Torn

All Torn Up, Book 1

By: Carian Cole

Narrated by: Noelle Bridges, Mason Lloyd

Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's Summary

He's loved me since the day I was born. He's taken care of me. He's awakened me.

Tor is my father's best friend. Fifteen years older than me, he's always been my protector. The one I should never, ever want. But I was born to be his.

She's always loved me. She's shattered me. She's healed me.

Kenzi is my best friend's daughter. I held her the day she was born, and I never let go. She's forbidden to me. But she's the only one who really gets me.

We're slowly being torn apart by everything we love. Everything we want. Everything we desire. And now I want the one thing I can't have. I want her.

©2016 Carian Cole (P)2016 Tantor

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.

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.

✫✫ 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!

It's Popular for a Reason

When I saw this book was one of the more popular books in the Romance Package all I could wonder is why? This guy falls in love with his best friends daughter. She called him uncle when she was young, for goodness sakes. I'm not saying it's Flowers in the Attic gross, but that's pretty close. Still, from the very beginning every time I wanted to quit listening, I couldn't. I had to know what was going to happen next. Even when story flashed back into the past, reminding me once again, he used to change this girl's diaper. (A knowledge that repeatedly caused my mind to completely reject the idea of the two of them being together.) I had to know what would happen next and if I would ever be okay with this relationship. And isn't that the hallmark of a good story? Intrigue and Empathy. So, in my opinion, that aspect alone makes this book worth it.

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.

TORN.. BUT THE HEART WANTS WHAT THE HEART WANTS

It was a forbidden romance.. taboo, controversial, unique and bravely written about because this is a love story that defies 'the norm' and pushes moral boundaries and you're either going to understand why these two characters fell in love or you're going to be grossed out by it.

Tor's best friends were rock musicians who, at aged 15, enlisted his help to look after Kenzi - their baby daughter.. making him her godfather and surrogate uncle who, throughout the years, was there every step of the way. First words, first steps, first period, first boyfriend.. and, as it turns out, her first lover too. Tor was there for them all - and he was also the only person that was consistently there for Kenzi. Now successful rock legends Ashes & Embers Kenzi's parents were gone so much that her life became moulded around all the things Tor.. her favorite person in the whole world. But then one night after a bad prom date Tor would come to Kenzi's rescue and an innocent walk down memory lane sparked a new feeling between them.. desire - desire that, no matter how much they tried to ignore or fight it, would bring them the greatest highs and the lowest of lows.

Torn is a great title because it doesn't only reflect Tor's feelings but also the listeners too because I was constantly confused as to whether their relationship was a natural and normal progression or whether it was taboo unhealthy and wrong. But Carian Cole put in scenes and sentiments that were heartfelt and so meaningful that I couldn't deny the rightness of their relationship and love. There were glimpses of Tor's past with her parents and their shared pasts together which highlighted their 15 yr age differences in paragraphs before selective Chapters. Thought provoking dual POV storyline, enjoyable, pushes boundaries, sex, tender touching scenes and great narration - it's a listen that'll be hard to forget.

Worth a credit? I'll be honest that there were times that this listen didn't sit well with me but the heart wants what the heart wants I guess and who are we to judge what's right or what's normal? And, as Carian Cole so wisely wrote: Why is it acceptable to get involved with a total stranger, who could do any number of things to hurt you or betray you, but not get involved with someone who has cared about you since the day you were born? It's all a matter of social perspective? end quote. So my perspective is that Yes this was a creditworthy listen.

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!

Torn......that's the way I felt about this book

The main male and female leads were strong and even though some people thought their story and love for each other wrong, I did not feel that way. I did not like the constant going back and forth in their lives. I felt like it was too much filler,it was getting really tedious half way through the book. I skipped a few chapters and didn't feel like I missed much . I was wondering for the longest time what happened to Ember. This where I debated giving the story 2or3 stars. I am very disappointed, that you packed a good portion of the story in the last chapter and could have expanded so much more with this part of their lives and her parents lives . You just balled it all up in the epilogue . I really hate when authors do this. It feels rushed and it's like you just ran out of time and needed to get out there. This is the best part of their lives and you ruined it for me. The stars are for the characters, but your ending sucks!

Sorry, I just Couldn't Get Into It

Sorry, I couldn’t get into this. I have always been into older guys, but this is wrong to epic portions. He is equivalent to her dad. It made me feel really weird, the only thing I could think of is child porn, even though she was 17-18 when it started. It made me sick. It’s one thing if he only came around her once in a while and not basically raise her.

Soo steamy! So taboo!

I haven't been excited about a book in a long time. this had my attention all night and day. He gives you the moral angst that society would have you feel. She gives you the desire to throw it to the wind. AND THE SEX! (fans self) Yes, I need to read/listen to all of this authors books if they are anything like this.

Great listen

Just finished listening to this and what a lovely story that I have no hesitation in recommending , but then I have loved all of Carina stories they are very different and written with passion , insight ..
I loved the animal rescue which sadly is far too common placed, so this had a pull on my heart strings ..... Tor , a gentle giant with standards and a fierce love for is "niece" but as you listen to the story Carina develops the characters with real warmth feeling , thanks for a great listen and loved the narrators as always

awful

an unimaginative story of predatory grooming, female voice was very dull, male voice ok.

Brilliant

What made the experience of listening to Torn the most enjoyable?

All of it was enjoyable. It unfolds and really draws you in.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Both the leads

Have you listened to any of Noelle Bridges and Mason Lloyd ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

no but I will as they were both excellent

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

I am looking forward to anything similar from this author

Quite literally TORN

I went through the story part thinking this is SO WRONG… but they are SO RIGHT! Really enjoyed 👍🏼

Love it, great performance

I’m so fussy with narrators but I loved both of these. This type of trope for me is borderline pushing it, but I think the way the author wrote it was very beautiful and didn’t come across predatory at all, I can’t wait to read/ listen to the next one.

Loved this story , carefully written. love wins ❤️

15years age gap romance. the writer did a fantastic job writing this sensitive story. The main characters were very carefully written so that the reader falls in love with them and believe in their love. this book challenges society expectations of who we are expected to fall in love with .. I loved Kenzi s maturity and Tor was brilliant and just the sweetest but I found myself wishing he could be more of a go getter. I understand though that the writer was trying to make us see that he was a patient man who loved Kenzi and would patiently love her for eternity. the ending I felt was rushed thats why I gave it 4 🌟 , I needed more of our main characters together after Kenzi turned 19 ... I won't spoil it for anyone but I'm hoping in book 2 Tied kenzi and Tor will pop in and we will get to see how their doing. Will also read Asher and hope Kenzi and Tor will pop in there too..thats how much I'm invested in their story. Will recommend this book to those with an open mind age gape romance without coercion or grooming. the narrators did a fine job too.

beautiful story

Wasn't sure I was going to like it, because of the age gap, but wanted to give it a chance, because of the great reviews.
Loved everything about it.
Very moving story, sympathetic caracters. Beautifully narrated. Top score from me. Will definately revisit it one day and be hoping for a book nr.2

A great love story

This was a different and a little uncomfortable love story but I really enjoyed it as it went along.

I didn’t think I would like it. .

Very good story. Kept me captivated throughout. A story of the mother might be nice.

Epic love story ♥️

Love all Carian’s books in this spin off and her other series, but this book has to be one of my all time favourites. The narration really did this book justice and brought the characters to life. If you’ve not tired it, your seriously missing out