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Skylar McKenzie is a serious artist with a plan. She'll graduate high school, travel around Europe, then leave her life in Texas and move to New York. She'll also leave her feelings for the boy she's known her whole life, behind and move on. Or so she hopes.

Jackson Cruz is ready for a future as a star quarterback once he graduates high school. It's the path he's been leading for years now. But when his cheerleader girlfriend cheats on him, and a teammate causes a lot of drama, he wonders if this is really the life he's wanted, or if there's something more.

They thought they had it all figured out-their futures. But life doesn't always go as planned. With feelings revealed, their dreams on the line, this is a year for changes, choices, and a love that might or might not overcome all obstacles.


Told in Jackson and Skylar’s POV, this is a story about acceptance, first love, embracing your passions and finding your way, even if it’s not the way you had planned.

A new Young Adult novel, with adult content coming late November 2013.

ebook

First published November 27, 2013

704 people want to read

About the author

Annie Brewer

14 books788 followers
Annie Brewer leads several lives. At home she's a caring mother of two with a heart of gold. Online, she's a best friend to several and puts a smile on her many fans every time she utters a word. In her own world, she's a dreamer. But the biggest part of her is made of books, books, and more books. It's not a surprise she's turned out to be such a talented young author. Some of her many hobbies include reading, drooling over Ian Somerhalder, Channing Tatum,and Christian Grey (etc.), reading, reviewing, reading, watching Vampire Diaries, reading, and last but not least WRITING like a maniac. She currently resides in Texas, where she dies of heat-strokes every few seconds, with her many books and book-boyfriends, and her two adorable little girls.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,562 reviews35.9k followers
September 28, 2014
4.5 Stars!

Torn photo 4d69286c-0ae2-4a8f-880f-ee189c2df6a8_zpsad5c5bb8.jpg

Torn is a story of two people who grew apart, and found their way back together.

Skylar and Jackson had been best friends since they were children. As they got older, things started to change. Jackson became the popular football player dating the head cheerleader etc. Skylar’s passion is art and wasn’t in the popular crowd. One of the main reasons Jackson changed and distanced himself from Sky is the feelings he was starting to develop for her. Feelings that went beyond just friendship.
How do you fall in love with your best friend?

Skylar was the perfect best friend. She was always there for Jackson, to listen to him, spend time with him, just be there for him. Then his mom left and everything changed. Jackson didn't feel adequate. He doesn’t think he deserves a girl like Sky. So he settles for what he thinks he deserves. Things are changing with Jackson. He still has the same fears about Sky, but he doesn’t want to let them control him any longer.
I’m afraid of getting close to her and then fucking it up. I’m afraid of getting hurt myself. I’m afraid of her leaving me for something better. Is love supposed to make you crazy? If so, I’ve been there. I’m there now and it’s a strange feeling.

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Skylar has spent the last few years wondering what happened with the boy she used to consider her best friend. They were so close, then they just drifted apart. Thank goodness she has her friend Randa and Jackson’s brother, Jared, whom she’s always been close with. Skylar hasn’t had the easiest time in high school. Especially since Jackson’s evil girlfriend Amber has always had a vendetta against her. For some reason, Jackson is taking notice. Standing up for her when Amber is being nasty. Talking to her again. Dumping Amber. Sky doesn’t know what to think about all these changes. All she knows is she’s happy Jackson is speaking to her again, noticing her for once.

Skylar wants to be friends with Jackson. She misses him, the relationship they used to have. And lets face it, she wants more than that. She’s always loved him. She has no idea that he’s had any romantic feelings for her as well. Jackson see’s a future with Sky. He always has.

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Sky has a plan. After high school, she’s going to travel to Europe with her mom for the summer, then possibly attend art school in NY. Now that things between she and Jackson are different, will her plans change? Will he be able to fit in with them? The more time they spend together, the more things go back to the way they used to be. The way they were always meant to be. Sky loves Jackson. Jackson loves Sky. But is love enough? Their futures are uncertain.

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Torn is a book I’ve really enjoyed. The story kept my attention, had a nice pace, and I loved the characters. Jackson... you will love Jackson. He is a bit of a broken boy, but oh so lovable! Jackson could be a little cocky at times, but he became the biggest sweetheart. I was swooning over Jackson! Sky is a strong leading lady. True to herself, independent and loyal. There are also some fabulous secondary characters. I especially loved Jackson’s dad <3

The dual pov was great- loved reading from Jackson’s perspective. I just adore friends to lovers stories. Torn is all about finding yourself, following your dreams and your heart. I had the opportunity to beta read this book from the beginning and even though I really enjoyed the version I beta’d, this new version is so much better! It was almost like reading an entirely different book with the characters I’ve come to know and love over the last few months. I feel that Torn is Annie’s best book yet. If you are looking for a sweet ya/na read with just enough drama and angst to keep it interesting, give this one a go! I am SO looking forward to book 2- and my next Jackson fix! I need to find out what happens next with Sky and Jackson!!!

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**ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Annie Brewer.
Author 14 books788 followers
November 28, 2013
IT'S LIVE on Amazon!!!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GYQQ...


***update***

This book took a different turn during editing. I mean, what the fuck? It was completely done and finished and ready(minus the last bit of editing). And then when I changed a couple of things, it kind of changed the events of EVERYTHING. So with that said, it's not ready for publishing. But it's okay, because this change was for the better. It'll be ready by Monday and I'll keep it at .99 for a few more days for the delay. Grrrrr! Sorry for the wait. But it'll be worth it. We're happy for the change, that's all that matters.

And thanks to a few of my peeps that I discussed a few things with. I'm working overtime on this baby!

Here's a new teaser of the newly improved book...

We end the night at our park, lying side by side on the merry-go-round,staring up at the night sky. You can only catch a few bright stars peeking out. It’s so peaceful, breezy and perfect. I’ve never felt so content to just lie with someone without speaking.

“Jackson?” Skylar’s voice is a breath of air.

“Hmm?”

“Do you think your dad will ever date again?” Her question surprises me, but I’ve wondered that myself. He just makes an excuse that he’s too busy.

I move my head so I can look at her, “I’d like to think he’ll meet someone. But he doesn’t seem interested.”

“My mom’s the same way. She works too much so she claims she’s too tired.” Absentmindedly, I run my fingers up and down her arm. “I think she’s still scared of the idea.” I can relate.
“Sometimes I can still hear my dad’s voice, telling me what to do.” Her voice takes on a haunted tone. My hand reaches her fingertips, slowly tracing the length of her newly manicured fingers. “Does the pain ever go away?”

I stop moving; wracking my brain for an answer but come up short. “I don’t know, honestly. We've both lost a parent in a different way. I imagine it’ll get easier. You know why?”

She pivots her body so she’s on her side, facing me. “Why?”

I lean close to her, reach out to touch her face and say,
“Because I’m gonna remind you of all the memories I have of him, to make you smile, laugh and feel grateful for the time you got to spend with him. Because that’s what he’d want.” A tear falls from her eye. My head dips slightly, kissing it away.

She wraps her arm around my waist. “That would really help, Jackson. And I’m sure he’s watching us from wherever he is, smiling and happy that his daughter is happy with such an incredible guy.”

It brings a smile to my face and I hope her dad knows how grateful I am to him for bringing such an amazing girl into the world. I’ll do my best to show her how special she is. I can be that guy for her. I will be. I hold her tight against me, massaging her back. Our legs are tangled together. There’s no such thing as perfect; in a perfect world, maybe. But this is anything but a perfect world. However; this night, this moment, is as close to perfect as you can get. I close my eyes, soaking up the warmth emanating from her body, listening to her steady heartbeat.



Teaser....


“I love it. It’s so quaint. I love to bowl by the way.”

“Perfect. Now I know where to take you for our second date.”

She gives me a flirty smile and leans against the table, a little too closely. She smells intoxicating, breaking my focus. “So, you’re saying there’s gonna be a second date?”

I look up, meeting her halfway, my lips stopping just inches of hers, our breaths mixing with the air. “For as long as I have you, there’s gonna be a lot more dates to come.” My head snaps back as hers come forward. “Now is the time for your pool lesson.”

She pouts mockingly, taking the stick I give to her. “Okay, so Teach, what do I do first?”

“I’m going to break. After I wrack the balls, that is.” I get the triangle and situate the balls, explaining the process as I go. When I’m ready to break, I tell her how to position her legs and where the stick sets on your wrist. “Some people break hard, it all depends how much oomph you put into it. Just brace yourself against the table and hit the balls, scatter them about so you sink at least one into the pocket.” When I break, several of them split up and a couple of stripes go in.

“You got some stripey balls.”

I look for my next shot and line them up with the cue ball; I miss, purposely. “Okay, your turn.”
She glances at me, hesitant. “Okay, so does that mean I’m the solid colors?” I nod, so she walks around the table looking for a possible shot. I come up from behind, startling her.

“Relax,” I order her lightly. My arm wraps around her grabbing the stick into position. I can feel her heart race through her clothes, matching my own rapid pace. Our bodies so close. “Okay, you wanna aim for that ball,” I point to it with the tip and show her what part of cue ball to hit. The contact of her skin mixed with her perfume makes me dizzy, in the best possible way. I take a deep breath and shake my senses back into place. “Now easy,” Our hands move back slowly before connecting with the ball. It knocks the balls around the table and one falls into the pocket.


Just to clear the air.....this is NOT and never intended to be a love triangle. The final draft has quite a few changes made to it and I'm so thankful that its been fixed. I love my betas and editor. I'm much happier with this final draft, which I'm still editing to the very last second before release. I wanna throw a fucking party, I'm so excited!
Profile Image for Farah.
370 reviews493 followers
November 11, 2013



Skylar is in her senior year of high school and she can't wait for it to be over. Skylar isn't exactly "miss popular"
She's a brilliant painter with big dreams.



Skylar has been best friends with Jackson and his brother Jared for years.



Jackson: The boy who is still in her heart and dreams- the one who "changed" and left her behind when he became popular.

Jared: The most awesome guy you will ever meet. Handsome, sweet funny...

When Jared finally tells Skylar he likes her more than friends, she doesn't know what to say... Because she loves Jared but doesn't love him in 'that' way because her heart has always belonged to Jackson.

NoW....
Skylar decides that she's never going to get Jackson and gives Jared a chance.

Only....

Jackson only realizes what he wants when he can't have it anymore right??



Faced with difficult choices Skylar must choose...
And hopes that her choice doesn't ruin the special friendship she has...



It's amazing that loving the right person can change a man to the person they were meant to be,



And if all her dreams do come true...
Skylar must decide if her planned future is worth fulfilling her dream.



As much as I would LOVE to elaborate on
What the above means- I'm going to be selfish and say: Read the book and find out yourself! :)

I admit I got really frustrated at times with certain characters however this is still worth the read!



Ps. This ends with a BIG cliffy, I'm actually going to msg Annie now to beg for information!!!!!! :D

Many thanks to Annie for providing me with an ARC of this book!
Profile Image for  ♥  Barb ♥.
155 reviews221 followers
October 28, 2013
4.5....Hanging in there.... stars



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This is the story about growing up, friendships, and love.
We meet 17 yr old, Skylar, 18 yr old Jackson, and 20 yr old Jared. Jackson and Jared are brothers and they grew up with Skylar, and are the best of friends until Sky/Jackson started high school. They drifted apart, and now Jackson won't even talk to Skylar anymore. He's more interested in football and being popular than being Sky's friend. His brother on the other hand, is a sweetheart and has always been there for Sky. Now 4 years later, Jackson/Sky are seniors and things are changing once again. Skylar is torn.....Jackson is confused....and Jared is....there. ♥
Hmmm? What do you do??
I really liked this one....and can't wait for more in the sequel. <3




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"Don't say we're not right for each other because the way I see it, we might not be right for anyone else."



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"Is it crazy to want to spend every minute possible with someone."



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"Enjoy tonight, for tomorrow is not guaranteed."



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"If it's meant to be....it will be."



Desperate for changing, starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started, I'm chasing after you

I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held on to
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you

Forgetting all I'm lacking, completely incomplete
I'll take your invitation, you take all of me now

I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held on to
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you

There's nothing else to lose, there's nothing else to find
There's nothing in the world that can change my mind
There is nothing else
There is nothing else
There is nothing else






** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Annie xx **
Profile Image for Nat O.
24 reviews
July 2, 2014
3.5 STARS!

High school drama at its best!
Cute story of two best friends who grew apart. Despite the fork in their roads, fate has a way of bringing these childhood friends back together.
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I thought this story started out very strong. I enjoyed the heroine, Skylar, who is this pretty, quiet girl who loves to paint. Her lifelong friendship with Jackson came to an abrupt end when he struck popularity gold and dumped the friendship.

Jackson has become one of the popular jocks. You know the type... the guy with the hot cheerleader on his arm. Yeah. On top of that, Jackson & Amber are always catty with our sweet, but 'nerdy' heroine.

"They're such a perfect pair, hot outside, ugly inside." -Skylar

After two years... Skylar attempts to get over her lusting over Jackson, by dating his attentive, older brother Jared.
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It's at this time when Jackson realizes his past mistakes, but is it too late to finally claim his childhood sweetheart?!

This is a cute & typical teen romance. I just wished I would have felt more intensity from the characters.

I think this is a great foundation to where the story will go. I just read the synopsis for book 2 and let me tell you...WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I am eagerly anticipating the finality of this story.


Thanks Annie my love :)
**ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Tessa Teevan.
Author 44 books1,601 followers
Read
August 6, 2016
Review to come!

Annie is so good to me!!!!

description
Profile Image for ✝✝ Ⓓaisy ❣ ✝✝ .
494 reviews269 followers
February 6, 2014

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"CLIFFY"

Torn was a pretty quick read. A story about two best friends, who grew together but at one point, they grew apart. They are more like strangers now.

Jackson and Skylar are two loveable character to read. I felt few similarities between Torn and Bully. Jackson at times was behaving like Jared from Bully!

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He ignored her as he started developing feelings for her.

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And then, he realises that he is wrong.

" Are you cold? "
"You stopped kissing me to ask me that?"


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And Amber, is one hellavu character, that woman know how to get into your nerve.

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What stores from them in future? Will their relations hip survive?

I feel like this book could have been great.

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Happy reading

D xo

**ARC provided from tour**
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,468 reviews293 followers
November 6, 2013
Received an arc from the beautifully talented author herself, in exchange for an honest review..thanks Annie!

Another great read!! Loved it..full review to follow
Profile Image for Kinsey.
156 reviews277 followers
August 14, 2016
HOLY CLIFFHANGER!! Review on its way when I feel better <3
Profile Image for Once.
2,344 reviews81 followers
March 30, 2014
OUT's Review

I don't know where to begin with this book. I loved it from the beginning to the very end. Have you ever read a book that you can't stop thinking about. Your at work or just running errands and you are counting down the time until your at home and in bed reading that book again. I thought about this book for hours and hours. Finally when I read it again I just didn't want to ever put it down. I had to stay up later then usual to try and finish the book and when I reached the very end I was so upset because of the way it ended. Then ending wants you to look forward to the sequel to this book.

Torn was written so well then when your reading it you feel like your part of that book. Sometimes it's really hard to imagine yourself in some of the books that I read or I just hate the characters so much that I can't get into the book. Well with this book I was cheering on the characters until the end of the book. The main characters of this story are madly in love with each other but they don't want to tell each other. Skyler is a artist at school and she is hoping to get into an art school in New York and she's looking forward to traveling Europe with her mother in the summer after she graduates. She lost her father in a accident and she still mourns him throughout the whole story.

The one thing that is bothering her is seeing one of her old best friends that she use to hang out with all the time when she was little, be with another girl in school and outside of school all the time. Plus her best friend is with a girl that is always picking on her and causing her life to be a living hell. Jackson is the old best friend that she is madly in love with. The thing is Skylar hangs out with his brother Jared all the time. She is usually over at Jared and Jacksons house eating dinner and Jared helps her with her homework. But deep down both of these characters are struggling with their feelings for each other. Jackson is this handsome bad boy that is the high school Quarterback, but his feelings are only for Skylar. He is dating the cheerleader Ambur which makes Skylar life a living hell. Jackson is always sticking up for her when he sees Ambur treating her like that and Ambur keeps saying that Jackson loves Skylar and he is always denying it.

Throughout this story both of these characters go through so much that most of us probably witness or even have happen to us in High school. I know a lot of it happen to me. The author wrote about things that you see today in schools. So if a high school girl picked up this book they would feel like they are Sklyar and some boy might feel like Jackson. The best part of this book was the way the author wrote it. She wrote it from both of their views. You will be reading the book and you could be reading about what Skylar is thinking and saying and then the next chapter could be about Jackson and what he is thinking about and doing. I would really recommend this book to for anybody to read. It's a great book with a great theme to it along with awesome characters. It's a fast book to read and is definitely a page turner from the beginning to the very end. This will be the book that you will remember for a long time and you will be counting down the days until you get to read the sequel. Hope she comes out with a sequel. If she does then I am all for it and can't wait to read it.
August 3, 2016
Skylar and Jackson were best friends growing up. They have both lost a parent but in different ways. Skylar has been able to cope better with the loss of her father after a tragic accident but Jackson on the other hand has not been able to deal with the loss of his mother as easily. That loss though was a choice.

Jackson and Skylar are now in High School and no longer as close as they once were but they still harbor deep feelings for each other. Jackson is on the football team and dating a cheerleader while Skylar is an outcast. Although I wouldn't say that Jackson is rude to Skylar the way his girlfriend Amber is, he sure doesn't try to be nice to her. Jackson is living his life day to day and not to its fullest. He has the fear that all of the people he truly loves will one day leave him. That's why he has always kept Skylar at a distance.

Between the conversations and hints from his brother Jared and along with his growing feelings for Skylar eventually Jackson wakes up and takes his life into his own hands. He goes after the things that he wants and what makes him happy!

I enjoyed reading about Skylar and Jackson plus really enjoyed Jackson's jealousy over Jared's relationship with Skylar. I thought Monica and Jake were wonderful friends to both Jackson and Skylar and would love a book about them. It was told from both Skylar and Jackson's POV and also it was an instant love book.... they had been best friends for YEARS and finally were able to get to the relationship stage.

This story definitely has a cliffhanger ending that will leave you wandering what is going to happen next. I am left with questions that will just have to wait to be answered! Overall though, well done Annie Brewer! You took me back to my high school days and young love!
Profile Image for Drita.
452 reviews36 followers
July 27, 2016

Another great read by Annie. This is my second book by her, and all I can say is they keep getting better.
In "Torn" we have three characters that play a main role in this novel, and one i really wanted to give an upper cut, boy he pissed me off...but the story has to start somehow, right?

I enjoy reading stories when the characters know each other from childhood, it sounds more authentic. In this story we have Skylar, Jackson and Jared. The two brothers grew up with Skyler and were best of friends, but somewhere in their school year that friendship with Jackson fades away, leaving Skyler feeling hurt and like an outsider. It's where that love/hate relationship comes to play. Or more like i didn't know what i was missing kind of thing. But the other brother is there for her...Jared, such a sweetheart.

Annie gave us a story of friendship, hurt, forgiveness and love...she tells it with so much heart, capturing you and feeling as if you're part of it. She has the ability to create her characters with depth, understanding them and growing to love them (even though one deserved that upper cut). This was a beautiful love story that will touch you...and so much more then to what my review has to offer.

So, now that I tried to give some insight of this wonderful story and try not to give a lot away, get it, read it, experience it...It might be something you are looking for and enjoy.
Thank you Annie for sharing it with us, it really "Tore" me at some parts. Also thank you for gifting it, you're a sweetheart...Though the end left me at *Oh, shit* so move those fingers. ;) xox

Profile Image for Verna Loves Books.
426 reviews60 followers
February 4, 2014
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was an amazing read; I couldn’t put it down once I started it. I wanted to keep reading even when my eyes wanted to do nothing more than close. So yes I got a book hangover from reading this wonderfully written story and it was so worth it.

I was instantly in love with Skye. She is an amazing girl. Has so much talent and love in her heart. There is definitely no one else like her. My heart broke for her that she was dealing with the loss of losing a parent, her father, whom she loved with all her heart. As well as the loss of her best friend, whom she never gives up hope on.

All the people in Skye’s life are remarkable. She has the greatest best friend, a loving mother, and even her best friend’s family. The whole book is full of lots of family vibes and I love it. I loved that they are all there for one another no matter what.

Jackson, Jackson, Jackson! Talk about a reason to love a story. He’s my reason. He goes from being this jerk you want to punch to an amazing man whom you want nothing more than to hug. I loved that he finally opened his eyes and learned to see that Skye deserved better so he started being better. He finally lets what he feels for her through and its wonderful how he gives up everything to work hard and make sure she’s happy regardless of how it makes him worry.

Don’t think for a second this book is all romance, and lovey dovey. It’s also filled with lots of crazy twists and turns and Jackson and Skye fighting to keep together. I cried more than once during the book. The ending will blow your mind; I am still in shock and DYING for the next book.
Profile Image for Jenna.
520 reviews22 followers
December 12, 2013
This is a story of childhood friends who grew apart and then come back together. I love how strong Sky was and I really love how her art wasn't just mentioned once and then forgotten. Her art is a big part of her life and left me wanting to see her paintings. When we first saw interaction between Sky and Jackson I thought I was going to hate him, but he proved me wrong. He was a teenager still dealing with heavy stuff that lead him to be the way he is. At first I thought something would happen between Jared and Sky and I am really glad nothing did. I think it would have taken the story somewhere else. I am happy with the way things played out. I just wish Jackson would have gotten rid of Amber sooner.. That bitch really needed to be put in her place. But I think I would like to know more about her too. Like why is she the way she is, just to get a glimpse in the bad girl's head. Torn is full of teenage angst and shows all of the characters growing up throughout the story. Though they all still had moments where I wanted to shake them all, however that is part of being human, making mistakes and learning from those mistakes.

My favorite thing is that this story isn't farfetched. Everything that happened was real. That end.. Oh that end has me wanting to know what is up a certain person's sleeve! Not a cliffhanger per se but still leaves you with questions and sets up for the next book. Can't wait to see what else is in store for everyone!

**Copy provided via author in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Stormy.
515 reviews69 followers
December 9, 2013
Loving the cover.

Whaaaa! Sweet Annie can really get my blood pumping with her evil teasers and now a cliffhanger!!!!! Never knew she had it in her.

First, I'll start with the writing. I think it could of used another dose of editing, only because it wasn't perfect. There were a couple of words that were used multiple times that I'd noticed. Just like, "His eyes MISTED over." That was in there a lot. My only complaint.

I see a big difference in Jackson. Honestly, when Annie first gave me her book to read, I didn't think I would like Jackson AT ALL. He was an ass. I didn't see how he would ever redeem himself. Let's just say, I'm happy for the turn around. This Jackson and this story were a lot more lovable.

This story is more mellow than Annie's others. Not so much drama. It's calm and loving. Your heart's still flipflopping around in your chest, but only because good things are happening. I would love to see some humor added to the mix, though. Not so serious. It's probably weird that my favorite parts are always the sexy ones. I'm not so much perverted as a romantic, okay?! Just making that clear.

Overall, it's a very quick and sweet read. Annie's very good at sweet. Except for that cliffhanger.....grrrrrr...that's evil.
Profile Image for CeCe.
3,623 reviews109 followers
February 5, 2014
I love these stories, childhood friends who grow up together and later find that they have feelings outside of friendship. I love that these stories are not insta-love and insta-sex.
The heroine is very likeable. She has no idea how beautiful she is inside and out. That is what made some parts of this story very sweet. She has no idea that Jackson or anyone else could have romantic feelings for her.

Some of the problems I had with the book are that I felt like I was told what to feel. I rather draw my own conclusions about characters and situations than being told. Reading is very subjective and everyone has a different opinion about the writing or flow of a story. For me, the dialogue in this book was a bit formal.

The mis-communication is what initially kept these two characters apart, which became frustrating. However, as I continued reading I recognized that since Jackson and Skylar led separate lives in high school, it would lead them to insecurities.
This book was written in dual POVs so we got a sense of what and where the characters’ feelings were going, so I thought the ending would be predictable, but it was not. I have no idea what will happen to these two.

A copy was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
Profile Image for Magic Within the Pages.
397 reviews15 followers
January 29, 2014
Reviewer : Liz - Magic Within The Pages
Rating: 4 stars

Torn is about best friends Skylar and Jackson who grew apart and slowly grow back together to form an amazing relationship. Skylar, who is strong, beautiful and a fantastic painter then there is Jackson, football star, who has a bitch of a girlfriend Amber, who loves to make Skylar's life hell because she is jealous of the friendship Sky and Jackson shared in the past. There are a few different things going on in this story, but it keeps you pulled in and makes it hard to put down wondering what will happen next.

This is a perfect story of young teenage school crush love, it's so cute I really enjoyed this book, and the characters were fantastically built. There was a few little grammatical errors but I'm not one to judge, like I said this book pulled me right in and I enjoyed every page of it. The way Annie ended this has left me wanting more.

I cannot wait for the next book! You have left me seriously hanging and guessing what's going to happen.
Profile Image for M.J. Nightingale.
Author 29 books170 followers
December 18, 2013
I have never read YA before and was pleasantly surprised by Annie Brewer's teenaged love story. It was very dramatic in parts. Real teenaged crises! Angst!

But the ending left me hanging, I wanted to know more about the two main characters' future together.

I read the unedited version, and received an arc before it was published. The author asked me to read it and give an honest review. With that said, I have to admit what I enjoyed most was the plot line and the way the author alternated between POVs. The very, very best part of the book was how Brewer got into the minds of these teenagers. The entire book was written in the two varying POVs of Jackson and Skylar, and the reader was immersed in their thought.

I would have liked more description so I could visualize it better, but hey, that is just me. Well done, Annie. I would read this author again.
Profile Image for Teri.
1,801 reviews
December 28, 2013
Holy Cliff-hanger!!! Why?! Oh, WHY?!

So yup, its a cliffy :(
I really like alternating POVs, so that's a huge plus for this book. Jackson is... self aware. I really liked him, and his brother. and his father, the side characters in this are good.

I found Jackson's part of the story more compelling than Sky's...but that's not really unusual for me. I liked Sky, she's not a doormat type heroine, but pretty down to earth.

I could have used a little more...I don't know how to explain it, instead of hearing about the things they used to do or how close they were, I would have liked to discover it or something, through flashbacks or dialogue/banter or something.
Will be reading the next one...so come on Annie!
Profile Image for Adriana.
1,325 reviews148 followers
December 4, 2013
I would love to thank my friend Annie the author for giving me the honor of being a beta reader, I loved the journey with you, and the end product speaks for itself as it's amazing . This is the 4th book I've read of Annie's and each one gets better and better. I loved all the characters in this book, but even though he had his bad moments I'm still a Jackson softy. I loved skyler too she has such a strong personality but is quiet at the same time. Once you start reading this book you won't want to put it down. It's not a simple love story and that's how I like it. I can't wait to read what happens next. I do recommend this book to everyone because I truly loved it :)
Profile Image for Amanda (mandy).
382 reviews22 followers
December 12, 2013
I would first and foremost like to thank Annie for providing a copy for review.

Wow, I had read the previous version of Torn and that was good. But this updated final version!? Even better.

Sky and Jackson were best friends growing up. As they grew older they drifted. Jackson became the jerkoff jock dating the evil cheerleader. Beginning their senior year Jackson can't fight it anymore. He knows who he loves, and who he wants to be with. He has scars that hold him back, but Sky is there to help heal them.

There is a cliffhanger, it's not a crazy cliffhanger. But it definitely leaves you wanting more.
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,437 reviews49 followers
February 5, 2014
Reading by the Book REVIEW

Oh, I got left hanging.... Skylar and Jackson story was touching but the emotional struggle of Jackson touched me the most.

Coming to terms that your mother not only left you but says she don't know you in public us another story. I would have put walls up to and stop feeling or acknowleding emotions too. I was happy when Amber showed her true side and he left her to follow his own dream and give into the LOVE in which he had for Skylar. Jackson was a true sweetheart and admitted his faults but the road is NOT over and I cannot wait until book 2. What will happen now after such a tragiv event?
Profile Image for Christina.
168 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2014
Awesome little story! You have Skylar she's a high school senior who loves art and keeps to herself, then you have Jackson he's your football star. They used to be the closest of and then life happened. Jackson is dating this nasty hoe named Amber who annoys the he'll outta me! I dealt with bitches like her in high school, I might dare I've had a fight or two because there are some nasty whores out there. I liked the story it was typically high school stuff an it made it real and that's what I love about it. I love Jackson when he is with Skylar <3 I am hoping MS. ANIE that there is a second book to TORN!! I give it 4.5 Stars! ~Chris
Profile Image for Sam.
127 reviews14 followers
Read
April 15, 2015
ARC provide by the author in exchange for a honest review.


I found myself rooting for Sky and Jackson's LOVE connection to blossom for the start. The ending..... :&. (*lips shut*) will have you wanting book two!
Profile Image for Helen Simpson.
1,223 reviews41 followers
January 28, 2014
WOW I ABSOLUTLY LOVED THIS BOOK. TWO BEST FRIENDS FALLING FOR EACH OTHER. NOT WITHOUT THERE SHARE OF PROBLEMS. SKYLER AND JACKSON ARE ONE OF THE SWEETEST COUPLES I HAVE CAME ACROSS. LOVED THE INNOCENCE BETWEEN THEM. I CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES. ALSO THE ENDING SHOCKER!!!!
Profile Image for Tia.
Author 10 books141 followers
December 2, 2013
These series drove me insane but I can say I totally adored this one. I can't wait for the next!
Profile Image for April Merriman.
111 reviews6 followers
December 15, 2013
Great story. I thought i had the story figured out from the beginning but I was way off! Full review to come during blog tour! Def add to your TBR list!
Profile Image for Alicia.
341 reviews
February 3, 2014
3.5 Stars

Torn was a pretty quick read. It’s a story about two best friends, Jackson and Skylar, who grew up together but in recent years have grown apart. This book is set in their senior year of high school. At first, I really didn’t like Jackson at all. I honestly thought he was a big jerk. I understand the history between Jackson and Skylar, but I felt like she should have just given up on him. I mean, he is in the popular crowd, plays football, and dates a bitchy cheerleader. He acts like Skylar no longer exists. It seems once he gained popularity, he just dropped her like a bad habit. However, she hangs on to what their friendship was and longs for him, even with his rude treatment.

As the story goes on, he realizes he is unhappy with the direction his life is going. He doesn’t like his girlfriend, Amber, at all. She is just convenient to him at this point. He begins to realize how much he misses Sky and starts to get back in her good graces. Not like it takes much. I felt like there should have been a lot more groveling involved. There are times, that his true personality shines through and he sticks up for her. I was glad to see his gradual change. I will admit that there were times that he melted my heart. He turns out to be a great guy and I’m glad that Skylar and he get together.

These two basically know everything about each other. They have always been the other’s life (not counting the past few years.) When they decide to pursue a more than friends relationship, they are already in love, but don’t know it yet. Their love for each other is deep and strong, and seemingly unshakable. BUT, they have each lost one parent due to different circumstances and it affects them.

I feel like this book could have been great. However, it felt a little jumpy to me. I got confused on the timing a few times and had to go back a few pages to try to clarify. The characters are pretty solid. They even had a steady growth. Of course, these are high school kids, so there is a bit of back slide, but you have to make mistakes in order to learn and grow. That is exactly what happened here. It is also told in the dual POV of Skylar and Jackson. While I think the author did a pretty good job, there were times where Jackson sounded a bit like Skylar. All in all, this is a good book. I do think it would be a great book if the author could rework some of the jumpiness and some of Jackson’s POV. It honestly has a great story line and characters. This is a mature YA novel, as there are sexual scenes.
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