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Torn

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Torn – to be disrupted by the pull of contrary forces; "torn between love and hate" Find the girl of my dreams. Check Move in together after graduation. Check Purchase engagement ring. Check Plan on proposing. Check My life was going exactly as planned until it all came tumbling down, fate interceding and twisting the trajectory of my life. With my heart shattered, I vowed never to get close to anyone again and I forged ahead, the years passing in a blur. Then I heard that the woman who tore my world apart had returned home, and the heartache and anger I’d kept on a simmer boiled over. But it wasn’t until I discovered her secret that my rage overshadowed any other emotion, including reason. Would I ever be able to see past her deceit and finally get the closure I deserved?

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2015

217 people are currently reading
414 people want to read

About the author

S. Nelson

37 books1,580 followers
I'm an indie author who grew up with a love of reading and a very active imagination, never putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard until 2013.

I typically write romantic suspense, as I love stories with some twists and turns. I also love my HEA, although the road to get there is quite the journey.

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5 stars
218 (46%)
4 stars
152 (32%)
3 stars
70 (15%)
2 stars
14 (3%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Tpagirl Loves Romance.
1,672 reviews185 followers
October 14, 2018
Torn was a stand-alone by S Nelson. It was a second chance novel highlighted with hurt and betrayal then followed by forgiveness and new beginnings.

Eli Warner was a successful attorney in the small area where he grew up. He was a workaholic that never allowed any female attachments other than a release. He gave his heart away as a teenager, had it destroyed and never gave it away again. The walls he built were larger than life.

Kalista Ellington came back to the town she grew up in after fleeing fourteen years ago. She’s a different person but she never forgot her one true love. She knew it would only be a matter of time until she had to confront her past.

I love second chance themes. I’m a total sucker. However, I’m not fond of secrets withheld. There are some secrets that aren’t meant to be kept hidden unless danger and safety were involved. So from that perspective, I didn’t think the reunion was that realistic. Granted, Eli had issues but I think it would have realistically taken him much longer to accept what happened then what was portrayed. Same with Holden.

Otherwise, realistic or not, I enjoyed the story. It was well written, intriguing, multi-faceted and aptly named. Although nothing has been announced yet, hopefully there will be a story for Eli’s best friend, Mike, next.
Profile Image for Beth, A Book Lover's blog .
64 reviews14 followers
November 19, 2015
Wow!Amazing and Excellent Must Read!

S. Nelson Does it again with another fabulous book. I patiently wait and stalk for her next one. You will definitely love this one.

Eli Warner is torn into pieces when his H.S. sweetheart Kalista Up and leaves without warning. They were happy at least he thought and he was about to ask her to marry him but she is gone. Life after her he never imagines and swore off all commitments with woman never having a relationship over a couple months. He can't have his heart ripped out again.. He won't!He refuses to open up his heart to another. After 14 years of being without Kalista and wondering why she left, she walks back into town but not his life. He has questions that she needs to answer. He hates her and loves her still.. He is torn between love and hate.

Kalista Ellington returns home terrified of her past. What will happen if she runs into Eli? How will she face him after what she has done and the secrets she carries?

Eli Stalking her mother's house, watching her from afar, he can't believe his eyes. Will these two be able to reconcile and be together or will Eli never be able to forgive her for her betrayal?

S. Nelson is a truly talented author. I recommend not only this book but everyone she has wrote. These stories will have you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. Contains Sexual situations intended for the mature audiences,

Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews447 followers
December 18, 2015
I was torn by how much I loved this book and hated when it ended. I had so many emotions when reading this book that I couldn’t believe how the author is able to bring the emotions to the forefront.

The story is about two characters -Eli Warner and Kalista Ellington. Kalista made a choice 14 years before that literally had repercussions in their lives for years to come. She hated what she did but thinking he would be better off…….When Kalista comes home 14 years later, never thinking she would see the love of her life again , she does but she is hiding a HUGE secret. When Eli finds out and trust me , he eventually does, will he ever forgive her.
This is a story about the path that takes two people who truly belong together and shows us if they can go back to the love that they once had and see if they can recapture that love. Eli is a man who is torn—Torn between the love in his heart for the girl who held his heart and hate for what she left him with. But what he doesn’t know is how she the pain she was dealing with and why she did what she did. This is an emotional, complex tale that is like a domino effect. Watching how two adults deal with secrets, lies, betrayal , hate, love, sex, and everything in between. But not in the way you think. I cried along with Kalista and at the same time I felt every bit of pain the Eli felt. The author makes you feel the characters’ pain. I do not want to give spoilers but what I will say is there are some secondary characters that need their own books—just saying there needs to be more .
I ask people to not judge when reading this story and wait until the very end before forming an opinion because this story will blow you out of the water and keep tissues by your side. The author has a wonderful new story here and it is terrific and I would give it higher than a 5 if I could,

My rating : 5 stars *****


***A gifted copy was provided by the author for my honest review**
Profile Image for A.M. Johnson.
Author 3 books49 followers
December 12, 2015
I received a free copy of this in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Oh My Goddess!!
Once again S.Nelson has shattered me and rebuilt me in a single tome!!
This is an incredible story of passion, anger, betrayal, forgiveness and LOVE!!
It is well written and flows so smoothly, strong characters with a great storyline.
It is sizzling hot, as I have come to expect from this wonderful author.
I have read every single book written by this amazing author and all I can say is PLEASE DON"T EVER STOP!!!!
Although I received this free, I have pre-ordered it for my kindle and you can bet I will be buying it in paperback, WHY? you ask because it is that damn good!!
Profile Image for Smut Fanatics.
423 reviews64 followers
December 22, 2015
Click here to read my entire review!

description

What I Loved:I really liked the prologue because it sets a tone for how this story is going to go. Eli is on top of the world, head over heels in love with his high school sweetheart ready to start his life with Kalista only to come home and find out she’s left him. You really get the devastation that Eli is feeling at that moment, and you quickly understand from that event Eli’s life is going to change and he is going to come out of this a different person.

The plot zooms ahead a number of years, and see how much that one event in Eli’s life has changed him. He’s become a sort of emotionless robot not capable of a long term relationship let alone any emotional attachments outside of his family.

We meet Kalista when she comes back to the town she grew up in and is confronted with the memories of her past, especially her relationship with Eli. You see that not only has her leaving changed Eli but it’s changed Kalista as well. She realizes how much of a mistake she made, but as a 19-year-old girl she made what she felt was the best decision at the time. You immediately feel the loss not only in Eli but in Kalista too and I couldn’t wait for them to reunite. When they finally lay eyes on each other its explosive to say the least. Emotions bubble up between both of them and pours off the pages grabbing your attention. It was great to watch these two not only put their lives back together but to build a new relationship as well.

Not So Much:I think the overall premise of this story was great, and I am a sucker for second chance romances but there was a lot lacking to me. There were just massive details missing from the very beginning. It’s sort of mentioned where this story is taking place but it’s never totally established. I have no idea what Kalista’s or Eli’s house looks like at all. I barely have solid descriptions of what Eli’s family looks like or what the main characters look like.

Where the foundation and details were lacking, there was way too much inner thoughts going on during conversations. I felt like there would be a quote followed by an entire paragraph of inner thought followed by the next quote then two more paragraphs of blabbing. When people are having conversations I get there needs to be explanation but there was way too much of it in between the talking.
Profile Image for Izney.
242 reviews4 followers
December 17, 2015
Review Posted @ Barely Bae's Blog




*ARC Provided for an Honest Review*

I am blown away. Literally! This is by far one of my favorite books this year. I mean, again for the second time in 2015 I could not express how deserving a book is for a rating that is more than 5 stars. I have not read anything from S. Nelson but if her other books are as great as this or even better then there is no doubt that I would buy all her other books in a heartbeat.

Torn. I have to agree that this is a perfect title for the book. Torn is exactly what I felt while I was reading it. I was torn between my feeling of understanding for Kalista and agreeing with Eli. It was tough. Eli and Kalista's story was tough. I feel like on every chapter I was always expecting something. If you want a book that will make you feel like you're on the edge of your seat all the time then this book is definitely for you!

To those who've been following me, you'd know that story lines like this are my weakness. This book in particular became my weakness. Its a full on perfection. This book is written perfectly, the characters were beautiful, they were portrayed really well and I kind of love how they were molded plus the supporting characters were great, and the whole story is perfection. These are the reasons why I'm giving this book a five star. It hit every right spot in me that only great books can. To be given a chance to read a book as great as this via ARC is a huge honor. Thank you to S. Nelson and Enticing. Looking forward to more S. Nelsons books for me in the future!
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,833 reviews45 followers
December 17, 2015
S. Nelson has done it again. Torn was a 5++ read.
Romance, Ugly cry, light BDSM, Hot Alpha

The love of my life ruined any chance I had at happiness, and I dreamt of the day when I’d pay her back for turning me to stone.

Torn was a great heart wrenching read.

The book starts with Eli a nervous wreck on his way home to take a huge step with his high school sweetheart, only to find a “Dear John” letter from her on the counter.

We jump ahead 14 years to Eli being very distant and having sex only arrangements with women. He has adapted to a dark side of his sexual needs that border on light BDSM.
Eli is still reeling from his heart being torn out by Kalista and refuses to let anyone else in.

At 19 Kalista thought leaving Eli was the best choice. Now she has returned 14 years later to face the music. Why has she returned now?

There is also a huge secret that Eli stumbles upon that leaves him shell shocked. Will he be able to forgive Kalista for her choices?

I used to think my destiny was to live that of a desolate man, one whose heart had been shut down, never to love again. But I quickly realized I was simply preparing for a life more precious that I could have ever imagined.

I really enjoyed Torn. There were so many great elements, that kept your interest throughout the whole book. I have to say I really loved the protectiveness of Eli’s brothers and his best friend Mike. Holden was also a precious addition to the story. The sex scenes were smoking hot. I would love to see something with Mike in the future (she says hopefully).
S. Nelson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors to follow. Thank you for another great read.

Alpha Book Club
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
December 18, 2015
WOW! Torn is the first book I've read by this author and I freaking LOVED LOVED LOVED IT! Eli Warner had his whole life planned out. He was going to law school, and living the rest of his life with his girlfriend. On his way home to propose to her, he finds out that she's left with just a note goodbye. His world is shattered, and he becomes a hard man that refuses to see any woman for more than 3 months. Kalista Ellington felt like she made the best decision at 19 years old when she left. She disappears alone believing Eli's future is better off without her. When she has to return 14 years later, she lives in fear that she will come face to face with Eli, and reveal the secret she kept from him. Will Eli ever forgive her, for not only her desertion, but the secret that changes his life forever?

This is a gut wrenching, emotional story. The character development is fantastic, with secondaries that round it out perfectly. An emotional, well written story line flows effortlessly, and I couldn't put it down until I was finished. S. Nelson's talented writing style pulled out my emotions with her story, and I found my eyes leaking more than once. I was hooked from the very beginning, and my heart raced cover to cover. Eli and Kalista's chemistry is flammable, with sexy scenes EXPLODING into fiery hotness. Torn is an amazing story about forgiveness, second chances, and true love conquering all. I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
Profile Image for Leigh.
4 reviews11 followers
December 9, 2015
Review for torn by s Nelson
I have received an ARC Of Torn for an honest review.
I'm sitting here with a variety of emotions. Anger, sadness and finally,happiness. This is what this book does! It will bring out every emotion you have! It begins with Eli, a man who s consumed by his work, his life and his past. He lives everyday in a haze of the memory of,the one person who tore him apart and can't seem to get over, Kalista. Ahh Kalista, she really did a number on him, and I was first upset of how anyone would leave someone they love. But at 19 things don't always go as they should and real life gets in the way. This is all I'll say without spoiling the story.m,y heart broke at the description of Eli's pain from when she left him. He had never got over Kalista and still loved her immensely. As you can figure out by now they meet again, but Kalista has a past she's afraid of. But from bad things good things can come to light. There's a second chance but not without tears. Through the tears comes happiness. S. Nelson nails it in this new book! This is a definite page turner and don't forget those tissues you're going to need them!
Profile Image for Helena Bookhooked .
449 reviews53 followers
December 15, 2015
This is the first book that I have read from S. Nelson and I really enjoyed it and I'm really looking forward to reading more from her.

Firstly I'm so glad this book is told in dual POV and the book starts fro Eli's POV in the prologue, this is a clever start to this book as you find yourself pledging your allegiance to him as you can feel his love and hurt from those very few pages.

In saying all that ⬆️ I really connected with Kalista, I could totally see her reasoning for her actions all those years ago and she was certainly paying for it emotionally.

This book is such a mixed bag, I was up and down during this book there were some truly heart in mouth moments and Sandra really brought her characters to life with their reactions to the situations and I felt every emotion imaginable during the difficult times of this book.

All I can say is expect to feel the feels during this book and also lots of lovely touching moments too.

All in all this was a fast paced and engaging read that had me glued to my kindle till every tear had been shed and page read.
Profile Image for 2kasmom.
1,448 reviews52 followers
December 18, 2015
Kalista and Eli have a history full of passion, friendship, and love. When she left, Eli basically fell apart. Not knowing why did the most damage to him.

Eli has tried moving on, but what happens is he ends up basically a player who does not want to play. He has no intention of loving anyone ever again. The past still hurts and haunts him.

Kalista moves back to town, after a tragedy occurs. The hardest part about moving back is she knows she has to answer to Eli. She will try to get closure and let him know what really happened.

Eli and Kalista are meant to be together and anyone who sees them knows this. The adjustment of a child, coming back home and seeing Eli again is twisting Kalista up. Can they forgive and move on?

Very sweet and powerful story! I was impressed with the honesty and heartfelt feelings that were shown in this book. I loved the heat and passion they have for one another.


***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
Profile Image for Elmarie Pieterse.
257 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2015
Oh WOW WOW WOW!!!! S. Nelson has done it again. I'm totally in love with this book!! I read this book in one sitting. I fell in love with Eli from the start and my heart broke so many times for him. He's one hell of a sexy HOT man and with a heart of gold even though it was broken into a million pieces he still cared for everyone that was close to him. Then there is Kalista I loved her just as much in the beginning I didn't lol but as soon as you know why she did what she did to Eli and you get to know her you will totally love her!! Aaawww I loved all the Characters in this book they will all get stuck in your heart after you've read this this book!! I laughed out loud, I cried big fat tears, I was mad as hell and there was parts were I was on the edge of my seat. It worked on all of my emotions and I loved every moment of it!!! Wow well done S. Nelson. Definitely one of my ultimate top 10 favourite books of 2015!!!
Profile Image for jps_steamyreads.
782 reviews13 followers
November 26, 2015
Amazing story!! I totally loved it!! I was asked to give an honest review, and I honestly think this book has become one of my favourites!! I instantly fell for the MC Eli!! Strong handsome man suffering for years with a broken heart. The other MC Kalista was just as striking. Young beautiful girl running to spare her long time boyfriend the responsibility of raising a child and ruining his future plans. I loved the way the author moved through the entire book keeping us longing for the next page. There was angst but not so severe that it took over the story. I loved Eli's POV the most. Always nice to read about how the male's emotions come through. Great story line, and secondary characters. Looking forward to reading a lot more from S. Nelson in the future!!!
Profile Image for The Book Fairy Reviews.
2,485 reviews43 followers
December 18, 2015
Love a powerful feeling that when is right is more that just a feeling it is the air you breathe. That was how Eli felt about Kalista.
Kalista, loved Eli more than herself, so much so that she sacrifices her own heart for his future. Can her forgive her decision?
Okay this book is the biggest tear jerker you can find. I mean sacrificing her own happiness?!?!
Boy are the sparks fly when she comes back into town and if you were on Eli's side, well you gonna love him even more when she comes back.
Passion, love and family this is the gift that Nelson gives us in this book and it is beautiful to read and soak up. I loved every complicated minute of this powerful story of love, real and fated to be love.
Profile Image for Hooker Heels Book Blog.
389 reviews46 followers
December 19, 2015
An emotional story about lost love and past regrets, the characters of Eli and Kalista take you on a powerful journey that explores love, passion and second chances. I have read plenty of second chance romances, but while that was the overall premise of the story, there were many elements that impacted me a little differently for some reason. This book will make you think about how past decisions may have impacted the future. It will make you think about how when given a more mature perspective on a situation that seemed so tragic at one time, wasn’t really that big of a deal. Looking for a little word therapy to cure what ails you? Then grab your kindle, your favorite pajamas and a warm cup of java, because this one will definitely leave you feeling warm and cozy.
231 reviews
November 28, 2015
Kalista left her boyfriend Eli 14 years ago and thought she was doing it for all the right reasons. When circumstances force Kalista to return home, she reveals the true reason she left - a secret that will alter Eli's life. Eli had refused to open his heart to anyone in the years since she left. Now Eli must decide if he can forgive the woman who was once the love of his life.
This is a fantastic story told from both Eli's and Kalista's point of view. It's one of those stories that you just don't want to put down. I really enjoyed the humor and family moments in this story. I'm looking forward to the next one!
(received an ARC for an honest review)
Profile Image for Louise.
320 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2016
Oh my gods! You have done it again! This time with Eli and Kalista! The love these two have is the ultimate love story. From the moment I started reading til the second I finished it I was in complete awe. I just couldn't put it aside for anything. I was heart broken for Eli in the beginning thinking something bad had happened to Kalista. My heart actually stopped and I didn't think I could keep reading, but I had to know it couldn't be. The love these two have for each other over rode all the obstacles a true couple could endure. I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Natasha.
749 reviews18 followers
December 17, 2015
I received a ARC in exchange for a honest review.
4* read.
The title of this book couldn't fit it anymore then it does as I was completely torn reading this.
This is Eli and Kalista's story and boy what a story it was. My emotions were up and down and I was n the edge of my seat throughout. I also loved the supporting characters to and how they fitted into Eli and Kalista's relationship.
This was a brilliant heart wrenching book that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Looking forward to this authors next book.
Profile Image for Marcie Wegner.
373 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2015
Loved this book. I read this book through in one sitting because it was so good. S. Nelson has done it again with another story that makes you feel like you are living the story along with the characters. I just finished this book and will now be waiting impatiently for her next release because her books are that good.
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,077 reviews39 followers
November 26, 2015
Eli has his whole life planned out. He's got the woman he loves and when things happen and she leaves him. What will he do.

I loved this book. Sandra has captured me in all her books. Love her writing. I received a ARC of this book for my honest review
Profile Image for Ciana.
23 reviews9 followers
March 13, 2016
The story was quite enjoyable but I don't understand the decisions the heroine made. It all just seemed like a lot on unnecessary suffering. So even though I somewhat enjoyed the story, I also just feel a bit annoyed.
Profile Image for Clarissa Boggs.
646 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2016
I loved this one,I sat and read the whole thing without stopping. A great book about fate and second chances. I got to say I was hoping for the ending I read and was so glad I got to read their story. Five star read for me
Profile Image for Joselyn Torres.
61 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2019
SO GOOD!

This book was really good. Familiar with S.Nelson’s other books I have to say this one was really good in my opinion is like I was reading a dramatic soap opera with an amazing story line. The writing was incredible too!
452 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2015
I received this book from the author for an honest review! Omgosh! So so good! Love everything from this author!
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
July 19, 2016
I really like how the books all tie loosely together....But this one alone was beautiful. I did not like what she did or how long she carried out the betrayal, actually.
Profile Image for Tracy Kincaid.
Author 14 books258 followers
April 6, 2018
I haven’t read a book like this in a long time. I almost had to call in sick to work so I could finish it. Amazing story with lots of twists and heartache. Loved it!
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