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Whiskey Sharp #3
Torn
Sometimes what you find isn’t what you were searching for
Beau Petty has been searching his whole life. Searching for a place that fills all the empty spaces in him. Searching for a way to tame the restlessness. Searching for answers to the secret he’s never stopped trying to solve. What he wasn’t searching for was a woman to claim all of him, but when Cora Silvera walks back into his life, he’s ready to search out all the ways he can make her his.
Cora has spent her life as the family nurturer, taking care of others. But now she’s ready to pass that job on to someone else. It’s time to make some changes and live for herself. It’s in that moment that her former teenage crush reappears and the draw and the heat of their instant connection is like nothing either of them has experienced. He craves being around her. She accepts him, dark corners and all.
Beau thinks Cora’s had enough drama in her life. He wants to protect her from the secrets of his past, even if it means holding back the last pieces of himself. But Cora is no pushover and she means to claim all those pieces.
Beau Petty has been searching his whole life. Searching for a place that fills all the empty spaces in him. Searching for a way to tame the restlessness. Searching for answers to the secret he’s never stopped trying to solve. What he wasn’t searching for was a woman to claim all of him, but when Cora Silvera walks back into his life, he’s ready to search out all the ways he can make her his.
Cora has spent her life as the family nurturer, taking care of others. But now she’s ready to pass that job on to someone else. It’s time to make some changes and live for herself. It’s in that moment that her former teenage crush reappears and the draw and the heat of their instant connection is like nothing either of them has experienced. He craves being around her. She accepts him, dark corners and all.
Beau thinks Cora’s had enough drama in her life. He wants to protect her from the secrets of his past, even if it means holding back the last pieces of himself. But Cora is no pushover and she means to claim all those pieces.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2018
200 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Dane
112 books4,998 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
July 12, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
Beau’s had quite the colorful life. I mean. Wow. Also the modeling shots alone might have made me pregnant.
Naked, he’s like one of those magical things you’re not supposed to look at directly or you get ensorcelled.
I guess I need to make an honest man out of you or people might think you were easy… You must really love me to want my crazy mixing up with your crazy. You do realize we might have just bred the Kwisatz Haderach, right?
People take pictures of you. You’re not just a pretty surfing tourist. You’re Beau Petty. And so some video of you giving me the business would end up online and everyone would savage my thighs…
Rachel snatched the dog from her sister and Cora decided not to inform them that Beau had fed Jezzy an entire can of those gross sausages that smelled like dog food. Cute though Jezzy was, she also farted like a demon, and then pretended it wasn’t her.
My Review:
This book was a delight, I’ve never read this author before but look forward to further indulging myself with her magical combinations of words. Silly me, I jumped into a series with book three, and while it probably would have deepened my enjoyment and understanding of the secondary characters, it was not necessary to have read the previous books as Whiskey Sharp: Torn had strong legs, like mighty oaks, and was more than capable of standing alone. However, I am greedy and want to read the two earlier books as well as anything else this staggeringly talented wordsmith has scribbled.
The characters were multi-layered, alluring, and captivating while adorned with fascinating and complicated histories. The storylines were engaging, unique, intriguing, and laced with levity, zinging banter, bawdy wit, and clever humor. The copious meals that were prepared and enjoyed tantalized and tortured this salivating dieter, as they sounded as drool-worthy as the lascivious and bootylicious sensual scenes.
This was my favorite type of story as the featured couple enjoyed a refreshingly sweet, sensual, and profoundly nurturing and supportive relationship that was relatively conflict-free. And I absolutely loved this couple; they were adorable and precious, perfectly matched, irresistible, and off-the-charts passionate together. They were totally smitten and besotted and good to and for each other. I reveled in the ease, thoughtfulness, and care they took with each other, as well as their ability to scorch the sheets and singe the ceiling tiles. I have to adore a sweet and sexy man who can inventively cook in every room in the house.
Beau’s had quite the colorful life. I mean. Wow. Also the modeling shots alone might have made me pregnant.
Naked, he’s like one of those magical things you’re not supposed to look at directly or you get ensorcelled.
I guess I need to make an honest man out of you or people might think you were easy… You must really love me to want my crazy mixing up with your crazy. You do realize we might have just bred the Kwisatz Haderach, right?
People take pictures of you. You’re not just a pretty surfing tourist. You’re Beau Petty. And so some video of you giving me the business would end up online and everyone would savage my thighs…
Rachel snatched the dog from her sister and Cora decided not to inform them that Beau had fed Jezzy an entire can of those gross sausages that smelled like dog food. Cute though Jezzy was, she also farted like a demon, and then pretended it wasn’t her.
My Review:
This book was a delight, I’ve never read this author before but look forward to further indulging myself with her magical combinations of words. Silly me, I jumped into a series with book three, and while it probably would have deepened my enjoyment and understanding of the secondary characters, it was not necessary to have read the previous books as Whiskey Sharp: Torn had strong legs, like mighty oaks, and was more than capable of standing alone. However, I am greedy and want to read the two earlier books as well as anything else this staggeringly talented wordsmith has scribbled.
The characters were multi-layered, alluring, and captivating while adorned with fascinating and complicated histories. The storylines were engaging, unique, intriguing, and laced with levity, zinging banter, bawdy wit, and clever humor. The copious meals that were prepared and enjoyed tantalized and tortured this salivating dieter, as they sounded as drool-worthy as the lascivious and bootylicious sensual scenes.
This was my favorite type of story as the featured couple enjoyed a refreshingly sweet, sensual, and profoundly nurturing and supportive relationship that was relatively conflict-free. And I absolutely loved this couple; they were adorable and precious, perfectly matched, irresistible, and off-the-charts passionate together. They were totally smitten and besotted and good to and for each other. I reveled in the ease, thoughtfulness, and care they took with each other, as well as their ability to scorch the sheets and singe the ceiling tiles. I have to adore a sweet and sexy man who can inventively cook in every room in the house.
June 24, 2018
ARC received for review
They met years ago when she was a teenager and he was twenty something. When they meet again, sparks fly. They are hot together, really hot. He's a keeper for anyone even with a slightly messed up past. It's a very sweet romance with a little angst and lots of hot sex. Got to see all the old gang again.
Why three stars you ask if it sounds like I like it and them? There's no resolution to her and her mother. I didn't feel like there was a resolution with him and his past. And the ending was just meh.
They met years ago when she was a teenager and he was twenty something. When they meet again, sparks fly. They are hot together, really hot. He's a keeper for anyone even with a slightly messed up past. It's a very sweet romance with a little angst and lots of hot sex. Got to see all the old gang again.
Why three stars you ask if it sounds like I like it and them? There's no resolution to her and her mother. I didn't feel like there was a resolution with him and his past. And the ending was just meh.
December 23, 2019
DNF
I tried! This is my second try to read books by Lauren Dane. At the end, I give up. I have to shelved it under DNF.
I can not really pin point what is it from Lauren Dane that does not agree with me. The writing?, the characters?, the conversation?. The blurp is a promising slow burn. I listen to the audio book until about 3rd hour and give up. I have still many books that waiting.
2 stars
I tried! This is my second try to read books by Lauren Dane. At the end, I give up. I have to shelved it under DNF.
I can not really pin point what is it from Lauren Dane that does not agree with me. The writing?, the characters?, the conversation?. The blurp is a promising slow burn. I listen to the audio book until about 3rd hour and give up. I have still many books that waiting.
2 stars
June 26, 2018
3.5 stars
Whiskey Sharp: Torn, the third and final book in the Whiskey Sharp series was a quick, entertaining read. Cora and Beau are charming, funny, practically perfect characters. For me, they were a little too perfect. Even though they knew each other briefly, and not romantically, twenty years before, their relationship progressed at light speed. I did feel a connection between the two, but Ms. Dane spent a lot of words telling the reader about that connection, which is almost always an issue for me. I prefer to see it on the page through their interactions, which I did, so the words felt unnecessary. I felt these two characters didn’t quite fit with the Dolan sisters and their men, even though Ms. Dane went to great pains to explain how the relationships came about, they just didn’t feel genuine. As charming as they are, I thought the story lacked the complexity and depth of the first two books in this series. They shop, they discuss art and poetry, they eat—Beau is a chef, his food sounds amazing--they hang out with friends, and have a lot of sex, but there’s just not a lot of substance here, and no real conflict. They each have family issues, which are left unresolved, for the most part, and neither of which is a source of genuine conflict for the couple. Cora’s mother is a narcissist/composer/artist, who comes across as a horrible person, even though her family loves her (I’m not sure why) and spend a lot of time and energy “handling’ her. I was hoping for some type of ‘come to Jesus’ moment, but instead Cora’s father smiles indulgently and he and Cora re-direct conversations. Because there wasn’t a resolution, Cora’s relationship with her mom, which is kind built up to be an issue, just fizzles as a conflict. Beau’s family issues are also left hanging, albeit with slightly more resolution than Cora’s. I did really enjoy Cora and Beau’s romance and watching their relationship grow, but it was a bit fluffy for me, and felt a little forced. I love (and expect) a happy ending, but the end of Whiskey Sharp: Torn left me feeling disappointed, an emotion I rarely feel with a Lauren Dane book. I loved the first two books in this series. They were filled with drama, angst, difficult relationships, and tough decisions, but still managed to be funny, sexy, and entertaining. Torn is entertaining, funny, and hot, but doesn’t live up to the rest of the series, so it was a bit of a letdown for me.
June 27, 2022
3.5
Another fun read set in this fabulous world Lauren Dane created. I enjoyed Cora's and Beau's story quite a bit. It was lovely to see them grow closer and watch their emotions deepen. It was also great to see Cora stand up for herself.
The only downside for me was that it missed a bit of drama. There wasn't really a Black Moment when everything seemed to be lost or when you think as a reader "how are they going to make it?".
Still a good read and I hope we see more stories told here.
Another fun read set in this fabulous world Lauren Dane created. I enjoyed Cora's and Beau's story quite a bit. It was lovely to see them grow closer and watch their emotions deepen. It was also great to see Cora stand up for herself.
The only downside for me was that it missed a bit of drama. There wasn't really a Black Moment when everything seemed to be lost or when you think as a reader "how are they going to make it?".
Still a good read and I hope we see more stories told here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2018
BEAU PETTY
CORA SILVERA
Read 7/9/18 | 4 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book synopsis: Sometimes what you find isn’t what you were searching for...
Beau Petty has been searching his whole life. Searching for a place that fills all the empty spaces in him. Searching for a way to tame the restlessness. Searching for answers to the secret he’s never stopped trying to solve. What he wasn’t searching for was a woman to claim all of him, but when Cora Silvera walks back into his life, he’s ready to search out all the ways he can make her his.
Cora has spent her life as the family nurturer, taking care of others. But now she’s ready to pass that job on to someone else. It’s time to make some changes and live for herself. It’s in that moment that her former teenage crush reappears and the draw and the heat of their instant connection is like nothing either of them has experienced. He craves being around her. She accepts him, dark corners and all.
Beau thinks Cora’s had enough drama in her life. He wants to protect her from the secrets of his past, even if it means holding back the last pieces of himself. But Cora is no pushover and she means to claim all those pieces.
CORA SILVERA
Read 7/9/18 | 4 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book synopsis: Sometimes what you find isn’t what you were searching for...
Beau Petty has been searching his whole life. Searching for a place that fills all the empty spaces in him. Searching for a way to tame the restlessness. Searching for answers to the secret he’s never stopped trying to solve. What he wasn’t searching for was a woman to claim all of him, but when Cora Silvera walks back into his life, he’s ready to search out all the ways he can make her his.
Cora has spent her life as the family nurturer, taking care of others. But now she’s ready to pass that job on to someone else. It’s time to make some changes and live for herself. It’s in that moment that her former teenage crush reappears and the draw and the heat of their instant connection is like nothing either of them has experienced. He craves being around her. She accepts him, dark corners and all.
Beau thinks Cora’s had enough drama in her life. He wants to protect her from the secrets of his past, even if it means holding back the last pieces of himself. But Cora is no pushover and she means to claim all those pieces.
September 4, 2019
This was just like any other romance novel. Nothing too special about it. The characters are likable and the plot was good. However, the plot did have a potential to expand more but it never did. I kept waiting for the love interests' past to create a greater climax but it didn't happen. Overall an okay-ish read.
July 1, 2018
Weird as fuck and I had to make myself read it since I bought it. Definitely one of the bad dialogue books.
June 26, 2018
I have been a huge fan of the Whiskey Sharp series as all the books are just wonderful, heartfelt and sexy romances. I was so looking forward to Cora's romance with Beau after that brief glimpse at the end of Vic and Rachel's story. This story was absolutely beautiful and full of swoons. I never wanted it to end!
When Beau and Cora reconnect after almost two decades, sparks fly and their friendship picks up right where it left off. I loved this story. It was a very low-angst romantic story filled with all the swoons and sighs. I love how Beau just wanted to treat Cora like a priceless gem and she in return pampered him to show her adoration. This was such a sweet story. However, while I loved that there was not an overdramatic climax or that this wasn't a story full of angst, I did find myself hoping that the story would unfold a little faster. It seemed like Torn was almost a daily account of their romance and while amazing and full of fantastic characters, it was somewhat slow.
All in all, I will miss this series and hope that we receive Beau's story in the future! I would like to thank Netgalley and Harlequin US for an advanced copy of this book for an advanced review. Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
When Beau and Cora reconnect after almost two decades, sparks fly and their friendship picks up right where it left off. I loved this story. It was a very low-angst romantic story filled with all the swoons and sighs. I love how Beau just wanted to treat Cora like a priceless gem and she in return pampered him to show her adoration. This was such a sweet story. However, while I loved that there was not an overdramatic climax or that this wasn't a story full of angst, I did find myself hoping that the story would unfold a little faster. It seemed like Torn was almost a daily account of their romance and while amazing and full of fantastic characters, it was somewhat slow.
All in all, I will miss this series and hope that we receive Beau's story in the future! I would like to thank Netgalley and Harlequin US for an advanced copy of this book for an advanced review. Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
June 17, 2018
Torn intrigued me right away because it was a little like a second chance in that the characters knew each other before, but not totally a second chance since they weren't dating before. Its a low angst story which I adore; however, I think it was a little slow because not much happens. Its more of a chronicle of their relationship; again, I appreciated the low angst since both of them have had enough angst in their past, but readers may find this a bit of a slow pace.
Cora and Beau are total #relationshipgoals! They are truly devoted to making each other happy. It was such a pleasant read to see a more mature relationship as opposed to the drama-llama types with miscommunications and manufactured problems. Bottom line, while this might be a slow plot for those who love the angst, its perfect for those who like to see a couple work together on real life issues. Torn will appeal to readers who are sick of new adult relationships that are fraught with immature rubbish.
While this is book 3 of the series, you can read them as stand alones. I haven't read the previous books and it didn't affect my enjoyment at all!
Cora and Beau are total #relationshipgoals! They are truly devoted to making each other happy. It was such a pleasant read to see a more mature relationship as opposed to the drama-llama types with miscommunications and manufactured problems. Bottom line, while this might be a slow plot for those who love the angst, its perfect for those who like to see a couple work together on real life issues. Torn will appeal to readers who are sick of new adult relationships that are fraught with immature rubbish.
While this is book 3 of the series, you can read them as stand alones. I haven't read the previous books and it didn't affect my enjoyment at all!
June 10, 2018
Book Info
Mass Market Paperback
Published June 26th 2018 by Harlequin Books
ISBN 037379942X (ISBN13: 9780373799428)
Edition Language English
Series Whiskey Sharp #3
Other Editions (7)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon
B&N
Sometimes what you find isn’t what you were searching for
Beau Petty has been searching his whole life. Searching for a place that fills all the empty spaces in him. Searching for a way to tame the restlessness. Searching for answers to the secret he’s never stopped trying to solve. What he wasn’t searching for was a woman to claim all of him, but when Cora Silvera walks back into his life, he’s ready to search out all the ways he can make her his.
Cora has spent her life as the family nurturer, taking care of others. But now she’s ready to pass that job on to someone else. It’s time to make some changes and live for herself. It’s in that moment that her former teenage crush reappears and the draw and the heat of their instant connection is like nothing either of them has experienced. He craves being around her. She accepts him, dark corners and all.
Beau thinks Cora’s had enough drama in her life. He wants to protect her from the secrets of his past, even if it means holding back the last pieces of himself. But Cora is no pushover and she means to claim all those pieces.
A second chance romance between teen crush Beau Petty and Cora Silvera took 17 years to come to fruition. The fact that Cora is a few years younger no longer matters and their electric connection to each other is on a par with that of the previous two couples in the series.
What I really liked about this pairing was the fact neither Beau nor Cora tried to make the other change in anyway. Unlike her domineering mother Beau accepted Cora's dreams and supported her need to finally take control of her own life rather than always smoothing the way for the rest of her family.
Cora on the other hand has no desire for Beau to close off anything from her that he thinks would make a difference in how she perceives him. She too accepts him for who he is with no reservations or doubts that he is the one for her.
Having both come from a less than normal childhood these two people find themselves able to connect on so many levels that it feels almost too good to be true.
The one thing however that truly stands out is that despite any and all obstacles that crop up in the couples path they are willing to work together to make their relationship a lasting one.
It has been quite the roller coaster ride waiting for Cora to get her own story. It was totally worth the wait for me!
Mass Market Paperback
Published June 26th 2018 by Harlequin Books
ISBN 037379942X (ISBN13: 9780373799428)
Edition Language English
Series Whiskey Sharp #3
Other Editions (7)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon
B&N
BOOK BLURB
Sometimes what you find isn’t what you were searching for
Beau Petty has been searching his whole life. Searching for a place that fills all the empty spaces in him. Searching for a way to tame the restlessness. Searching for answers to the secret he’s never stopped trying to solve. What he wasn’t searching for was a woman to claim all of him, but when Cora Silvera walks back into his life, he’s ready to search out all the ways he can make her his.
Cora has spent her life as the family nurturer, taking care of others. But now she’s ready to pass that job on to someone else. It’s time to make some changes and live for herself. It’s in that moment that her former teenage crush reappears and the draw and the heat of their instant connection is like nothing either of them has experienced. He craves being around her. She accepts him, dark corners and all.
Beau thinks Cora’s had enough drama in her life. He wants to protect her from the secrets of his past, even if it means holding back the last pieces of himself. But Cora is no pushover and she means to claim all those pieces.
My Thoughts
A second chance romance between teen crush Beau Petty and Cora Silvera took 17 years to come to fruition. The fact that Cora is a few years younger no longer matters and their electric connection to each other is on a par with that of the previous two couples in the series.
What I really liked about this pairing was the fact neither Beau nor Cora tried to make the other change in anyway. Unlike her domineering mother Beau accepted Cora's dreams and supported her need to finally take control of her own life rather than always smoothing the way for the rest of her family.
Cora on the other hand has no desire for Beau to close off anything from her that he thinks would make a difference in how she perceives him. She too accepts him for who he is with no reservations or doubts that he is the one for her.
Having both come from a less than normal childhood these two people find themselves able to connect on so many levels that it feels almost too good to be true.
The one thing however that truly stands out is that despite any and all obstacles that crop up in the couples path they are willing to work together to make their relationship a lasting one.
It has been quite the roller coaster ride waiting for Cora to get her own story. It was totally worth the wait for me!
[EArc from Netgalley]
December 11, 2020
Originally I was not gonna read this because the other books in the series were, well, not very exciting. But it came up as a suggestion from my library and I was casting around for something new to listen to on audio while I was bagging leaves (hey... I have a LOT of leaves...dam maple trees!)
I can deal with a low conflict romances if I am feeling something deeper emotionally going on. Or a really exciting external plot. But I need something other than a couple who are in basically love in act one and nothing else happens.
Which is what pretty much happened in this book. It was rather meh to be honest. And until today I had completely forgotten I had listened to it. So that tells you something.
The H/H see each other, like each other, bone each other, praise each other, enjoy each other's friends, love each other and that is pretty much it.
The best I can say it was unobjectionable listening as I bagged leaves.
I can deal with a low conflict romances if I am feeling something deeper emotionally going on. Or a really exciting external plot. But I need something other than a couple who are in basically love in act one and nothing else happens.
Which is what pretty much happened in this book. It was rather meh to be honest. And until today I had completely forgotten I had listened to it. So that tells you something.
The H/H see each other, like each other, bone each other, praise each other, enjoy each other's friends, love each other and that is pretty much it.
The best I can say it was unobjectionable listening as I bagged leaves.
August 7, 2019
I love this series! Beau and Cora together are amazing, I loved that we get the first narrator back.
Cora has a lot of family issues going on but then again so does Beau and they both help each other navigate this new terrain as they also become a couple.
I loved it and I wished it was longer.
That is all <3 I loved the narration did I say that already. :)
Cora has a lot of family issues going on but then again so does Beau and they both help each other navigate this new terrain as they also become a couple.
I loved it and I wished it was longer.
That is all <3 I loved the narration did I say that already. :)
June 20, 2018
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In the first two Whiskey Sharp novels, we met the Doran sisters, Maybe and Rachel, as they got their happy-ever-afters. In this, we get their friend Cora's story (I'm not entirely sure how Cora fits into the social scene but okay).
Like Maybe and Rachel, Cora has issues with her family. But instead of estrangement, Cora's been at her mother's beck and call for years, supporting her in her career as an acclaimed composer by doing everything from running her art gallery to making sure the pharmacy doesn't put childproof caps on her prescriptions.
Beau Petty also has family issues, but his stem from his dad running a cult that kicked Beau out when he refused to "marry" a 14 year old girl. In the ensuing almost 20 years, he's modeled, and found a gift for cooking that's catapulted him into the celebrity chef world. But in all of his experiences, he's never forgotten Cora, the girl who lived a few doors down in a California apartment building. When Beau comes to Seattle to plot out his new book, he and Cora meet again, and this time, it's all legal.
What I liked: The warm and open friendships between women. Too many times, I see women in romances isolated by family or design or just lazy writing, but a heroine is better with her girls. I loved the food descriptions and I hate that it's too hot right now to make Irena's cabbage rolls. The respect and the sparks between Beau and Cora were wonderful, and I liked the relationship unfolding between them.
What I didn't like: the weird half-finished drama with Cora's mama. This lady is kiiiind of a bitch and WHY is she getting such a pass from so many people when she's such a brat? I wanted a more filled-out story of Cora's family. Even though her mom's an asshole, how did she come to be famous, what was it like for the family, what is she even doing now beyond swanning around and harassing her daughter? I also wanted more about Beau's cult background-- it felt like Dane waned something interesting but drew way back on it because she wasn't sure what exactly to do. It was unfinished and thin. Also, how can someone get a drink in Pioneer Square and then walk up to a gallery within walking distance of LQA without showing up a sweaty mess? I need a dang map for these books.
In the first two Whiskey Sharp novels, we met the Doran sisters, Maybe and Rachel, as they got their happy-ever-afters. In this, we get their friend Cora's story (I'm not entirely sure how Cora fits into the social scene but okay).
Like Maybe and Rachel, Cora has issues with her family. But instead of estrangement, Cora's been at her mother's beck and call for years, supporting her in her career as an acclaimed composer by doing everything from running her art gallery to making sure the pharmacy doesn't put childproof caps on her prescriptions.
Beau Petty also has family issues, but his stem from his dad running a cult that kicked Beau out when he refused to "marry" a 14 year old girl. In the ensuing almost 20 years, he's modeled, and found a gift for cooking that's catapulted him into the celebrity chef world. But in all of his experiences, he's never forgotten Cora, the girl who lived a few doors down in a California apartment building. When Beau comes to Seattle to plot out his new book, he and Cora meet again, and this time, it's all legal.
What I liked: The warm and open friendships between women. Too many times, I see women in romances isolated by family or design or just lazy writing, but a heroine is better with her girls. I loved the food descriptions and I hate that it's too hot right now to make Irena's cabbage rolls. The respect and the sparks between Beau and Cora were wonderful, and I liked the relationship unfolding between them.
What I didn't like: the weird half-finished drama with Cora's mama. This lady is kiiiind of a bitch and WHY is she getting such a pass from so many people when she's such a brat? I wanted a more filled-out story of Cora's family. Even though her mom's an asshole, how did she come to be famous, what was it like for the family, what is she even doing now beyond swanning around and harassing her daughter? I also wanted more about Beau's cult background-- it felt like Dane waned something interesting but drew way back on it because she wasn't sure what exactly to do. It was unfinished and thin. Also, how can someone get a drink in Pioneer Square and then walk up to a gallery within walking distance of LQA without showing up a sweaty mess? I need a dang map for these books.
May 10, 2021
Friends reunited into a second chance love is always sweet. This series is well named. As a fan of Whiskey, I feel as though I'm enjoy different bottles of Whiskeys. This one is a sweeter than the others. The chemistry between Cora and Beau is smooth. If I had to pick a brand of Whiskey to describe this relationship, I would pick the Glenmorangie Sherry Cask. That hint of sweetness with a smooth burn works for them. This would be in contrast to Maybe's story in Unraveled which I would consider a smokey Ardbeg. And also different than Rachel's dark story in Jagged which I liken to Macallan. I digress.
Following the theme of dysfunctional families, Cora's mother is the issue here. I honestly start to wonder if Ms. Dane has family or friends with massive dysfunctions. Because some of these things the parents do in this series are just horrendous. My heart weeps for the women. Cora's treatment may not be as bad as Maybe or Rachel, but it is still emotionally scarring. Luckily for Cora, she now has a champion who counterbalances the negativity of her mother. Beau Petty is a boy Cora knew and now has the chance to reconnect. Boy do they reconnect. He does come with his own baggage.
Ms. Dane brings a reader into this story and adds additional connections to this world by bringing in familiar characters from Unraveled and Jagged. Growing this circle of friends and support is a key element in her romances and it is particularly appealing to me. In this one, there is less conflict than the previous two, but still enough to create a connection to Cora's pain and her joy. I do enjoy stories where people reconnect and this time, it is the right time and right place.
This romance flows and is an easy read. The erotic parts are just steamy enough to bring a nice heat. This erotic romance is recommended to romance readers who love second chance romances.
*provided by NetGalley
Following the theme of dysfunctional families, Cora's mother is the issue here. I honestly start to wonder if Ms. Dane has family or friends with massive dysfunctions. Because some of these things the parents do in this series are just horrendous. My heart weeps for the women. Cora's treatment may not be as bad as Maybe or Rachel, but it is still emotionally scarring. Luckily for Cora, she now has a champion who counterbalances the negativity of her mother. Beau Petty is a boy Cora knew and now has the chance to reconnect. Boy do they reconnect. He does come with his own baggage.
Ms. Dane brings a reader into this story and adds additional connections to this world by bringing in familiar characters from Unraveled and Jagged. Growing this circle of friends and support is a key element in her romances and it is particularly appealing to me. In this one, there is less conflict than the previous two, but still enough to create a connection to Cora's pain and her joy. I do enjoy stories where people reconnect and this time, it is the right time and right place.
This romance flows and is an easy read. The erotic parts are just steamy enough to bring a nice heat. This erotic romance is recommended to romance readers who love second chance romances.
*provided by NetGalley
July 13, 2018
Torn is the third book in the Whiskey Sharp series. This is Cora and Beau's story. Picking up about two years after the events of Jagged, Cora is back from an extended business trip with her mother. Tired of traveling, she is finally ready to settle down and plant some roots. Running into an old friend may help make part of that plan a reality.
I liked this one, just didn't love it. It wasn't my favorite of the series. Cora and Beau were cute together, but I kind of wanted more. It was almost too easy with no real obstacles in the way. They clicked, had sex, and fell in love. So, their story got a little dull toward the end. Beau's past and Cora's mother aren't huge issues for them. I guess I was expecting a deep dark secret, but there really wasn't one. I was a bit unsatisfied with the resolution to Beau's situation.
Don't get me wrong, there is plenty to like about the book. Beau was adorable and surprisingly well adjusted given his cult family background. I also loved Cora. There is the added bonus of the Dolan sisters, Rachel and Maybe showing up in the book. It was nice to catch up with those characters. It's a fast read and a nice addition to the series. It just wasn't as dark as I was expecting it to be based on the synopsis.
I liked this one, just didn't love it. It wasn't my favorite of the series. Cora and Beau were cute together, but I kind of wanted more. It was almost too easy with no real obstacles in the way. They clicked, had sex, and fell in love. So, their story got a little dull toward the end. Beau's past and Cora's mother aren't huge issues for them. I guess I was expecting a deep dark secret, but there really wasn't one. I was a bit unsatisfied with the resolution to Beau's situation.
Don't get me wrong, there is plenty to like about the book. Beau was adorable and surprisingly well adjusted given his cult family background. I also loved Cora. There is the added bonus of the Dolan sisters, Rachel and Maybe showing up in the book. It was nice to catch up with those characters. It's a fast read and a nice addition to the series. It just wasn't as dark as I was expecting it to be based on the synopsis.
June 26, 2018
How nice to read a romance without drama, instead it was a slow getting to know each other between Beau and Cora. I really liked how they knew each other in the past, how that connection in the past allowed the spark to go forward in the present. The comfortable way that the eased into a relationship was nice, the shared time spent with each other and their mutual friends was great! The only real issues were their family's. Cora's was mostly her mom, who is a little bit high strung. I liked how with each encounter Beau didn't let her goad him, instead he calmly stood up to her. But the best was when Cora stood up for Beau. Beau's family was a bit more complicated. I did love how Cora was there for Beau during each step, even when at times there wasn't good news. Beau and Cora's happy ending was well deserved for them!
June 14, 2018
Cora is a very honest woman, “unless the person getting effed against a wall very much wanted you to eff them against a wall. In which case, it was very romantic. Some women like roses—I like getting effed against a wall. But to be fair, I like roses too.” Sometimes Beau's woman is too much for him, “you look effing gorgeous. Sexy and curvy and da*n it I don’t want to leave the house now.” I liked this book, I fell in love with Beau.
January 14, 2019
DNF at 34%.
Objectively speaking, the writing is great, I like the set of characters, and the chemistry between Beau and Cora is hot, but I'm just not feeling it. The story is character-driven, and at this point I still don't know where it is going. If I were in a better mood, I'd finish it just for the sake of finishing, but today is not that day.
E-ARC is received thanks to the publisher via Netgalley.
Objectively speaking, the writing is great, I like the set of characters, and the chemistry between Beau and Cora is hot, but I'm just not feeling it. The story is character-driven, and at this point I still don't know where it is going. If I were in a better mood, I'd finish it just for the sake of finishing, but today is not that day.
E-ARC is received thanks to the publisher via Netgalley.
June 25, 2018
I finally returned to Whiskey Sharp and the wonderful characters that surround the place. On this visit, Beau and Cora who are two very strong and vibrant characters, renew their acquaintance and find themselves embarking on a delightful romance. The relationship is strong and full of flirty fun, especially since Cora is a feisty woman full of exuberance, and the chemistry and passion between these two are full of electricity and heat. That’s not to say that the relationship is all fun and games because there are past personal issues involving family that really add depth to the story and a more fulfilling perception of these characters and their personalities.
The story is fast paced and cover quite a bit of time so while the relationship starts off quick readers get the full effect of the workings of their relationship and how it progressed to the happily ever after with lots of witty and fun events that really makes the reader feel as if they are there with Beau, Cora and all their friends. There was never a dull or slow moment to be found and readers get enjoy a romance that is heartwarming, fun, sexy and spontaneous.
For me personally, I have to say that Torn is being added to my favorites list, I really enjoyed Cora and Beau’s story as it made me smile a lot throughout the story and I felt as if I really got to know them and what their lives were like, especially the family dynamic that added such ‘drama’ and to the story and in Beau’s case, tugged at the heart. Of course, it is not surprising, that I loved the story as Lauren Dane is the author of this charming series full of character, romance, and friendship that make readers feel good as they read it.
The story is fast paced and cover quite a bit of time so while the relationship starts off quick readers get the full effect of the workings of their relationship and how it progressed to the happily ever after with lots of witty and fun events that really makes the reader feel as if they are there with Beau, Cora and all their friends. There was never a dull or slow moment to be found and readers get enjoy a romance that is heartwarming, fun, sexy and spontaneous.
For me personally, I have to say that Torn is being added to my favorites list, I really enjoyed Cora and Beau’s story as it made me smile a lot throughout the story and I felt as if I really got to know them and what their lives were like, especially the family dynamic that added such ‘drama’ and to the story and in Beau’s case, tugged at the heart. Of course, it is not surprising, that I loved the story as Lauren Dane is the author of this charming series full of character, romance, and friendship that make readers feel good as they read it.
July 15, 2018
I am totally in love with this series! It is based in Seattle which is local to me so picking up a book in this series is similar to slipping on a comfy pair of jeans before heading off to hang out with your best friends. Now Cora hadn't been a character that I was familiar with but I looked forward to getting to know her simply because she was friends with Maybe and the rest of the gang. And getting to know her and Beau was a real pleasure.
Ms. Dane has penned another winner with TORN. Characters that quickly become as old friends, witty dialogue and really hot sex. Beau and Cora seem to be made for each other but they both have enough baggage from their pasts to keep both their lives and the story interesting. I was actually sad when I finished the book and had to tell them goodbye.
I do recommend WHISKEY SHARP TORN to my readers who enjoy a contemporary romance with a lot of heat. There is explicit sex in the story but it follows as part of the plot rather then being the plot. TORN does stand nicely on its own but reading the previous books will enrich the story as you will then have the backstory on a lot of the secondary characters.
WHISKEY SHARP UNRAVELED
WHISKEY SHARP JAGGED
***I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the publisher or author.
Ms. Dane has penned another winner with TORN. Characters that quickly become as old friends, witty dialogue and really hot sex. Beau and Cora seem to be made for each other but they both have enough baggage from their pasts to keep both their lives and the story interesting. I was actually sad when I finished the book and had to tell them goodbye.
I do recommend WHISKEY SHARP TORN to my readers who enjoy a contemporary romance with a lot of heat. There is explicit sex in the story but it follows as part of the plot rather then being the plot. TORN does stand nicely on its own but reading the previous books will enrich the story as you will then have the backstory on a lot of the secondary characters.
WHISKEY SHARP UNRAVELED
WHISKEY SHARP JAGGED
***I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the publisher or author.
July 1, 2018
Whiskey Sharp: Torn
By Lauren Dane
Whiskey Sharp #3
Looking for an easy to read uncomplicated love story? If so, this is a good bet. Beau and Cora lived near one another when she was underage and she had a crush on him but she was definitely not on his radar till she reappeared in his live seventeen years later. And, when she appeared…she was instantly on his radar and her old crush was brought out, dusted off and quickly acted upon. Yes, they were a couple that fell into one another’s arms rapidly – like first date rapidly – and continued that aspect of their relationship throughout the book. Their dates were relatively tame with trips to places easily accessible to most and their encounters with her family much like others. His backstory included a cult, excommunication and family he is trying to locate and her story included a difficult prima donna type personality but all in all their confrontations were minimal and their love story flowed without bumps in the road ending with a HEA though no true closure on their pasts. I suppose many don’t get closure in life so why expect one in a romance? That said, if the author should choose to there is potential for stories in Cora’s family members and the cult that still has some of Beau’s family involved in it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3 Stars
By Lauren Dane
Whiskey Sharp #3
Looking for an easy to read uncomplicated love story? If so, this is a good bet. Beau and Cora lived near one another when she was underage and she had a crush on him but she was definitely not on his radar till she reappeared in his live seventeen years later. And, when she appeared…she was instantly on his radar and her old crush was brought out, dusted off and quickly acted upon. Yes, they were a couple that fell into one another’s arms rapidly – like first date rapidly – and continued that aspect of their relationship throughout the book. Their dates were relatively tame with trips to places easily accessible to most and their encounters with her family much like others. His backstory included a cult, excommunication and family he is trying to locate and her story included a difficult prima donna type personality but all in all their confrontations were minimal and their love story flowed without bumps in the road ending with a HEA though no true closure on their pasts. I suppose many don’t get closure in life so why expect one in a romance? That said, if the author should choose to there is potential for stories in Cora’s family members and the cult that still has some of Beau’s family involved in it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3 Stars
July 25, 2018
Want to know what I love about this book, this series, this author? Her characters are badass and relatable. They are flawed and unique. They tell it like it is and make no excuses. They are grown ass adults that SURPRISE act like grown ass adults. They don't hide crap and get angsty about it-- they let it all out and and deal with what's going on.
June 5, 2018
I was not into this. I can't even really put a finger on why, but nothing in it grabbed me, so I never connected with the story & then I just got bored.
June 24, 2018
3.5 stars
July 5, 2018
Review written: July 6, 2018
Star Rating: ★★★½☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
After the trainwrecks that were Unraveled and Jagged (see my reviews here and here), I wasn't too sure how much I was going to like Torn. But Cora isn't a Dolan and she sure isn't living the Dolan trainwreck life. She's put together and has it going on, at least she is in the first 2 books where she features as Maybe and Rachel's best friend.
And, to Dane's credit, Cora is not in fact living a Dolan life. She's just living a light version of the Dolan life. With a fractured family and a mother who might not rival Daddy Dolan but is horribly manipulative, entitled, and just "ugly" in her mental wearing down of her children, Cora the peacemaker is struggling. She wants to be doing certain things with her life and being her mother's general dogsbody and fetcher and carer is not one of them, especially since her mother is perfectly capable of hiring someone to do these things.
Instead, it's Beau who is living the Dolan life. Having escaped from a religious cult run by his father, he has a good life - a millionaire life. Said cult saw him married and a father as a teen before daring to question his father's sexual abuse of children which almost gets him killed. Now, he gets to lament the fact that he has lost his twin sons (who along with their mother escaped when the FBI moved in) and pay serious money ($50K?! and more) to maybe get information about his family.
Despite all this, Beau is not the broken one here; that's Cora's role. Because, like Lyosha and Vic before him, Beau is perfect: the perfect foil for Cora, perfectly handsome, perfectly wealthy, perfectly able to deal with Cora's mother, perfectly in love with Cora and all he wants to do is lavish his love on her. The fantasy-land start to this series remains strong with this one.
For all that, I liked Torn way more than the first 2 books. Why? Because Dane returned to a tried-and-true theme of her books: Food=Love. We saw this earlier with the oh-so-perfect Orlvos and we see it here with Beau and his chef friends. Whether this series segues into one about Beau's friends or one about Cora's family remains to be seen, but either way would not be bad. As long as we leave this absurd fantasy land of the perfect man to lift up his broken woman, I'll be happy.
This review is ©July 2018 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
Star Rating: ★★★½☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
After the trainwrecks that were Unraveled and Jagged (see my reviews here and here), I wasn't too sure how much I was going to like Torn. But Cora isn't a Dolan and she sure isn't living the Dolan trainwreck life. She's put together and has it going on, at least she is in the first 2 books where she features as Maybe and Rachel's best friend.
And, to Dane's credit, Cora is not in fact living a Dolan life. She's just living a light version of the Dolan life. With a fractured family and a mother who might not rival Daddy Dolan but is horribly manipulative, entitled, and just "ugly" in her mental wearing down of her children, Cora the peacemaker is struggling. She wants to be doing certain things with her life and being her mother's general dogsbody and fetcher and carer is not one of them, especially since her mother is perfectly capable of hiring someone to do these things.
Instead, it's Beau who is living the Dolan life. Having escaped from a religious cult run by his father, he has a good life - a millionaire life. Said cult saw him married and a father as a teen before daring to question his father's sexual abuse of children which almost gets him killed. Now, he gets to lament the fact that he has lost his twin sons (who along with their mother escaped when the FBI moved in) and pay serious money ($50K?! and more) to maybe get information about his family.
Despite all this, Beau is not the broken one here; that's Cora's role. Because, like Lyosha and Vic before him, Beau is perfect: the perfect foil for Cora, perfectly handsome, perfectly wealthy, perfectly able to deal with Cora's mother, perfectly in love with Cora and all he wants to do is lavish his love on her. The fantasy-land start to this series remains strong with this one.
For all that, I liked Torn way more than the first 2 books. Why? Because Dane returned to a tried-and-true theme of her books: Food=Love. We saw this earlier with the oh-so-perfect Orlvos and we see it here with Beau and his chef friends. Whether this series segues into one about Beau's friends or one about Cora's family remains to be seen, but either way would not be bad. As long as we leave this absurd fantasy land of the perfect man to lift up his broken woman, I'll be happy.
This review is ©July 2018 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
October 7, 2018
This book gave me a severe case of "That's it?" Two pretty people meet. They fall in love. They move in together and get a dog. That's basically the plot, such as it is.
Oh, and he was raised in a cult and is trying to re-connect with family members (his mother and his twin adult sons)...and he sort of does and sort of doesn't. She's been the manager and general dogsbody for her diva mom and has quit that job and moved on. Oh, and her mother's AWFUL. There are attempts at humanizing her and making it clear why people like and respect her, but I don't buy it. Everything we see the mother do is manipulative, controlling, selfish, and entitled. And then we're told other (positive) things about her. But this behavior never shows up on the page, so it's hard (or, if you're me, impossible) to believe. (There's lots of telling in this book in general.)
So, in the end, nothing's resolved except the pretty people who fell in love are still in love. I have zero problems with a low-angst book, but it seems like there is so much potential for drama here (cults! controlling diva mother!) that isn't ever realized and the little drama that is there is still hanging open on the last page.
Oh, and he was raised in a cult and is trying to re-connect with family members (his mother and his twin adult sons)...and he sort of does and sort of doesn't. She's been the manager and general dogsbody for her diva mom and has quit that job and moved on. Oh, and her mother's AWFUL. There are attempts at humanizing her and making it clear why people like and respect her, but I don't buy it. Everything we see the mother do is manipulative, controlling, selfish, and entitled. And then we're told other (positive) things about her. But this behavior never shows up on the page, so it's hard (or, if you're me, impossible) to believe. (There's lots of telling in this book in general.)
So, in the end, nothing's resolved except the pretty people who fell in love are still in love. I have zero problems with a low-angst book, but it seems like there is so much potential for drama here (cults! controlling diva mother!) that isn't ever realized and the little drama that is there is still hanging open on the last page.
June 18, 2018
I've been enjoying the world of Whiskey Sharp. They all could be read on their own but the couples are connected. Cora has been someone I have wanted to read more of so yay for her story! She's such a quirky, unique, strong personality so it's surprising to see she's been a pushover when it comes to her mother. And just when she's ready to settle down, she stumbles upon Beau. It's like fate. Beau has a LOT of past history, feels like there could be a whole separate book about it all. I like how he balances Cora.
I'm noticing a theme with these books. The love is smooth coming and all about the journey even after they end up together. Low on angst and a bit more action near the end but overall just easy, enjoyable love stories. Yes they do have their ups and downs, but it all works out and there is a real sense of community and connection among friends. I hope there will be more in the series, as I'm digging them!
I'm noticing a theme with these books. The love is smooth coming and all about the journey even after they end up together. Low on angst and a bit more action near the end but overall just easy, enjoyable love stories. Yes they do have their ups and downs, but it all works out and there is a real sense of community and connection among friends. I hope there will be more in the series, as I'm digging them!
September 13, 2023
I enjoyed the relationship buildup, and that both main characters were confident and competent in the life paths they were on, and that they were emotionally adults, but. But. I'm not sure I saw enough toll taken by the issues they had. Then again, I'm not sure I wanted them facing those issues too realistically? I wanted something more, something je ne sais quoi that would engage my emotions. It might be my Hollywood brainwashing that demands this…? Dunno. Must reread.
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