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Gabrielle Hunter has always dreamed of running her own restaurant. But as a sous-chef in a five-star Italian restaurant in Chicago, she's way down on the seniority list. She'll never get her big chance. When friends out west in the Rocky Mountains offer her a chance of a lifetime--move out there and run the restaurant at their McIntyre Wilderness Excursions Lodge, Gabrielle takes a big chance and says YES. She's more than ready to run her own restaurant, but what she's not ready for is the surly, grumpy cowboy who manages the stables and oversees the horseback adventures.

John Burke is a retired military vet who suffered burns on the left side of his face and left hand. His injuries ended his military career, and now he's trying to find his way in the civilian world. Tattered and Torn is a beauty and the beast story with a western twist, featuring a grumpy, anti-social cowboy as the beast and a beautiful red-headed as the sunshine beauty.

Tattered and Torn is book 3 in the McIntyre Search and Rescue series. It can be read standalone, but it will be enjoyed so much more as part of the series. Swoonworthy hero action, a strong and feisty heroine, action, adventure, and lots of feels in this small-town setting. No cheating, of course, and an HEA is guaranteed!

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2023

883 people are currently reading
184 people want to read

About the author

April Wilson

50 books1,021 followers
I write about alpha protectors who fall in love hard and unconditionally, through the good and the bad. My characters are strong, sexy, and slightly damaged... because no one is perfect. All of my novels have happy-ever-after endings. What else would you expect from a die-hard romantic? I'm the author of the McIntyre Security Bodyguard Series of contemporary romance novels.

I live in Ohio with my daughter and more than a few dogs and cats. When I'm not writing, I'm reading romance novels and watching movies with happy endings. I'd love to hear from you! You can e-mail me at aprilwilsonwrites@outlook.com. Or, visit my website: aprilwilsonauthor.com.

Thanks!

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5 stars
1,353 (57%)
4 stars
576 (24%)
3 stars
301 (12%)
2 stars
82 (3%)
1 star
23 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Marcia.
496 reviews83 followers
January 20, 2024
There wasn't anything bad about this book. If you're looking for an easy read with no drama, no action, no angst, small town slice-of-life, this is your read. This started off interesting but I got really bored at about halfway through. Nothing bad about the characters as they were likable enough. I would say if you're looking for a light and safe story, this would be a good one. I just wasn't feeling it.
Profile Image for BespectacledBookGirl.
199 reviews19 followers
November 29, 2023
My favorite part of this book were the stilted and repetitive food descriptions. I can tell you the cowboy liked chips, brownies, and a cold soft drink and was sick of deli meat and longed for pot roast and chicken and dumplins; I cannot tell you why a 40 year old man had the emotional wherewithal of a teen or why the FMC didn’t mind him yelling at her. I can tell you they do not have a grasp on what’s fancy food in this world (garlic mashed potatoes babyyy) but I can tell you they force in a scene of a kid breaking his leg rock climbing so we can connect this book to its search and rescue themed precursors, and it’s really awkward and doesn’t involve the main characters at all who just stand and watch. The writing was bad but the reading experience was fun regardless. He talked about fettuccine Alfredo so much I started to crave it and ordered it for dinner IRL. What more can you ask of a book honestly?
Profile Image for Stefanie.
115 reviews
April 27, 2025
I feel like nothing really happened. He was immature and annoying. She was just there. No real plot and the writing was … um special

1.5
451 reviews9 followers
October 21, 2024
Forced myself to finish

## The idea of this book thrilled me. I love the Beauty & Beast trope. Sadly, this story did NOT deliver. Several things bothered me. The writing was very juvenile. The way the main characters spoke sounded forced, not natural at all. Once the hero and heroine get together nothing happens. It became very boring. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen. A conflict perhaps? Something. Also, the heroine is supposed to be reopening a restaurant; she's head chef yet she only works for a few min each day? Pfff. Not likely. She's always eating with friends or leaving to go camping for a couple days. Say what? It boggled my mind. Frankly, I was disappointed in both the heroine AND the hero.
Profile Image for Pearl Shen.
970 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2024
Gabrielle & John
Age gap
Grumpy sunshine
Workplace
Small town
🌶️🌶️

Writing was a bit clunky. There were a few things that didn’t make sense to me. I feel like Gabrielle was more of a head chef than a kitchen manager. And also having been a sous chef at 5 star restaurant to cook Alfredo was odd. Like the food wasn’t elevated or fancier than what they were already serving. Like it’s fancy for whole cook but not a professional cook. I didn’t get it.

And John wasn’t all that grumpy.

The story was just ok.
Profile Image for Abigail Li.
440 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2023
Amazing read

Love this book. Love John and Gabrielle’s romance story. This was another book that I couldn’t wait to read. Gabrielle has always been a big part of the McIntyre’s series. Readers first learn about Gabrielle during Beth and Shane’s romance story. Readers know that Gabrielle is sous chef at a top restaurant in Chicago. This book starts with Gabrielle moving to Colorado to help run a restaurant for Hannah and Killian. She first meets John at the airport because John is there to pick her up. John seems a little standoffish to her. Later on, readers learn that John was a former Army Ranger and he has burns on his face and hand. John is self conscious about his burns and he doesn’t like to take his hat off and he wears gloves during to the burns. Gabrielle can tell that he’s self conscious about the burns but as John gets closer to her, Gabrielle starts asking him to take his hat off. Love how these two end up together. Worth the read
Profile Image for mrs sarah frost.
451 reviews11 followers
October 12, 2023
Well In my honest opinion April Wilson smashes it again with this beautifully emotional and well written story.
Gabrielle has moved across the country to take up a position of restaurant manager at McIntyre Wilderness Excursions Lodge run by Hannah & Killian. This is the big break Gabrielle has been after but she didn’t expect to fall in love with a grumpy cowboy along the way.
John (Burke) a grumpy cowboy hides behind his cowboy hat and believes that no body could love someone with scars, that’s until he picks up a beautiful red head from the airport, Burke is in trouble!

I loved their story which is beautifully and carefully written. I would highly recommend this read and while you’re at it, if you haven’t already, why not start from the very beginning with book 1 of the entire McIntyre series, Vulnerable.
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books89 followers
March 22, 2024
I borrowed Tattered & Tron ~ McIntyre Search & Rescue ~ Book 3, by Apri Wilson from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

Gabrielle Hunter, a chef from Chicago comes to Colorado and the comes to the McIntyre Wildlife Excursions to find her dream of running her own resturant. John Burke works at the ranch as head of the barns and horseback riding excursions into the surrounding mountains. He is also a wounded warrior with scars and a very private person. When he picks up Gabrielle at the airport he finds her attractive as much as she finds hime an honest and considerate man and a cowboy too. This is the start of romance and the story of how John and Gabrielle find happiness and a way to get him to open up. Great story and loved the happy ending too.
1,067 reviews
August 28, 2025
This book is good, but it's too safe. Not much drama, it's like reading a regular Jane and Joe falling in love without so much obstacle or drama. It's like the author scared to write something out of ordinary and add spice of fantasy.

Boy meets girl, boy has a baggage, girl chasing boy despite being popular girl, boy give up hiding, boom they're together. Yeah, feels like a high school crush than a real love.

Plus I don't like how Gabrielle supposed to be an amazing chef, but no exploration about when she cooked a food. She literally acts as server during service not captaining the kitchen. Her role bounces between chef and restaurant manager, I wonder if this is part of job scam or exploitation.
Profile Image for Sharon  P.
32 reviews
September 28, 2023
I love April’s books…

I have read and purchased every one of April’s books. This isn’t my favorite (no, that’s ruined) and it certainly is not my least favorite. It falls somewhere in the middle. It didn’t have what Ruined has. Love, drama, suspense. Sure, there were suspenseful moments, but they last maybe a page. I want a little more.

I will always preorder any of aprils books, but the last few haven’t been as great as the first group. But they’re still good!
590 reviews
October 15, 2023
Cute, easy read. It was almost a little too short as I would have liked a bit more depth to it.
Profile Image for Anna Stewart McCall.
322 reviews47 followers
May 14, 2024
Tropes: Grumpy/sunshine; ex-Military (Army Ranger); small-town
Triggers: H has severe burn scars from an IED.
OM/OW drama: none
HEA/HFN: yes
Angst level: low
Spice level: low to medium

What I liked:
-Low-angst
-Colorado setting
-Slow burn

What I didn't like:
-The writing is pretty clunky.
-Character description/development: John was supposed to be this super-grump, reserved, completely closed-off man. He started out pretty talkative, and then went silent, and then kind of went back and forth between the two, as if the author couldn't decide exactly what she wanted him to be. Gabrielle was the heroine, hired to be a "kitchen manager" at the resort in Colorado. She was a sous-chef at a five-star restaurant in Chicago, and now she's a kitchen manager? She served, sat guests, pretty much did everything in the restaurant EXCEPT cook. There were a couple of moments where it looked like she might be running from something or wary, but that was never fleshed out. She was a pretty one-dimensional character.

Overall, meh. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either.
Profile Image for Lynne.
449 reviews10 followers
October 2, 2023
Once again April Wilson newish series McIntyre Search and Rescue does not disappoint. Gabrielle who we meet in previous books as Beth’s best friend is invited to Colorado to launch a restaurant in the new Wilderness Excursions Lodge. A new challenge is something that is daunting but oh so exciting so Gabrielle says YES and heads to the Rocky Mountains. There she meetz John Burke who is a retired military veteran who’d suffered burns on the left side of his face and left hand. These injuries had stopped his military career and he’s trying to adjust to civilian life.
As they both come to terms with the challenges ahead and try and deal with their attraction, this story evolves and has you turning the pages to find out how their journey will end and if their new relationship will progress. Another excellent book from April…and if you’re a fan, you won’t be disappointed.
472 reviews
October 2, 2023
Another great story

I expected nothing less from this Author. I've been waiting for Gabrielle's story since she was introduced as Beth's best friend and as a great sous chef for every function or party that the McIntyre clan had. I never thought she would go to Colorado much less the wilderness. John's story is so much more that he needs to overcome. It's always amazes me, and I've never figured out why, just how some people can be so cruel, especially when he served our Country the way he had. This has been another great read for me April Wilson, naturally I'm anxious for your next great story!
89 reviews
May 11, 2024
The greatest gift sometimes comes in a tattered and torn package.

Gabrielle and John Burke strike sparks as their personalities clash. She tries to get to know him and he keeps pushing her away despite the fact he is attracted to her. He sees himself as so damaged because of war injuries that no one could love him. She sees past his stony demeanor to the real man that he is. While she works magic on the kitchen she has been given the opportunity to create and lead, her side goal is to get past John's prickly armor he has hidden behind. Love, the greatest gift comes in the heart of a scarred and battered Army ranger.
282 reviews
October 8, 2023
Gabrielle finally gets her story!

Taking over management of the restaurant at the McIntyre search amx rescue centre Gabrielle leaves her family and friends behind in Chicago for the job of her dreams. Hannah McIntyre not only gifts her the opportunity but also introduces her to the group of friends she has accumualted making the move easier. On arrival at the airport Gabrielle's lift impresses her from moment one, but can the quiet and grumpy co-worker let his guard down to get to know the bubbly new restauramt manager?
1,796 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2024
Great!

I chose this rating because this is actually a pretty good book. I enjoyed pretty much all of the characters. This was a book of determination compassion, kindness, acceptance, believing in yourself and that you're worthy of love. I enjoyed John and Gabriella story. I think the author did an amazing job of putting these characters together. I really love the way that Gabriella brought John out of his shell and let him know that he is loved regardless of his appearance. Great reed! I recommend this book to all romance readers.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,411 reviews8 followers
May 29, 2025
Sun always shines

John Burke and Gabrielle. Both new to the series and colorful characters in their own right. A but if an age gap, but not a huge one. Burke is antisocial since his injury while in the military and Gabrielle is a bit of a social butterfly. They quickly have chemistry and start on their path which included some miscommunication, unsure emotions and friendship and love. The town is amply visible in this story and help build the community and sense of belonging that Gabrielle needed. A sweet book with a cute HEA.
217 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2023
Another hit!

Another fantastic read in the Search and Rescue series. John and Gabrielle are the sweetest couple. Their love story is so cute, and it feels so rel, like it could happen to me or you. April has a gift for writing stories that suck you in and keep you engaged from beginning to end without the need for a 3rd act breakup. Highly recommend. Can't wait for the next book.
264 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2023
Sweet and steamy

We meet Gabrielle again. She has been in earlier books by the author. She sets her course for new adventures in Colorado to have control over a restaurant in a lodge owned by Hannah and Killian. Her unexpected bonus is meeting John, a man with physical and emotional scars. The reader will find this story to be different from others by this author, but the story is still beautifully told.
Profile Image for Andrea Mccormick.
1,054 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2023
love it

I can never stop singing the praises of April Wilson! She is a great storyteller. I love the fact that all her characters are woven together in each story in some way. John was sent to pick up Gabriella from the airport. When he sees the redhead he knows he’s in big trouble. Gabriella wants to know what happened to John to caused his scars, can she get around his defenses?
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
November 1, 2023
Sous chef turned restaurant manager Gabrielle Hunter is new in town and shares a mutual attraction with her ride to the lodge, stable master John Burke. But John has severe image issues, a disagreement with an IED left John with burn scars and separated from the military. Years of others’ reactions to his scars have left John grumpy and self-conscious. He uses hat brims, gloves and long sleeves to hide in plain sight but Gabrielle can see beyond his shields.
Rating: 4.25stars
Profile Image for April Johnson.
79 reviews
September 29, 2023
John and Gabrielle

John and Gabrielle are a great couple. Gabrielle was not only open to possibilities with John she wasn't no wilting flower. She was confident and was his ray of sunshine. John just needed a positive push and reinforcement from the right woman. He stepped out of his comfort zone and took that leap. Was a great read.
Profile Image for Lise.
108 reviews
September 29, 2023
A sweet and touching love story

Who doesn’t love a tender love story for a hero with a wounded soul? John Burke is a strong, reliable, tender-hearted, gruff cowboy in need of some tender loving care. Gabrielle fits the bool perfectly for him. As always, April Wilson delivers characters you love and root for. Another great read!
9 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2023
Another fantastic book by April Wilson!

I enjoyed reading this book from beginning to end. April NEVER disappoints me. As usual the characters are well developed and blend together for another McIntyre Search and Rescue adventure. It even includes a mention of my favorite McIntyre family members.. Shane, Beth, Luke and Ava.
693 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2023
Tattered and Torn

Fascinating story. Gabrielle leaves the big city for the mountains. She has a chance to start her own restaurant!
Nice that it is with the McIntyres, who we met in the previous book. Now, this is a romance so of course Gabrielle meets her one. There is a bit of action but nothing severe. A nice, bumpy love story!
Profile Image for Donna Fielder.
94 reviews
October 1, 2023
Swooooon

A love story for the ages. Some times you don't need lots of action and suspense. Just a brilliant well thought out, emotional and thought provoking story.
John makes you realise how much we all hide behind scars, and to overcome his physical and emotional ones were hard. Gabrielle was the calm for his storm in every way. Well done April another cracking read.
803 reviews4 followers
October 1, 2023
loved this

I loved John and Gabrielle’s story. They are really complete opposites at first glance but ultimately they both have the courage to accept change and step out in faith . It was good to meet up with old friends and there are several people crying out for their own stories. Highly entertaining.
Profile Image for Dog Mom Reads A Lot .
110 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2023
This was a spectacular book
I absolutely love EVERY SINGLE book in the McIntyre world April Wilson has created but this book was beyond all I could have hoped for when I started reading it

Gabriella and John love story was remarkably told in a heartfelt way that was filled with all the feels with inspiration sprinkled throughout
23 reviews
October 2, 2023
City girl has dreamed about cowboys and horses since she was little. Born and raised in the city. Knows as long as she stays in city it will take years to accomplish her dream career. Offered chance for the career if she moves to country. So begins her journey not only for a career but to find her cowboy.
Loved the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews

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