Series: Billionaire Bachelors Club #2
Category/Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Publication Date: 11/19/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 256
Source: Received from publisher for review
Rating: 4 stars
First Impression .... Sexy cover. I always enjoy Monica Murphy's books.
The Story... The second in the Billionaire Bachelors Club, Torn is the story of Gage, one of the three bachelor's betting against love. Once the mighty Archer (swoooon!) fell for the winsome Ivy, the bet -the last man to fall in love wins a million dollars- has not been forgotten, but it's not so much the focus of the series. What the story does focus on is the disciplined and focused Gage, swiftly becoming intrigued by and falling in love with Marina. Problem is, Marina's family owns the property Gage intends to own. The two share a fiery intense attraction. Can they get past what's between them and find love?
The Characters ... Gage was broody and hot in Crave, so obviously I wanted more of him. He's not as broody in Torn, but he was still hot and surprisingly sweet. At least when it comes to Marina and his sister Ivy. Marina was a very likable character, as well. Though she had plenty of reason to push Gage away, she just can't resist. I appreciated that she was strong, but not brittle. Neither character was particularly complex, but both were engaging. Their relationship did seem a bit rushed, or that maybe some of the development happened off page, but I did like them so much as a couple.
Archer and Ivy were both heavily featured in Torn, a very welcome surprise. It is always nice to revisit beloved characters, even more so when they play such a fun part of the story. Plus, I love how much Gage loves Ivy and the dude-banter between him and Archer. I love that the characters are both serious and fun.
The Writing... I have enjoyed every single book of Murphy's I've read, and Torn was no exception. I like that we get the dual point-of-view, giving insight to both main characters thoughts and actions. Her men are always hot yet likable. Her heroines are always strong and loving. I found the writing to be charming, nicely-paced, and infused with humor in the right spots.
The Heat ... A nice steamy level. The perfect fit this story, the physical passion never took overtook the emotional aspects or the story in general.
Could I Put Torn Down? The story got off to a brisk start, and held that pace throughout. I was emotionally invested in Gage and Marina, but did feel like it was a little rushed. I enjoyed it, wanted that happy ending, but never completely consumed.
In the End ... Torn was a fun, fast, and sexy story. A very nice addition to the Billionaire Bachelors Club series.
Favorite Quotes:
Whether it's good or bad. Whether I want to know her response or not, I need to hear it. For once in my life, I want to leave myself vulnerable when it comes to a woman. But only for this woman. She has me so twisted up in knots I don't know if I'll ever be able to unravel them.
I don't know if I want to either. ~eARC, 26%
"You know you're in love with her."
I scoff. "I am not in love with her," I say emphatically. "I've known her for a week."
"You have feelings for her, then." Archer grimaces. "Christ, listen to me. I've turned into Oprah."
"I blame Ivy." ~eARC, 60%
Format: eARC
Pages: 256
Source: Received from publisher for review
Rating: 4 stars
Marina Knight came to this party for one thing only: to slap Gage Emerson in the face. Poised to snatch up her family’s real estate empire, the sexy tycoon is on the verge of making an enemy for life—even if he can make her melt with a single kiss …
When Gage discovers that the alluring woman before him is the key to his latest acquisition, claiming her as his suddenly doesn’t seem quite so cut-and-dried. To get what he wants, he must get to know the fierce woman willing to face him down—as she steadily steals his heart.
Gage’s persistence and intense passion war with Marina’s determination to protect her family. As they delve deeper into an affair they didn’t see coming, Marina’s torn: Will she lose her heart to Gage—or everything she holds dear?
First Impression .... Sexy cover. I always enjoy Monica Murphy's books.
The Story... The second in the Billionaire Bachelors Club, Torn is the story of Gage, one of the three bachelor's betting against love. Once the mighty Archer (swoooon!) fell for the winsome Ivy, the bet -the last man to fall in love wins a million dollars- has not been forgotten, but it's not so much the focus of the series. What the story does focus on is the disciplined and focused Gage, swiftly becoming intrigued by and falling in love with Marina. Problem is, Marina's family owns the property Gage intends to own. The two share a fiery intense attraction. Can they get past what's between them and find love?
The Characters ... Gage was broody and hot in Crave, so obviously I wanted more of him. He's not as broody in Torn, but he was still hot and surprisingly sweet. At least when it comes to Marina and his sister Ivy. Marina was a very likable character, as well. Though she had plenty of reason to push Gage away, she just can't resist. I appreciated that she was strong, but not brittle. Neither character was particularly complex, but both were engaging. Their relationship did seem a bit rushed, or that maybe some of the development happened off page, but I did like them so much as a couple.
Archer and Ivy were both heavily featured in Torn, a very welcome surprise. It is always nice to revisit beloved characters, even more so when they play such a fun part of the story. Plus, I love how much Gage loves Ivy and the dude-banter between him and Archer. I love that the characters are both serious and fun.
The Writing... I have enjoyed every single book of Murphy's I've read, and Torn was no exception. I like that we get the dual point-of-view, giving insight to both main characters thoughts and actions. Her men are always hot yet likable. Her heroines are always strong and loving. I found the writing to be charming, nicely-paced, and infused with humor in the right spots.
The Heat ... A nice steamy level. The perfect fit this story, the physical passion never took overtook the emotional aspects or the story in general.
Could I Put Torn Down? The story got off to a brisk start, and held that pace throughout. I was emotionally invested in Gage and Marina, but did feel like it was a little rushed. I enjoyed it, wanted that happy ending, but never completely consumed.
In the End ... Torn was a fun, fast, and sexy story. A very nice addition to the Billionaire Bachelors Club series.
Favorite Quotes:
Whether it's good or bad. Whether I want to know her response or not, I need to hear it. For once in my life, I want to leave myself vulnerable when it comes to a woman. But only for this woman. She has me so twisted up in knots I don't know if I'll ever be able to unravel them.
I don't know if I want to either. ~eARC, 26%
"You know you're in love with her."
I scoff. "I am not in love with her," I say emphatically. "I've known her for a week."
"You have feelings for her, then." Archer grimaces. "Christ, listen to me. I've turned into Oprah."
"I blame Ivy." ~eARC, 60%
Bachelor Billionaire Series
(covers lead to GoodReads)
Purchase Torn
About the author:
Great review. Would love to read this series :)
ReplyDeleteThis is not something I'd enjoy but it sounds like your type of read. I'm so happy you enjoyed it. Great review, Andrea :)
ReplyDeleteI hear you on having trouble with reviews--I've been having the same issue for months, and I'm having a hard time getting over it! I think sticking to a format for the most part tends to help, though, and I like the one you've settled on here.
ReplyDeleteI've never read this author before, but hey--billionaire bachelors aren't a bad fantasy to while away your time with. ;)
Wendy @ The Midnight Garden
I think I read Crave...sounds familiar. Maybe I read so much that my brain fired lol
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be trying new shorter reviews I think. I would like to document every book I read but not have to write something formal.
I'm glad you enjoyed this one too! And YES! I was SO happy Archer and Ivy played a larger role than I expected! I love when authors do that too! I also felt the pacing and steam were very well done! Great review Andrea!
ReplyDeleteI'm really liking this new format of reviews Andrea, I too have been finding it hugely difficult to sit down and get my thoughts down for books, especially as most of the ones have been so-so for me. I'm glad to see that you really enjoyed this! Fab review! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat Review! I really enjoyed this one too :) Monica always brings the steam! I love dual point of view, and how we got a lot of Archer and Ivy in Gage's story! I love character reunions! I'm so excited for Savor!!!!
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy this one but not as much as the first. Great review.
ReplyDeleteGage... swoon oh yes he sounds like I would love him. I have not read this series yet, but I seen so many reviews on Torn I am excited <3
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to check out this series. I like the idea of "hot yet likable" guys & strong girls. Great review!
ReplyDeleteVi
AKA Vi3tBabe
Deity Island
You sold me, I just downloaded Crave and cannot wait to meet these characters..thanks Andrea!
ReplyDeleteFantastic review! I really enjoy books where all the characters are present, even if they aren't the MCs, so we get even more development. This series seems like some serious fun. You've definitely made me want to read Ms. Murphy, Andrea.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like I've heard a lot of good things about this author. I'll have to look up the first book cause this sounds like a really great series!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to Matt's story. I think I'm gonna like him.
ReplyDeleteAnother great review Andrea. I really enjoyed this one also.
ReplyDelete