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literary_simone 's review for:
Torn
by Carian Cole
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s hard to find the words to describe all the levels of beautiful this was. It’s the kind of story where you just want to wrap the main characters in bubble wrap to keep them safe and make everyone around them see how perfect they are for each other.
“Don’t ever settle or be afraid to love. I always want you to follow your heart, no matter what.”
⟡ Tropes and Rating ⟡
⏳ Age Gap (15 years)
🔥 Slow Burn
♾️ Soulmates
🪽 Virgin Heroine
💖 Good Guy
🖤 Taboo | Dad’s Best Friend
5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️
⟡ Review ⟡
Kenzi has known Tor all her life. He’s her father’s best friend and practically family. But as she grows up, he becomes so much more. Tor is struggling with his changing feelings but essentially cannot deny that Kenzi is everything he has ever wanted.
“You still look at me the same way you did when you were a baby,” he murmurs. “How’s that?” “Like I’m the only thing you ever want to look at.” Not breaking eye contact, I smile at the truth in his words. “Maybe you are.”
One thing that made this book great was that the characters feel fully fleshed out. They have layered backstories that make their love story believable despite the taboo setup. The slow build of tension is wonderfully executed and it is some of the best written angst and longing I have read in a long time.
Tor is a truly good and selfless man with a big heart who had to suffer setbacks throughout his entire life. In the end, all he wants to do is find true love and feel that he finally is someone’s priority, too.
“But my heart is telling me this is my girl, my other half—the one I’ve been waiting for.”
I adored Kenzi. She is mature for her age and understands the ruckus their relationship will cause. At the same time, she is not afraid to go after what she really wants. And that is Tor, she leaves little doubt about that.
“I want you to see ME. I want you to want me like I want you.”
Their connection is so strong and their deep friendship lays the perfect foundation for all that develops. They know how to communicate. They actually talk about what they are, their feelings and the problems they will be facing when going public and it is so refreshing to read. There is no miscommunication, no misunderstandings (even when Tor’s ex makes a final play for him) because there are no secrets between them.
There are explicit scenes but they never take away from the story or the emotional bond Tor and Kenzo share. The spice isn’t everywhere but when to comes it is insanely good.
“I want you to be my first. I want you to be my last. I want you to be all the in-betweens. I want you. Just you. Only you. And I want to be all yours, in every way.”
So, such a wonderful book and I am a bit mad at myself for having put this off for so long.
“I still love you the most,” she whispers between kisses. “I never stopped.” “Neither did I, Angel. I never will.”
“Don’t ever settle or be afraid to love. I always want you to follow your heart, no matter what.”
⟡ Tropes and Rating ⟡
⏳ Age Gap (15 years)
🔥 Slow Burn
♾️ Soulmates
🪽 Virgin Heroine
💖 Good Guy
🖤 Taboo | Dad’s Best Friend
5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️
⟡ Review ⟡
Kenzi has known Tor all her life. He’s her father’s best friend and practically family. But as she grows up, he becomes so much more. Tor is struggling with his changing feelings but essentially cannot deny that Kenzi is everything he has ever wanted.
“You still look at me the same way you did when you were a baby,” he murmurs. “How’s that?” “Like I’m the only thing you ever want to look at.” Not breaking eye contact, I smile at the truth in his words. “Maybe you are.”
One thing that made this book great was that the characters feel fully fleshed out. They have layered backstories that make their love story believable despite the taboo setup. The slow build of tension is wonderfully executed and it is some of the best written angst and longing I have read in a long time.
Tor is a truly good and selfless man with a big heart who had to suffer setbacks throughout his entire life. In the end, all he wants to do is find true love and feel that he finally is someone’s priority, too.
“But my heart is telling me this is my girl, my other half—the one I’ve been waiting for.”
I adored Kenzi. She is mature for her age and understands the ruckus their relationship will cause. At the same time, she is not afraid to go after what she really wants. And that is Tor, she leaves little doubt about that.
“I want you to see ME. I want you to want me like I want you.”
Their connection is so strong and their deep friendship lays the perfect foundation for all that develops. They know how to communicate. They actually talk about what they are, their feelings and the problems they will be facing when going public and it is so refreshing to read. There is no miscommunication, no misunderstandings (even when Tor’s ex makes a final play for him) because there are no secrets between them.
There are explicit scenes but they never take away from the story or the emotional bond Tor and Kenzo share. The spice isn’t everywhere but when to comes it is insanely good.
“I want you to be my first. I want you to be my last. I want you to be all the in-betweens. I want you. Just you. Only you. And I want to be all yours, in every way.”
So, such a wonderful book and I am a bit mad at myself for having put this off for so long.
“I still love you the most,” she whispers between kisses. “I never stopped.” “Neither did I, Angel. I never will.”