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The darkness that fills him . . . the pain . . . they call to me.
I see so much more than his crime, his past, his demons.
I see the promise . . . the man who fills all the empty spaces inside me.
I’m not the perfect, untouchable girl he thinks I am. I’m just dirty enough to take what I want.
Him.
~
I could never deserve her.
She is the light . . . the sun, the moon, a billion stars.
She gives me hope.
But hope is a dangerous thing for a criminal like me.
I am hopeless.
Infinitely flawed.
Tainted.

We are more than opposites.
We are the dangerously perfect collision of dark and light and pain.

***All books in the Jack 'Em Up series are standalones with HEA but if you'd like to enjoy them in order...
Burnout (Prequel - Blake & Delilah: The Beginning)
Crank (Book I - Blake & Delilah)
Torque (Book II - Jesse & Rachel)
Hitched (A Jack 'Em Up Wedding - Jesse & Rachel)
Throttle (Book III - Trace & Tori)
Rev (Book IV - Micah & Jewel)

275 pages, ebook

First published May 25, 2015

10 people are currently reading
153 people want to read

About the author

Shauna Allen

51 books334 followers
Shauna grew up an only child with two open and loving parents in Central Texas. She’s married to her high school sweetheart and is the mother to three fantastic children, including one she recently sent off to the Air Force.

When she’s not reading or writing, Shauna is a freelance editor and lover of all things Gerard Butler.

She also writes Contemporary YA under the pen name SC Montgomery.

Shauna would love for you to visit her at her website at: www.shaunaallen.com
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/shauna.allen.12
Twitter : http://tiny.cc/s0dlmw

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Cindy.
2,349 reviews172 followers
May 27, 2015
First off, I recommend reading the prequel to this series, Burnout. In that book you meet all the guys and most of the gals while they are in high school and get their background stories. Then the books move to 10 years later with the 4 guys working in a Garage fixing cars and motorcycles. First up we had the owner of the garage Blake Travers story with his woman Delilah. Torque is Jesse Joyner and Rachel’s story.

Jesse broke my heart more than once through this book. He came from a good family but life had dealt him some heavy blows and even though he didn’t deserve the first traumatic thing that happened to him when he was 10, the second blow he was just defending his sister who was being sexually attacked but that landed him in prison. Now out on parole he’s carrying such guilt and shame on his shoulders he doesn’t thing he deserves anything good.

Rachel has always had a thing for Jesse since high school. She never judged him for his time in prison and would love to start a relationship with him. Rachel is a lawyer and its nice to see she is one for the right reasons. She wants to defend those that cannot defend themselves – the underdogs – not the sleazy people trying to get away with something. She is a partner in a firm she help start and is disgusted with where her other partner wants to take the firm – defending a rapist just because his daddy is someone important. Rachel doesn’t let anything change her principals. She knows Jesse is a good person and decides she is going to pursue him even though he’s constantly telling her he isn’t good enough for her. It was refreshing to see a woman fight for the man she wanted from the get go. She didn’t wait around for him to get his head out of his ass.

I’m really enjoying this series and looking forward to Trace and Tori’s story next.
Profile Image for Gail.
1,545 reviews
May 7, 2015
What an AWESOME book! Shauna writes with such emotion that will make you laugh and cry. Jesse really deserves a second chance at life. He has to deal with having served time in prison, the harassment of the guy that put him in prison and the secret he has carried with him since he was a little boy and the real reason he quit playing baseball. I am so glad that Rachel finally fought for what she wanted and supported Jesse through everything that has happened to him and helped him see the real Jesse. A great cast of characters. They all work so well together. Shauna did an excellent job of telling what had happened to Jesse when he was a young boy. I won't tell you because I do not want to ruin the story for you. I was given the ARC for my honest review of the story. I loved every minute of the book. It is fast paced and very hard to put down because you have to find out what will happen next. I look forward to the next book in the series. Thanks Shauna for another great book to be added to the Jack' Em Up series.
Profile Image for Belinda Joyner.
17 reviews5 followers
June 15, 2015
Before I give my review of Torque Book Two of her wonderful Jack 'Em Up series I have to apologize to Shauna Allen for posting so late, I'm truly sorry for my tardiness but she knows my reasons. I also want to say I know it was a sad time for Shauna getting this installment out while her going through her Mother's illness and the heartbreak of her loss, much love to you Shauna~

Now on to the tortured soul and recently paroled Jesse Joyner and sexy lawyer Rachel Chaseman, these two are best friends with Blake and Delilah, Blake who owns Jack 'Em Up and Jesse works for as a motorcycle mechanic. Rachel is partner in her own law firm with her former weasel boyfriend Angelo Moretti and she's not happy in her firm any longer and feels she needs a change.

There has always been a longing in Jesse and Rachel's hearts for one another but when Jesse went to prison for a severe beating that he gave Joel Mackie after he attacked Leta, Jesse's younger sister he didn't see his self good enough for her.
Jesse is rooming with Micah his health nut friend and war vet that also works at Jack "Em Up. Rachel has her own cute house after living in an apartment with her friend Jewel.

Rachel's dad left her a vintage 1969 Indian motorcycle that needs a lot of work to be put in running condition so this gives her reason to approach Jesse with a side job and a promise of getting closer to Jesse. It's not easy to start a relationship with secrets but this one does and it's been tearing Jesse apart for years but he feels it's not one he can share because he's ashamed that it happened to him even tho he was only a child.
Jesse also has a ankle monitor he wears that is a condition of his parole and has a 10 PM curfew but as things progress with these two they find ways to be together and even make it to the Funky Monkey on occasion which is also the hang out for Joel Mackie which brings more problems for Jesse.

Rachel has some surprises in store to when Jewel delivers a package to her from her brother West that holds information on a secret that her dad had kept for years but brings happiness to Rachel after she meets the secret. Rachel also meets another lawyer that seems to come from the left over hippie days but she finds a kinship with Daisy because of the pro bono work she does that mainly deals with children of abuse and Rachel has always wanted to help the one's in need the most not caring about the big money that her law partner does.

This is a love story packed with passion, desires, secrets, betrayals, hurt and most of all love. I was a big fan of Blake and Delilah and didn't think it could get much better than those two but Jesse and Rachel's love story made me change my mind and I'm mighty fond of that "Joyner" family since it's my name and I'm Leta and my sweet and sadly missed son Dwayne's name is part of this wonderful story and series.
I could go on and on about Torque but I don't want to spoil it in any way for those that haven't read it yet.
I can't wait for the next installment Throttle that will bring more to the Jesse and Rachel story and a new beginning for Trace.

Thank you Shauna Allen for bringing this awesome series to us and for including the Joyner name. A shout out to Kimberly for working hard to get these ARC copies to Shauna's angel's which I'm happy to be part of and to give my honest review of Shauna's books which Torque gets a 5 * from me!
Profile Image for Beth Cutwright.
378 reviews8 followers
May 11, 2015
Whoa! I believe Shauna Allen has taken her vitamins and grown to another level! I loved her Cupid Chronicles series, but make room for the Jack Em Up series.....it is powerful and moving in its own right. So beautifully written with heartfelt emotion and tenderness.

I love romance and stories that make a person feel and Shauna's writing is like a balm or prescription written just for me. She writes not only the passionate throes of love, but also is addressing some sensitive topics that affect more and more of us in today's world.

The Jack Em Up series centers around a garage owned by Blake Travers and his motley crew of mechanics. Motley? Okay, let's say Hotties! Jesse Joyner definitely had the pages of Torque sizzling from start to finish and although he was an ex con, he was imprisoned for a valiant reason. Beyond that he had a secret. That one bit of baggage colored his perspective and sullied his life with darkness.

Rachel Chaseman, was his opposite...full of life, light and a love for Jesse that was unquenchable, unconditional and non judgemental; two characters whose passion for one another was palpable.

Allen conveyed their love for one another in truly convincing prose, but even more awesome was how she handled Jesse's secret, Rachel's dissatisfaction with her career path and the surprise Rachel's Dad left her. All of this contributed to a very satisfying and rewarding story....one of Shauna's best to date!

I'll be quite anxious to read the third in the series, Throttle! Love the surprises this author never ceases to amaze me with!
Profile Image for Fizza.
Author 38 books40 followers
January 1, 2016
It's strange that it took me so long to finally read this book but once I started I simply couldn't put it down. Read the whole thing within few hours. It's that engaging. I loved all the characters and story wasn't bad either. I especially loved Rachel, I think she is too cute for words and Jesse is too hot, together they are just perfect.
Jesse is on parole and doesn't think himself good enough for a girl like Rachel. But Rachel thinks otherwise. Now all she needs to do is show him his value. Because he has always been the one for her. At first they are both scared of their feelings for each other. Soon that changes and they find themselves falling head over heels in love...
It's a must read for all contemporary romance lovers. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,137 reviews39 followers
May 25, 2015
AMAZING - there is no other word for this book and series!!! Torque has so much emotion in it - you laugh, cry and cheer. Shauna writes characters that you can't help but fall in love with. They are loving, compassionate, and believable. Jesse has been broken more than once, and does not feel like he is good enough for anyone or anything. Rachel's heart is huge and will not give up on anyone. Can Rachel's heart be big enough to mend Jesse's? I have been hoping these two would find their way to each other since their high school days. This book is so much more than their love story, with twists and turns that you will not want to put it down.

ARC provided by author
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
May 12, 2015
This is a series that is hard to pick your favorite each one is wonderful in their own way. Each one has a touching story that only Ms. Allen can deliver. She has really hit on some very serious issues that she does in style with companion, love and understanding. Once you read this book it will touch your heart so deep as you walk away with knowing you know someone who has had to deal with this. I doubt there is on family in this world who could not relate to this wonderful outstanding read. You will want to start this book early in the day because you will not be able to put it down.

I fell in love with Jesse in the last book when he came out of prison for attacking the man who attacked his sister. You have to love a man who will protect family the way he has, I was so glad to see he got a book of his own. It does seem he has a story to tell and oh what a story. I have to say I fell in love with him all over again. It would be an honor to have a man like this wonderful, head strong, bullhead, stubborn hunk of a sweet tooth male. What is sad is he doesn’t feel like he deserves to have a good woman. So many people look down on him for what he did why others stood beside him and understood why he did it. There is one woman he has always wanted but never thought he had the change or was good enough. The tides might be turning and his life just might change for the better as he learns to deal with issues from his past. Rachel just might show him she is what he has always needed to bring out the pain and learn to live again.

Rachel is tired of waiting for what she wants she is about to show Jesse what she is made of. She might have money and maybe a little power but this is not what she is about. She wants a normal life, family, and love with a man she has always wanted. She will not take no for an answer but will make Jesse take notice. This is one time she will not let him run, what she finds out will tear her world apart as she helps him deal with his past in more ways than one why she helps him heal to become a better man.
Shauna is a wonderful outstanding author that gives us such touching reads. She puts her heart and soul into each book why she lets her humor take over giving us a compelling story of love, pain, sorrow, trust, family, friends, and starting over. This series has touched me in so many ways it is a series you do not want to miss. This series is really for just about anyone.

Shauna gives you believable characters that you will fall in love with, she has wonderful supporting characters with feeling that you feel throughout the read. She gives you a wonderful compelling story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I doubt you can read this and forget it as you feel the pain and sorrow why these wonderful characters learn to rebuild their lives. Come take the journey as these people start over as they overcome a past that no one should have to overcome. Let Shauna pull you in and take over giving you a well written, wonderful, touching, heartbreaking, love grabbing read.
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,411 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2016
After living behind the confines of four cement walls for so long Jesse Joyner is more than eager to rejoin society and have the opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures in life like breathing in fresh air, and indulging in sugary treats whenever his heart desires. Being closed off from the world for so long has taken it's toll on him, not only has it left him alone with his demons for far too long, but it also kept him away from the one girl who has held a special place in his heart since she first caught his eye in high school. He has always kept his feelings for her to himself, and has always thought that she is far better off not knowing how he truly feels about her, never realizing that the feelings just might happen to be mutual. And since he has returned home they have danced around one another, each one admiring the other, but both too scared to act on their feelings... that is until Rachel decides it's time to stake her claim on him. She wants to restore her fathers old motorcycle and knows he is the man for the job, he on the other hand is not so sure, can he work this closely with her and not let his true feelings show...

Rachel Chaseman spends her days dressed to the nines and fighting for the greater good, and while the work she is doing is rewarding, her personal life on the other hand is really dull, and in great need of a overhaul. She has harbored a crush for badboy Jesse Joyner for years, but always thought he wasn't interested in her, so she just continued to admire him afar. But now that he has returned home and is looking even more delectable than before she decides it's time to make her move, even if it only results in a one night affair. When her friend suggests she enlists his help in restoring her father's old motorcycle she thinks it's the perfect way to get to know him better, and has high hopes that working in close proximity to one another will be the perfect way for her to finally get the one on one attention from him she has been desiring for so long...

This story had me from the first sentence, Jesse and Rachel's capture my attention and had me hanging onto their every word right up and until the very end. Their story was rich with intensity, passion, longing and left me craving for more. Ms. Allen has a knack for creating stories that tap into your emotions, grab you by the heart, and linger with you long after the last page is turned. If you have not read this series, I must first tell you that your totally missing out on some exceptional reading, but that you are totally missing out meeting some truly amazing characters that will steal your heart!
Profile Image for Cricket.
210 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2015
I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. The characters are well written, easy to connect with and are just regular people, not millionaires, super naturals just the guy or girl next door.
Jesse has recently been released from prison, he is working for his best friend Blake at Blake's garage " Jack 'Em Up." Jesse is an expert at rebuilding motorcycles, but is worried that his past is causing Blake to lose business.
Jesse has had a thing for Rachel for what seems like forever, but he never has acted on it, he feels as if he is not good enough for her and that she can do better. Jesse feels that he has a dark side since he beat the guy who was abusing his sister bad enough to land him in jail. He has also been keeping a secret since childhood.
Rachel has had a huge crush on Jesse since she first met him in school. Rachel is a successful attorney but she is tired of working with her ex-fiancee and she really doesn't agree with the direction that their firm is taking. Rachel is interested in helping people more than she is interested in making a ton of money.
Rachel approaches Jesse about rebuilding her dads old Indian motorcycle. When Jesse says yes she is really excited about not only having her dads motorcycle rebuilt and learning how to ride it, but she is also hoping to spend more time with Jesse.
Jesse begins working on Rachel's dad's old Indian motorcycle at Rachel's house on the weekends and they start connecting on a level that Jesse feels could be bad for Rachel but he just can not seem to stay away from her.
That is until he ends up back in jail and Rachel decides to represent him. He just doesn't know how to handle that situation and it causes a huge problem.
Rachel knows that Jesse is keeping something from her, but he just is not ready to talk to anyone about his long hidden childhood secret.
Rachel and Jesse have really great chemistry and things heat up quick. You just can't help but fall for Jesse, he is just such a great guy. He is one of those characters that is written so well you hope to bump into him yourself someplace.
Shauna handles a really touchy subject in this book and she does it with class and compassion. She makes you stop and think about how something that happens in childhood really can follow you and effect your adult life.
This is a must read if you love romance, a bit of action and reading about subjects that other authors often steer clear of.
Profile Image for Mariela Bustos.
205 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2015
Amazing read. This book kept me in suspense, couldn't put it down until I finished it. So many twist and turns that just keep you on edge. I just was so engrossed in the story that my heart strings kept getting pulled. Jesse is the kind of man we want to hold on to and just show him unconditional love.

The characters where so perfect and you could sense the relationship evolve as they grew together. I loved that the side characters played key roles without to much domination of the storyline. The soul focus on these two, their past connection, and current one. It worked magnificently.

Jesse had won my heart. To see him struggle with so much, and still try for normalcy. It's nice to see a story that shows that men need a gentle touch and a knight in shining armor. Because that's what Rachel was in this story. She helped him find his way. I loved watching him grow confident and secure in knowing he could be loved.

Rachel had her tender moment but was definitely stronger in the relationship. She too face heartache and revelations through out the story. Yet she proved that the nurturing side of her will come out when loved ones are hurting. I enjoyed the scenes where they both took care of the other when they seemed I'll and needed pampering. We all seek a relationship where we give as much as take. This couple was a perfect example. It isn't always easy, but it can be worked through.

I still find myself in tears of sadness and joy. I loved the roller coaster ride it has given me. This writer has such an amazing style that blends nicely in all her books. Such a way to make you feel what the characters are feeling, and root for a HEA. I look forward to more books, and to see Jesse and Rachel again.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,076 reviews34 followers
May 25, 2015
I love, love Shauna Allen's writing so this was a treat for me!! I fell in love with Jesse in the previous Jack "Em Up series and was excited that we got to see more of him in his own book. Jesse is just one of those guys that even though you know he can be trouble, you still love him. He has issues that he has to work through but Rachel helps him do that.

Rachel is a young attorney that has had a thing for Jesse for awhile and has no problem letting him know. Jesse thinks that there is no way that a girl like Rachel would give him the time of day much less want to date him after all he has been through. It just doesn't seem to fit that an attorney would want to date a convicted felon. Once Rachel proves to Jesse that she does not care what others think about their relationship, they are finally able to move on and see where things are going to go.

There is an event in Jesse's past that Rachel finds out surprisingly and she does her best to help Jesse work through it all and overcome the fear of his past. I love how Rachel seemed so in tune to Jesse and was able to help him out when no one else really understood him. Shauna pulls at your heartstrings with this couple and you want to see what is best for them to happen. This story has a HEA and I am so glad. I love this couple and was rooting for them the whole time. Once Jesse is able to let go of his past, he and Rachel are able to move on and their love blossoms. Thanks Shauna for another great read and can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Michelle.
543 reviews33 followers
May 6, 2015
Just finished the book at a little after 3am. I'm a blubbering mess because Shauna writes stories that will tear out your insides and then slowly rebuild you. Jesse's story was an emotionally charged look at second chances. Not only did he have to overcome the stigma of having served time, but he also had to deal with overcoming one of the ugliest circumstances life can throw at a person. Following along as he began to want, and then trust that he deserved, a happy-ever-after was such an emotional journey. I love that Rachel took the lead in their relationship. I've loved her take no prisoners character & it was terrific to see almost a reversal of the typical hero/heroine roles. She knew what she wanted, and she wasn't afraid to do the hard work! Another bonus for me is that the characters are such a terrific group of people. I laughed and cried right along with them. The bond that this group of friends share is something truly enjoyable to read. They're people that you would want to count among your friends in real life! If I could, I'd rate this book higher. Torque is a shining example of both how love can help to heal old wounds, and overcome new ones.

*I applaud Shauna Allen's handling of such sensitive subject matter. I thought it was approached in a very delicate way.

**I was provided with an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Mary.
1,051 reviews21 followers
May 23, 2015
This is the second book in the Jack'Em Up series and I'd been waiting for Jesse's story for what seemed like forever. I started this book this afternoon and had to finish before I went to bed. Yes, its that good.

Jesse went to prison for beating up a guy who was attacking his sister. His anger, though justified, was over the top and no one could figure out why. In Torque, we get to know Jesse, the real Jesse.

Jesse is into Rachel but given his felony conviction and the fact he's on parole, he doesn't think Rachel should be seen with him. He wasn't good enough for a girl like her before he went to prison, and he's definitely not now.

Rachel has had a crush on Jesse since high school. She wasn't brave enough to make the move then, but now, she can't seem to help herself. She asks him to help her rebuild her later father's classic bike and when he agrees, she couldn't be happier. Now if only her work life would improve.

Jesse and Rachel are both dealing issues that complicate their lives and any relationship they could possibly have. One of the things that they have going for them is the fact that they each have a good support system. Jesse's family has stood by him through everything and Rachel's close knit girlfriends are always by her side, and on her side.

I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see where Ms. Allen takes us next.
Profile Image for Amber Tinsley.
92 reviews15 followers
May 8, 2015
After reading Burnout and Crank, I didn't think I could love a couple more than I loved Delilah and Blake...boy was I wrong. Torque had me in an emotional mess, and left me feeling beyond happy when it was over. Rachel and Jesse, I could strongly relate to both of them. Rachel is still dealing with the loss of her father, she seems to feel like an outsider looking in at her own lawfirm, and is busy falling head over heels in love with a man who doesn't seem to love himself. Jesse is recently paroled, but no where near being free. He has to deal with the stigma that comes with being a felon, adjusting to everyday life...even if it involves a curfew and strict boundries, a darkness that is slowly eating away at his soul, and falling in love with a women that he is terrified of tainting.
Shauna you are my shero. This book was so fantastically written that I literally cried my way all the way through it. Showing people that though they may feel like no light will ever shine on the darkest parts of our soul, it is simply not true. We hold the key to the light and once we let it in and begin to heal, the darkest of darks become shades of grey. Seriously thank you for Rachel and Jesse.
I received an ARC for the purpose of leaving a honest review.
Profile Image for Shelly Wygant.
1,328 reviews24 followers
May 25, 2015
This is my favorite story in the Jack'Em Up Series.

Jesse is out of prison from the assault on the man who hurt his sister. He doesn't feel that he is worthy of a relationship. He also has a secret from his past that no one knows about. As he tries to sort out his feelings for Rachel can he let go of the past? Rachel is a determined, strong female that knows what she wants. She has made a success of her life. She is patient with Jesse as he deals with his past.

Shauna Allen does a great job of writing a story that you are invested in from the first page and she did not disappoint in this one. In Torque Jesse and Rachel have to fight for their relationship. The story is realistic and heartwarming. Jesse is such a romantic in this story and he will make you swoon. The small things that they do for each other will warm your heart.

If you want a romantic, loving story with some twists and turns then come meet Jesse and Rachel. This is a standalone in the series but I highly recommend looking into the other books. You won't be disappointed.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 3 books42 followers
May 24, 2015
Yes, this is the kind of story you stay up until 2:30 in the morning to finish reading. GAH! I am so happy right now! But I hope we get to see more of them in the next two books!

UPDATE: (from the blog)

I already knew I would love Jesse, because I knew what he had done for his sister from the previous book; protecting her from being raped landed him in jail for 5 years. What I didn't know was the sh*t that hd happened to him, that made him think he was undeserving. It was so sad, it made me want to cry!

Rachel was a fantastic friend to Delilah in the first book, and she is no different for Jesse. (Well, you know, except that she wants in his pants.) :) She went through some tough crap too, with her dad dying. But she's about to get the surprise of her life. It definitely threw me for a loop! It wasn't what I was expecting at all!

Together, these two could be unstoppable. If only Jesse would let Rachel all the way in. Watching their love blossom during this story was hard at times, but it was beautiful. I could definitely relate to Rachel in a lot of ways, and if a man ever comes into my life that is HALF the man that Jesse is, I will be a lucky gal.
Profile Image for Dawn.
95 reviews
June 17, 2015
I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I love second chance stories and this is a great one....a second chance at love for Jesse and Rachel and a second chance at life for Jesse. They knew each other in high school, crushed on each other and didn't do anything about it. Their lives went in totally different directions. Rachel went to law school and Jesse went to jail. Years later they meet again, and Rachel's father's classic motorcycle brings them together but falling in love keeps them together. Jesse can't believe that Rachel could love him and worries that his jail time will cause her problems. Rachel isn't happy working in the law firm that she opened with her former fiance. They bond over the motorcycle but then find that the spark from high school is still there, and as adults they have so much in common. Learning to trust and to follow your heart is a lesson they learn together. Their story is sweet and sizzling all rolled into one. (Think sweet creamy jalapeno flavored chocolate!) Give this book a read. I am so glad that I did and can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Anna.
429 reviews6 followers
May 9, 2015
Shauna Allen is a master of grabbing your heartstrings from the very first page and not letting go until the end. The emotion she creates is so real you can feel the anguish, the passion, the heartache and love between them.

Jesse is a tortured soul. Just being released from prison, he is resigned to a life alone, and he is ok with that. Until Rachel comes asking for a favor. Having always wanted her, he just may have a hard time resisting her.

Rachel has always wanted Jesse. She can't ever remember a time when she didn't. When her dad passes away endeavors her a motorcycle, she has the perfect way to get close to him. As he works to restore her bike, she can work to make him see they belong together.

But can their relationship withstand all of the restraints of his parole and the antagonistic threats from the man who put him in prison? And with Jesse holding a part of himself back, can Rachel make him see that nothing he tells her can make her love him any less?
Looking forward to more from Shauna Allen and the Jack 'M Up boys!!
252 reviews
December 13, 2015
I absolutely adore the men of Jack 'Em Up, they are strong, wounded, capable, and loving men who do anything for the women they love. Torque is Jesse's story, and I was so excited to read it after being introduced to him in book 1. Jesse's past is painful and he's got scars deep in his soul, most stemming from things beyond his control. And life just keeps handing him obstacles. He wasn't expecting life to hand him unconditional love from the one woman he's always wanted, and he's determined to keep her away so he doesn't taint her.

Rachel has loved Jesse in one way or another since high school and she's determined to have him now. She's going to prove to him that he's worthy of her love no matter what.

I love the strength that Rachel has, she knows what she wants and she's not afraid to go after it. I wanted to sob and the pain deep inside Jesse, it was heartbreaking. Shauna Allen took me on a roller coaster of emotions that kept me reading until the end. This series just keeps getting better. I can't wait for the other stories in the series!
Profile Image for Amy.
17 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2015
I have been anxiously waiting for this book, and I was not disappointed. I love Rachel and Jesse's story. This one is another emotional roller coaster that at times brought me to tears. Once again, Shauna tackles some pretty dark issues, but they are important and relevant to current society. At times it was tough to read about Jesse's past, but by the end you are reminded that it is possible to overcome life's traumas when you have a strong support system and you're willing to let them help you carry the load. Like the two previous books, this one is also written from two points of view. Shauna is one of the few authors that I like to read like this. The two characters have their own distinct voice, and it is consistent throughout the whole book. I was never confused, and I always felt like I had my own inside look into what they each were thinking. I'm pretty picky about stories being told this way, and Shauna does it beautifully.
Profile Image for Donna Flint.
225 reviews3 followers
May 22, 2015
Have you ever had a secret so bad, that it makes you believe you are no longer worthy of being loved? Jesse has one, and it has marked him so deeply he has cut himself off from the one person who just might be able to start healing him. When he stood up for someone he loved, he got in trouble for it and went to prison.

Rachel loves life and has her sights set on Jesse, even with his limitations. She sees his big heart, but can she help him see that she is the one to bring him back to life and to finally put closure to the one person who ruined his childhood?

Shauna made me cry big old tears reading this book. She made me want to crawl inside and hold the young boy in Jesse when she described his past. I was cheering for Jesse and Rachel and hoping for a happy ending. I absolutely LOVED this book!
Profile Image for SarahSmith.
452 reviews7 followers
May 20, 2015
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Shauna Allen is an amazing author and I'm glad I found her. She can write super sexy, hilarious stuff in seemingly the same breath as tear-jerking and super emotional. Her characters are always amazing and even her supporting characters have such depth that you can't wait to find out what happens with them. Jesse doesn't feel that he deserves anything good in his life. And only when Rachel persistently worms her way into his world does he even give himself permission to have something good, even if he doesn't think it will last. I won't go too much into the story since this is something that you should read on your own with no spoilers. I will say it's extremely hard to put down, since so much happens in the story. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll cheer. I can't wait for Trace's story in the next book Throttle!
Profile Image for Rachel.
113 reviews13 followers
May 28, 2015
You know what? Women everywhere would be so much better off reading this kind of romance instead of the 'vapid love interest and controlling alpha' variety. Just when I thought Shauna's work couldn't be improved upon, she's blown me away with Jesse and Rachel.

My new favourite couple take care of each other, give encouragement, and when they say "I love you", it's unconditional. I liked that Rachel was the somewhat stronger of the two and could support Jesse while he was fighting his demons. Jesse, incidentally, might just be the swoon-worthy hero I compare all others to from now on! Who doesn't appreciate a guy with a passion for reading?

Torque is a gritty, sombre story of healing and finding your way but I would say that it's uplifting and hopeful as well. If you're looking for a deeper read without unnecessary angst, this is for you.
153 reviews12 followers
May 28, 2015
I received an ARC for my honest review well my honest review is it's absolutely wonderful I loved this book has everything you want in it. this is Jesse and Rachael's book it's so emotional,Shauna just stepped it up with this one.
Jesse and Rachael have been interested in each other for a long time they finally decided to act on their feelings. Jesse is still trying to adjust back into life as he has been in prison for 5 years but he is working at his friend Blakes shop working on Motorcycles.Rachael is a lawyer she is strong and independent and stands up for the ones she loves.
But Jesse is keeping a secret that is keeping him from opening up completely to Rachael,but will this keep them apart or draw them closer together? What will happen,well my friends you need to get this book now and find out for yourself you will not regret it!!
7 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2016
I loved this book just as much as the other two. I loved getting to know Rachel and Jesse on another level. I totally didn't expect it to go where it did, but it made for a good plot twist and adds a little humph that makes the readers fall head over heels for the wounded, but loveable jesse. as always the characters are reintroduced throughout the series (and I love that I can continue following my fave people throughout each story) and their lives continue to grow and mold throughout each book. again, I love the real people with real life problems in each of the characters. can't wait to read the next book in the series. ps if you loved jesse and Rachel in this book, and want just a hint more of their story, check out "hitched". super cute, and only about 50 pages. quick, down, and a little dirty too! ;)
Profile Image for Desiree.
56 reviews8 followers
May 15, 2015
The Jack 'Em Up series is always the one series I wait for eagerly for the next to come out. I have felt so lucky a privileged to have been offered an ARC of the newest installment for my honest review.

I have to admit, I didn't expect for Jesse to steal my heart as Blake did in the last books, but he is a dark knight in Torque. He is suffering from past demons but that doesn't stop him from being protective and sweet to Rachel.

It is clear they have cared for each other for years even with out the other one knowing. The chemistry was incredible and the love between the two was so special. I enjoyed watching them strip at each other's layers and get to what was there all along which was the sweetest love story ever.
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,374 reviews59 followers
May 17, 2015
Jesse captured my heart. He has already endured so much in his life the most notable spending 5 years in prison defending his sister from an attacker. In my opinion, the wrong man went to jail. He now lives with feeling he's not good enough for anyone. As we delve into his story we start to find out that there is more to his story than we really know or understand. Rachel has always had a crush on Jesse so when she enlists his help to restore an old motorcycle her Dad owned, well, she puts herself directly in his path. As she pushes for a relationship, Jesse pushes just as hard to keep her away. Will Jesse every see the truly remarkable man that Rachel loves? Can Jesse let go of his past demons to truly embrace his future?

I was given a copy for an honest review.
125 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2015
Shauna Allen does it again. She writes heart breaking stories that deal with sensitive material. But in the end you find healing, hope, faith, trust, and happiness.
Jessie has had some major trauma in his life. This makes him angry and he lashes out at anyone. He thinks what has happened in his life makes him a monster. He believes he is not good enough for anyone let alone the one woman he has always wanted.
Rachel is a lawyer stuck in a job she hates. All she wants to do is to help people and find the love of her life. When Jessie comes back into her life she sees the boy she has always had a crush on. Now he has become a different man with a harden shell.
Great book with a HEA.
*I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.*
739 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2015

Jesse has wanted Rachel for as long as he can remember. Rachel has wanted Jesse for as long as she can remember. Jesse is an ex-con. Rachel is a lawyer. They both wonder how this can work. They start out just hanging out together and then that turns into something more. Jesse has a very dark secret he can’t share with anyone especially Rachel. Will this come between their happy every after! Read Shauna Allen’s Torque to find out if love can conquer all.

Another hit by Shauna Allen. I loved Jesse and Rachel’s story. There were a few tears shed but Shauna did a great job bringing this story together for the H&H. Can’t wait for the next one!

I was given an ARC for an honest review which this is!
Profile Image for Crystal Yawn.
602 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2015
This was an extremely emotional read. we met Rachel and Jessie in the previous books, both interested in the other, but not acting on it. In Torque the two come together and help each other over come some tough life lessons.
I love Rachel, she's a strong woman who goes after what she wants while helping others in the process. she sticks up for herself and those she loves.
I wasn't as crazy about Jessie, I prefer a much more dominant man and felt Rachel led this relationship a lot.
The book touches on some sensitive material and I love an author who can do this well. I loved this story and had a hard time putting it down. I'm getting very fond of these mechanics and can't wait for more :)
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