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The Torn Series #1
Torn Away
1st PLACE WINNER OF THE SARATOGA RWA GREAT BEGINNINGS CONTEST
After being acquitted of the murder of his high school girlfriend, Drew fled his home town of Ember Falls and never looked back. With a past full of abuse at the hands of his father, and the shame of leaving his two sisters behind, Drew vowed to become a man who saved others.
A decade later, he’s a decorated Marine and works for a private company to save and rescue those who need it when his sister, Kelli, reaches out to him. She’s left an abusive marriage and needs Drew to return home to help her and her young son, Cole. Only by the time Drew comes to aide, Kelli’s been murdered, and he’s the prime suspect for a corrupt town.
All of Drew’s fears come flooding in as he returns to Ember Falls to care for Cole, and try to repair his broken relationship with his only other living sibling. But with help from two town cops, the site where Kelli’s body was found tells Drew there might be a serial killer in Ember Falls, and the entire Duncan family is next on his list.
Drew must piece together a decade’s worth of secrets in time to save his family, or his nephew and sister will be the next victims of a killer no one even suspects.
After being acquitted of the murder of his high school girlfriend, Drew fled his home town of Ember Falls and never looked back. With a past full of abuse at the hands of his father, and the shame of leaving his two sisters behind, Drew vowed to become a man who saved others.
A decade later, he’s a decorated Marine and works for a private company to save and rescue those who need it when his sister, Kelli, reaches out to him. She’s left an abusive marriage and needs Drew to return home to help her and her young son, Cole. Only by the time Drew comes to aide, Kelli’s been murdered, and he’s the prime suspect for a corrupt town.
All of Drew’s fears come flooding in as he returns to Ember Falls to care for Cole, and try to repair his broken relationship with his only other living sibling. But with help from two town cops, the site where Kelli’s body was found tells Drew there might be a serial killer in Ember Falls, and the entire Duncan family is next on his list.
Drew must piece together a decade’s worth of secrets in time to save his family, or his nephew and sister will be the next victims of a killer no one even suspects.
Unknown Binding
First published May 24, 2016
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Vincent Morrone
18 books100 followersBorn and raised in Brooklyn NY, Vincent Morrone now resides in Upstate NY with his wife. (Although he can still speak fluent Brooklynese.) His twin daughters remain not only his biggest fans, but usually are the first to read all of his work. Their home is run and operated for the comfort and convenience of their dogs.
Vincent has been writing fiction, poetry and song lyrics for as long as he can remember, most of which involve magical misfits, paranormal prodigies and even on occasion superheroes and their sidekicks.
As they say in Brooklyn: Yo, you got something to say to Vincent? Check out http://vincentmorrone.com/ where you can learn about Vincent and leave him a comment.
Vincent has been writing fiction, poetry and song lyrics for as long as he can remember, most of which involve magical misfits, paranormal prodigies and even on occasion superheroes and their sidekicks.
As they say in Brooklyn: Yo, you got something to say to Vincent? Check out http://vincentmorrone.com/ where you can learn about Vincent and leave him a comment.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 13, 2018
Drew Duncan and his two sisters did not have a happy home life. Their mother was long gone and their father was nothing more than an abusive alcoholic. When their father was in a rage, Drew did everything in his power to protect his sisters and took the brunt of their fathers abuse while his sisters stayed hidden. Things never seemed to improve for the siblings either. Instead, they took a turn for the worst when Drew was accused of murdering his high school girlfriend. Jailed for a year, then finally released due to lack of evidence, Drew high tailed it out of dodge leaving his two sisters behind. Drew made a new life for himself as a marine and was currently working for Paul McAlister at McAlister Security. Paul McAlister, also known as, The General was more like a father to him and the only real fatherly figure he ever truly had.
Drew’s sisters did not fair well after he left. Ashley did not trust men easily and Kelli bounced from abusive boyfriend to abusive boyfriend. Running from her last boyfriend with her son Cole, she finally reaches out to Drew hinting that he should come home, but it was a little too late as soon after Kelli is found murdered. Once Drew finds out, he does the one thing he thought he would never do again. He returns home to Ember Falls to a sister that wants no part of him and to a nephew he doesn’t even know.
I have to say that when I finally settled in to read TORN AWAY, I never expected such an emotionally heartbreaking and at times dark story. Drew and his sisters, Ashley and Kelli, did not have an easy life and in a way their childhood shaped their future and not always for the better. They each have scars, maybe not physical, but definitely mental. Not only was Drew hiding scars, but he was also hiding secrets too. Secrets that had him running from his sisters whom he always vowed to protect. Drew isn’t the only one with secrets though. Someone else has been hiding a secret for a very long time and it has to do with the murder Drew was charged with so long ago.
This story grabbed my attention from the very first page and never let go. TORN AWAY is cleverly written and I devoured it in a matter of hours. I was hooked from the first page all the way to the last. Drew was a stand out character for me and so three dimensional. You can’t help but feel sorry for what he has gone through, but yet on the other hand be proud for what he has accomplished and the man he has become. The mystery surrounding the deaths of Drew’s high school girlfriend as well as his sister is interweaved through out the story and really has you guessing up until the end and sets the stage for the next book in the series. I just can’t wait to get my hands on part two of the Torn saga. I need to find out what happens! I am hooked!
Drew’s sisters did not fair well after he left. Ashley did not trust men easily and Kelli bounced from abusive boyfriend to abusive boyfriend. Running from her last boyfriend with her son Cole, she finally reaches out to Drew hinting that he should come home, but it was a little too late as soon after Kelli is found murdered. Once Drew finds out, he does the one thing he thought he would never do again. He returns home to Ember Falls to a sister that wants no part of him and to a nephew he doesn’t even know.
I have to say that when I finally settled in to read TORN AWAY, I never expected such an emotionally heartbreaking and at times dark story. Drew and his sisters, Ashley and Kelli, did not have an easy life and in a way their childhood shaped their future and not always for the better. They each have scars, maybe not physical, but definitely mental. Not only was Drew hiding scars, but he was also hiding secrets too. Secrets that had him running from his sisters whom he always vowed to protect. Drew isn’t the only one with secrets though. Someone else has been hiding a secret for a very long time and it has to do with the murder Drew was charged with so long ago.
This story grabbed my attention from the very first page and never let go. TORN AWAY is cleverly written and I devoured it in a matter of hours. I was hooked from the first page all the way to the last. Drew was a stand out character for me and so three dimensional. You can’t help but feel sorry for what he has gone through, but yet on the other hand be proud for what he has accomplished and the man he has become. The mystery surrounding the deaths of Drew’s high school girlfriend as well as his sister is interweaved through out the story and really has you guessing up until the end and sets the stage for the next book in the series. I just can’t wait to get my hands on part two of the Torn saga. I need to find out what happens! I am hooked!
October 8, 2019
I Enjoyed this book ALOT!!
The characters are likeable.
The story was interesting and
had a Great pace!!
The characters are likeable.
The story was interesting and
had a Great pace!!
September 17, 2019
I recieved a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only. I absolutely fell in love. This book made me laugh and cry. The author did an amazingly spectacular job! I suggest this book to any and all. It has that special hook that draws a reader into that world and doesn't let go. I sincerely look forward to book 2. Please keep me in mind so I can find out what happens next!!
August 19, 2016
This is about Drew and his sisters as well as his nephew that he didn't know had existed for many years. Drew left after being accused of murdering his then girlfriend, leaving his sisters to fend for their selves with their abusive and sadistic father. He receives an email from his sister and goes home to find that one of his sisters has been murdered.
Drew was able to be healed from the abuse by joining the marines and having a father figure to look up to and one that supported him. The same can't be said for his sisters, one that was with one abusive man after another and the other didn't let men close enough to form any kind of intimate relationship.
This book is wonderful, it was really hard to get into at first because the first main point of view is killed off within the first chapter, so you have to reboot yourself and get into another character's perspective.
This book was really surprising as well, because you honestly didn't know who was behind the killings until the very end.
Drew was able to be healed from the abuse by joining the marines and having a father figure to look up to and one that supported him. The same can't be said for his sisters, one that was with one abusive man after another and the other didn't let men close enough to form any kind of intimate relationship.
This book is wonderful, it was really hard to get into at first because the first main point of view is killed off within the first chapter, so you have to reboot yourself and get into another character's perspective.
This book was really surprising as well, because you honestly didn't know who was behind the killings until the very end.
May 25, 2019
Après une première scène, disons le mot, ratée, avec pleins de prénoms et d’évènements lancés à la tête du lecteur qui ne retient rien (j’ai été obligée de la relire) et une trentaine de pages de mise en place de l’intrigue… j’ai persévéré et j’ai découvert en fait un très bon romantic suspense qui s’améliore de page en page. Et à la moitié de l’intrigue, je ne pouvais plus le lâcher. Il trouve alors un très bon rythme de croisière, une vraie intensité, et des rebondissements dont certains inattendus, de l’action et du souffle.
Drew est un héros valeureux et séduisant. Son type ombrageux et dangereux qui dissimule quelques fêlures, est bien campé. L’aspect « romantic » ne s’en porte que mieux puisque l’héroïne flic possède une forte personnalité… qui cache bien évidemment une ou deux faiblesses qui la rendent humaine. Leur idylle est touchante. Vincent Morrone parvient aussi à soigner des personnages secondaires fouillés (notamment un petit garçon éveillé, futé et attendrissant à souhait) qui évoluent au fil de l’histoire. L’ensemble est solide, avec de bonnes idées et l’on sent un auteur qui prend du plaisir à écrire, ce qui n’est pas toujours le cas.
J’attends le second tome avec impatience !
Drew est un héros valeureux et séduisant. Son type ombrageux et dangereux qui dissimule quelques fêlures, est bien campé. L’aspect « romantic » ne s’en porte que mieux puisque l’héroïne flic possède une forte personnalité… qui cache bien évidemment une ou deux faiblesses qui la rendent humaine. Leur idylle est touchante. Vincent Morrone parvient aussi à soigner des personnages secondaires fouillés (notamment un petit garçon éveillé, futé et attendrissant à souhait) qui évoluent au fil de l’histoire. L’ensemble est solide, avec de bonnes idées et l’on sent un auteur qui prend du plaisir à écrire, ce qui n’est pas toujours le cas.
J’attends le second tome avec impatience !
February 18, 2018
There are some great, well-drawn characters in this spellbinding mystery, however, the story really drags through the trite and tedious sex scene. But worst of all, there are many significant unfinished threads and the story ends in an annoying cliffhanger. This is a despicable practice and I cannot recommend anybook or author that perpetrates it.
Violet Anderson ultimately delivers an excellent performance. At first, her voice might seem a bit too sweet and youthful for this story, but she handles it very well, voicing each character distinctly and appropriately.
I'd give this story a much higher rating if it weren't for the overdone and unnecessary sex scene and the offensive cliffhanger ending.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Violet Anderson ultimately delivers an excellent performance. At first, her voice might seem a bit too sweet and youthful for this story, but she handles it very well, voicing each character distinctly and appropriately.
I'd give this story a much higher rating if it weren't for the overdone and unnecessary sex scene and the offensive cliffhanger ending.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 28, 2019
After being accused of a crime he didn't commit, and copping years of abuse by his father, Drew left his family and his hometown and joined the Marines. Years later, he is called back home after the brutal murder of his sister. His sister had a young son, Cole, who has also suffered some abuse, and Drew is determined to be a stable male influence in his life.
I loved this book and honestly did not want to put it down. The characters are well written, and the story really draws you in, with mysteries to solve, a focus on rebuilding family, and even some romance. It definitely takes you on an emotional journey!
The book ends with some questions answered, but also with an opening for the next story - so now I need to read book 2!
I loved this book and honestly did not want to put it down. The characters are well written, and the story really draws you in, with mysteries to solve, a focus on rebuilding family, and even some romance. It definitely takes you on an emotional journey!
The book ends with some questions answered, but also with an opening for the next story - so now I need to read book 2!
January 13, 2021
2.75*
Moui...
Une entrée en matière un peu maladroite, des personnages intéressants mais pas assez fouillés (bien que je n'ai pas été convaincu par Cole, le petit garçon qui a 8-9 ans et qui donne plutôt l'impression par moment d'avoir 14-15 ans) et une histoire de fond avec du potentiel mais peu approfondie au final. Je trouve que l'auteur est resté trop en surface de tout ce qui est important. Dommage.
Je termine ma lecture moyennement convaincue et avec une impression de "tout ça pour ça".
A noter que même si le prochain tome suit des personnages différents (Ollie et Ashley), la fin de ce livre ne donne pas toutes les réponses et que pour connaître le fin mot de l'histoire il vous faudra lire le prochain tome.
Moui...
Une entrée en matière un peu maladroite, des personnages intéressants mais pas assez fouillés (bien que je n'ai pas été convaincu par Cole, le petit garçon qui a 8-9 ans et qui donne plutôt l'impression par moment d'avoir 14-15 ans) et une histoire de fond avec du potentiel mais peu approfondie au final. Je trouve que l'auteur est resté trop en surface de tout ce qui est important. Dommage.
Je termine ma lecture moyennement convaincue et avec une impression de "tout ça pour ça".
A noter que même si le prochain tome suit des personnages différents (Ollie et Ashley), la fin de ce livre ne donne pas toutes les réponses et que pour connaître le fin mot de l'histoire il vous faudra lire le prochain tome.
January 22, 2020
Got a copy of this book through Voracious Readers. I loved it the story gripped me from the very start and tbh I struggled to put it down. This book has it all Murder, family ties, love story . Something for everyone.
May 12, 2019
Avis à venir
June 5, 2016
“Big Boys Do Cry”
Family history repeats itself in Kelli. Her father was an abusive alcoholic. She perpetrates the cycle of abuse when she marries her high school boyfriend. She finally breaks away with her young son, but Kelli fears she’ll never truly be free.
Drew has been estranged from the family for years, “torn away” by events beyond his control. When Kelli reaches out to him for help, he returns to Ember Falls.
Drew’s battles cross the past and the present. He was jailed for a crime he didn’t commit, the case rife with missing medical reports and zero evidence of his guilt. He deals with his vicious father Frank, who had once put a gun in Drew’s mouth and had forced him into a heartbreaking agreement.
Torn Away is an excellent work, delving into family connections, motivations, and secrets. There’s a fine Machiavellian hand at work behind the scenes, the malevolent force determined to follow its own agenda.
Family history repeats itself in Kelli. Her father was an abusive alcoholic. She perpetrates the cycle of abuse when she marries her high school boyfriend. She finally breaks away with her young son, but Kelli fears she’ll never truly be free.
Drew has been estranged from the family for years, “torn away” by events beyond his control. When Kelli reaches out to him for help, he returns to Ember Falls.
Drew’s battles cross the past and the present. He was jailed for a crime he didn’t commit, the case rife with missing medical reports and zero evidence of his guilt. He deals with his vicious father Frank, who had once put a gun in Drew’s mouth and had forced him into a heartbreaking agreement.
Torn Away is an excellent work, delving into family connections, motivations, and secrets. There’s a fine Machiavellian hand at work behind the scenes, the malevolent force determined to follow its own agenda.
January 14, 2018
A suspense novel about family and how it can shape a person.
I took a leap of faith choosing to read this novel, because is different from what I normally read. I have been pleasantly surprise.
Addictiveness: This is a dark, emotional read! Is not easy, but it kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.
Character: hero 4/5, secondary characters 4/5, growth 4/5, real 4/5 Drew has lots of baggage. He was able to rebuilt himself after leaving his hometown, but took lots of secrets with him. He found in military life a new family and better values than what he was raised with. He gives his hometown a second chance and takes upon himself the responsibility of mending his family. By doing that he has to face old ghosts and very dangerous situations. His personal growth throughout the story helped me understand him and connect with him. He is a multi-dimensional character. The book has a few very good secondary characters as well.
Freshness: This book is unusual, different from most in the market inside the genre.
Plot: believable 4/5, conflict 4/5, dialogue 4/5, ending 3/5, enjoyment 3.5/5, opening 4/5, pace 3/5, setting 4/5, subplots 3/5, twists 4/5 This book is a bit dark. It is somber and it keeps you hurting. Very emotional. This family goes through a lot and they are great warriors for having surviving it all. It wasn't easy to follow, but it has a magnetic pull that kept me guessing until the end. I've loved that the suspense was high until the end. I had no idea who was doing the killings.
Writing Style: The writing here is really good. There is a lot going on, but everything is cohesive and well explained. The mystery is very well-kept and character development is superb.
Cover: art 3/5, title 4/5, subtitle 0/5, color-font 3/5, buy 2/5 I didn't like this cover very much. The guy looks too young and innocent to be Drew. The title is good, but I miss a bit of subtitle to add to the story. The color/font is good, because is somber and gives the perfect mood of the story. I wouldn't buy this book by its cover only.
Plot: The end. I hope the second book of the series doesn't take too long. I need to find out what will happen.
Brilliantly written! Emotional rollercoaster!
Overall
Action 4/5
Angst 5/5
Darkness 3/5
Humor 0/5
Romance 1/5
Suspense/Mystery 4/5
Would I recommend? Yes.
Would I re-read this book? Sure.
Would I re-read this series? I'm not certain. Too much crying from my part.
Would I read more from the author? Yes.
You MAY read this because you like suspense; you should read this because you like family sagas; you MUST read this if you are ready for deep thoughts and lots of feelings!!!This review was originally posted on More Books Than Livros
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews