the minx!!!!
Sinful Love in abundance and pantingly passionate sex make it a perfect Guilty Pleasure book
4.5 stars for Angel- the Pet Whisperer
I read about 70% of this book then skipped to the end. It was kind of tedious I got tired of it and now wish I’d quit reading sooner.
4 Cranky Stars
I was on the fence with this book and my rating. It wasn’t that Tor was her pseudo uncle and the fact that he helped raised her it was just the beginning of the story was kind of all over. It annoyed me how many times she had to say I’m rich, but I don’t act rich. It was like ok we understand. Something about 17-year-old Kenzi rubbed me the wrong way but she grew up and I learned to respect that.
Kenzi has grew up on tour buses and surrounded by people. Her childhood wasn’t typical, but it wasn’t bad just different. Her parents met and fell in love at 15 and shortly after had a baby. She basically grew up with her parents just like she grew up with Tor who was 15 years older than her. She becomes older and unsure what to do with her life but she knows she wants the conventional life of being a wife and a mother and having the house and pets. When she starts to look at Tor in a different way she knows it will be a struggle and her father will lose his mind over it. It all comes to a head and decisions must be made.
Toren Grace has always loved Kenzi from the minute he was placed in his arms by his best friend Asher. It was never that kind of love just a protective need to help her. He’s seen her in every stage of her life. He always rescues her and buys her a pet bunny when she lost her favorite toy one. He has sacrificed so much of his own life for everyone else he isn’t sure how else to be. His love life isn’t much to write home about with Lisa being a snob and Sydni being psychotic. He starts to realize that he wants a girl like Kenzi but he knows the age difference and the fact that he raised her is holding them back. One kiss is all it takes and he knows they are headed for destruction and he can’t let her go.
Like I said this book was odd. He’s this kick butt motorcycle guy who punch people in the face without a moment’s notice and he rescues animals. Like a lot of this book is Tor traipsing through the woods and dodging traffic to rescue strays. Kind of strange. Kenzi had a unique ideal about how she wanted to live her life. She had a very giving heart and at times I felt she was naïve. I did feel a little weird reading a memory of Kenzi and Tor then it landing us with him doing something naughty with her. It’s not taboo they aren’t related and I have read worse things. I guess the best part was that they fought it and felt remorse and took time to really think it through. Interesting read.
I have no earthly idea why I sat on this book so long and why I have not read more Carian Cole. I absolutely adore every single word she writes. She writes with such feeling that you get so completely drawn into the story. When I first started this book, I had some eep moments because, well, you need to read it and have your own moments. The further I got into the story, the more I wanted, the harder I cheered and the deeper I fell for all these characters…even the less likable ones. I absolutely need to go back and finish the Ashes and Ember series because…well yeah…because I have to. Are there difficult moments to read…yes indeed, but they are germane to the story and well….life isn’t always perfect and easy but it CAN still be beautiful!
I listened to the audible version of this story and I absolutely loved it. The slow burn, angst, passion and the chemistry between Tore and Kenzie was undeniable. This story is taboo at the finest and was written in a way that had me hooked from beginning to end. The narrators did a fantastic job with this story and I look forward to the next book in this series.
One of this year’s favorites, Torn is the first book by Carian Cole that I’ve read. I was drawn to it for the promise of the forbidden love as it’s one of my favorite sub-genre’s. It’s incredibly easy to champion the characters if the story is done in the right manner and the reason the love is forbidden is a compelling one. With Torn, the reason to keep things on the down low is understandable and with Toren Grace and Kenzi Valentine, well their love is worth fighting for. The first in this spin off series, Tor and Kenzi’s lifelong and familial connection takes on a new dynamic.
The biggest impression this book made on me was the sheer beauty of Carian’s writing. It’s poetic and romantic. Cole delivers their story through some very well placed and thoughtful flashbacks that show just how soul deep and connected these two are. I can’t pick a single one that touched me more than any of the others, although a few made me swoon seriously hard for Tor. They are beautifully captured moments that depict the importance of their relationship on each other. There’s a sense of them being imprinted on each. This love, it’s simply their destiny.
But, there are many factions against them, ones that can’t be ignored or shrugged off. The consequences are great and it’s inevitable that they’ll be found out. It’s ours to guess as to what the fallout will be & how it will impact them. Cole interlaces a few secondary story lines that contribute to the drama surrounding the Valentine family. Asher, Kenzi’s father, is grieving Embers absence and I spent a fair amount of time worrying about this situation. There are background stories about the band, house parties, animal rescues, penny wishes, and crazy ex-girlfriends that kept me engrossed. I love how it all plays out, feeling their passion and the heartbreak, and look forward to continuing this series. For now, A Carian Cole “Ashes and Embers” binge read is on the horizon. 5 ++ Stars and a must read recommendation.
*Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
FIVE STARS!! This book not only introduced me to one of my new favorite stories, but it also introduced me to a new favorite author!
You can’t help but fall in love with Kenzi and Tor’s story. This is a forbidden love story between a girl and her Dad’s best friend, a man who is like an uncle to her. They always had a deep connection throughout Kenzi’s life, starting from the day she was born. Overtime that connection changed from family love, into something much, much more when she turned 18.
“There is no way I will ever move on from a love like ours. We belong to each other. I’ve always known it, and I am utterly exhausted from fighting it, denying it, keeping myself from it, and hiding it—as I’m sure he must be, too.”
This book had me hooked from the very beginning and left me wanting more and needing to know what was going to happen next.
This story was beautifully written, and while there IS an age gap, they are not blood relatives by any means. It’s a captivating taboo forbidden love story that takes you on a wild ride full of drama, love and deep longing.
I would love to see more of Kenzi and Tor in the future!!
Torn was a beautifully written story that I loved from beginning to end. Yes there is an age gap and yes Toren basically raised Kenzi but at no point in this story do you feel dirty for what they are doing. Torn basically centers around Toren and Ash who meet when they are 7 years old and become the best of friends. When they are 15 they meet Ember who immediately falls for Ash, which leads them to be teenage parents who also have aspirations of being Rock stars. Although all these characters where so young when Kenzi was born they take the responsibility of her serious and she basically becomes their everything. One of my favorite things the author did was at the beginning of each chapter she put something from the past, which showed the love and progression of feelings that warmed my heart. This was a slow burn which worked perfectly here. The ending shocked me and of course I had to start stalking the author and was thrilled to know that Ash and Ember are getting their own book. My plan for 2019 is to read all the books from this author.
Carian Cole Love love love
I Freaking loved this book.!
Tor is perfect, he just might be my favorite character of Carians so far. He is so sweet and adorable that you just cant help but fall in love with him. Kenzi and Tor’s love for eachother is something fierce. This book was definitely worth the wait, I can’t express enough how much I loved this book.
I love taboo books and this one is right up my ally. Books like this one are kinda my Kryptonite, there’s something about the secrecy and forbiddeness that I Love! For Tor and Kenzi the idea of them being together in her families eyes is so forbidden, mainly because of the age gap thing. But their love for each other is undeniable! This book sucked me in from the first page and kept me hooked. I loved the glimpses into the past for both characters it really shows how strong their relationship has been even early on.
This book is just fantastic and I reread it all the time. 5 stars from me it is definitely one of my all time favorites!
Not the story I was expecting but I enjoyed it. I felt like there were story lines referenced that I didn’t know about. And I was left with unanswered questions.
This is the first book I have read by this author and Oh My! Such beautiful, emotional writing. This author definitely captures all the feels in this one that I didn’t want the story to end. A forbidden type romance and I felt the struggle of the characters when they knew they shouldn’t be together, fought their feelings but couldn’t deny the attraction in the end. A love that was always present the grew and evolved over 18 years.
Told from a dual POV the story takes on a slow pace over a couple of years and I like the fact that it didn’t feel rushed. The story was given the credit it deserved to progress at a realistic pace. I love how this author plays the long game. Nothing infuriates me more than books that are rushed and the reader doesn’t have the time to lose themselves in the world of the characters before the book is concluding. Truly beautiful writing, this author is now a one click author for me. I won’t even need to read the blurb!
This is my favorite book! I have listen to it too many times to count. I love th characters and witnessing the development of real love. No subterfuge, no games, just two people that have to figure out how to make it work. Enjoy!!!
great character development. great story.